Intermediate

We believe that when music is fun, presented in a supportive environment, using materials that inspire practice and commitment, students develop a love and understanding for music that will last a lifetime. With twenty-five professional music instructors currently on staff we can accommodate all levels and styles of music and music students. From Pop, Rock, Classical, Jazz, Folk, Songwriting, Improvisation, Campfire, Theory, Site-Reading, Introductory thru Advanced Group Classes our teachers provide students with a sound musical education.

Students enrolled in private lessons have the opportunity to perform in regularly scheduled recitals held in the Recital and Concert Halls. Preparatory Division students participate in master classes with distinguished visiting artists and with the Conservatory's Collegiate Division faculty. Off-campus and showcase performances are also arranged for students throughout the year. Certificate programs available.

Intermediate & Advanced Chamber Music ensembles emphasize quartet and trio repertoire, string and wind trios through sextets, two-piano literature, and guitar and harp ensembles. Priority is given to students enrolled for private lessons at the Preparatory Division; pre-formed groups are welcome.

Open to all students enrolled in the musicianship curriculum with permission of the department chair. Composition assignments are performed and discussed in class. Formal performances are presented in recital.

Level III: Sight singing material to include seventh chords, rhythmic patterns of two against three, inversions of triads and dominant seventh chords, non-tonal use of thirds, theme & variations and rondo form. Level IV: Sight singing with secondary dominants and chromatic non-harmonic tones, small subdivisions of the beat, changing meters, inversions of dominant 7th chords, secondary dominants, modulation, non-tonal use of sixths, sonata and concerto form.

Classes offered on two levels, intermediate and advanced. Student ensembles will perform works recorded by notable groups including the Berlin Philharmonic Cellos, the Yale Cellos, and the London Cello Sound. Students should have good intonation and rhythm and be comfortable with thumb position as well as bass, tenor, and treble clefs.

These classes approach playing the piano through understanding music theory with emphasis on sight-reading, transposition, and rhythm. Piano I begins with music notation (rhythm and intervals). In conjunction with playing simple classical pieces, students learn major scales, relative and parallel minor scales, and chords (tonic, dominant, and sub-dominant). Piano II explores these same subjects in greater depth, while adding seventh chords, practice techniques, ensemble, and analysis of students’ repertoire.