As a complement to private lessons, the Musicianship and Theory Classes encourage individual and group participation while engaging the student in a varied, yet structured, musical experience. Activities include listening to music, playing on the keyboards, musical drills on the blackboard, singing and movement, and are supplemented with studies in a classroom workbook. Initial emphasis for younger students is on the fundamentals of notation and establishing aural and rhythmic skills. The later class continues to develop these skills, while actively exploring concepts of musical analysis.

Music Appreciation
(Older teen through adult)
Mark Maynor, instructor

Fall term: Music and Society in the 19th and 20th Centuries

This class will explore how music reflects the society in which it is created. It will focus upon those composers of the last two centuries who most significantly embody historical moments identified as certain "isms", such as romanticism, impressionism, classicism, primitivism and minimalism. Their artworks will be viewed as responses to the continually evolving social fabric of political, cultural, literary, religious and philosophical currents. Establishing a definition of what actually constitutes a "masterpiece", by means of aesthetic and readily accessible technical considerations, will be another goal of the class. Lectures, readings and listening will encourage interactive class discussions.

Spring term: Understanding Jazz

Exploring its cultural and musical roots creates the foundation from which to observe the evolution of jazz through its various manifestations, from the conventional to the experimental. The story of jazz is the story of legendary individuals, the contributions of whom provide the central focus for this class. Examining the forms and structures of jazz will be coupled with establishing a basic understanding of improvisation. Previous technical background or experience in jazz performance is not a necessary pre-requisite for the student to gain insights into this uniquely American phenomenon. Historically significant audio and video recordings will augment class lectures and discussions.