Music Course Descriptions
Acceptance into each course is contingent on demonstrated performance level either by the audition recording or on submitted compositions.
Major Studios
Instrumental Performance
Students majoring in a particular instrument participate in classes and music experiences designed to develop them into well-rounded musicians. Instrumental majors receive a private studio lesson each week, participate in the summer orchestra, wind ensemble and chamber music ensembles, and have multiple opportunities to attend master classes through the summer.
Vocal Performance
The vocal performance major has a rich curriculum of performance and music support opportunities. Voice majors receive a one-hour private studio lesson (with professional accompanist) and an additional half-hour private vocal coaching session each week through the summer where they work on technique and the preparation and presentation of classical repertoire. Voice majors also take dance, acting and vocal performance classes and perform with the summer Concert Choir and the Summer Opera Workshop.
Composition
Composition majors receive a private studio lesson each week and explore several areas of music composition including theory, orchestration and electronic music, both in classes and in individual instruction. Students are encouraged to create music for performance at one of the Pre-College concerts. All summer compositions majors will submit original works at the end of the summer to be read and recorded by a professional chamber ensemble.
Applicants may major in:
- Bagpipe
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Composition
- Double Bass
- Euphonium
- Flute
- Guitar
- Harp
- Horn
- Jazz Piano
- Music Technology
- Oboe
- Percussion
- Piano
- Organ
- Saxophone
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice
Program Requirements of All Students
- Private Studio
- Music Theory
- Solfège (Sight-Singing)
- Eurhythmics
- Intro to Improvisation
- Concert Choir
- Attendance at weekly performances by professional musicians
Minor Studios
Through the Minor Studio Option, students may take introductory or advanced lessons on any of the instruments listed above. Additionally, minor studios are offered in Songwriting, Conducting, Jazz Voice and Improvisation.
Music Technology Program
- Advanced Music Technology
- Intro to Music Technology
- Recording Techniques
Jazz Studies
- Jazz Ensemble
- Jazz Improvisation
- Jazz Choir
- Jazz Chamber Music
Additional Requirements for Voice Majors
- Acting
- Dance
- Opera Workshop
- Vocal Performance Class
Additional Requirements for Instrumental Performance Majors
- Summer Orchestra
- Summer Wind Ensemble
- Chamber Music
Instrument Specific Courses
- Brass Ensemble
- Composers Forum
- Guitar Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Piano Performance Class
- String Ensemble
- Woodwind Ensemble
Music Elective Courses
Available to all students
- Music Technology Lab
- Improvisation Ensemble
- Jazz Choir
- Jazz Improvisation
- Recording Techniques
