First Steps at the Keyboard is a two-year course for the young pianist ages five through eight. Using the Peery Habits Piano Curriculum, each group class contains assignments in three categories:Muscular, Practical and Musical. Events include student recital and private evaluations.
The Prep Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, strings-only ensemble open to experienced players. The Prep Chamber Orchestra explores the wonderful string orchestra repertoire from Albinoni to Zorn, with some Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartók thrown in for good measure. Larger than a string quartet, smaller than a symphony orchestra, the Prep Chamber Orchestra provides the ideal setting for honing ensemble skills, exploring great compositions and making music with friends and colleagues.
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.
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.
Music appreciation classes vary per semester. Popular offerings have included; Music Appreciation: An Overview of Western Music History, and Who's Afraid of Opera.
Voice classes vary per semester. Popular offerings have included: Singing in German, Performance Workshops, Recreational Singing, Musical Theater Workshop.
Our outstanding private lesson faculty provides intense and personalized instruction on most Western instruments. While taking private lessons at the Conservatory you will have the opportunity to perform in the Sol H. Joseph Recital Hall and the larger, 450-seat Concert Hall.
Interview Required
with submission of one previously composed work
Students explore chamber music composition, from conceiving an idea to sketching, workshopping and completing a final score. Chamber music students and guest artists perform composition students’ work in a culminating concert.
Experienced musicians (violin, viola, cello, piano, woodwinds or horn) receive intensive daily coaching in wide-ranging repertoire. Most pianists are assigned to a piano duo, but those with especially strong skills may play in a mixed ensemble. All students perform in two culminating concerts.