These courses provide individual guidance in developing performance
technique, learning repertoire, ear training and transcription, and
strengthening a sense of musical direction in preparing for performance
of music.
Each student will be assessed the first lesson for current
knowledge and skill and the approach for each student will be
individualized based on level of skill and desired goals.
Piano
Lessons
will center around playing technique, theory and ear training. Specific
method books will be determined after the first lesson and will be
based on the students current level of playing and knowledge. Most
students can expect to have four books: Technique (warm up) Book, Piano
Book, Theory Book and Ear Training Book. As students progress they will
need other books as they are exposed to different genres of music and
play music of their choosing. The teaching style is designed to teach
students how to play the piano but learn musical knowledge that can be
transferred to other instruments and musical desires. Each student will
be expected to perform in a recital. Other performance opportunities
may be available depending on the students' level of skill.
Voice
Lessons
will center around fundamentals of singing (anatomy of the instrument,
breathing, tone production, diction), theory and ear training.
Materials needed will depend on each students level of skill and
desired goals. All students will be expected to have Alfred's
Essentials of Music Theory: Lessons, Ear Training, Workbook. As
Students progress they will need other materials as they are exposed to
different genres of music and are allowed to choose music of their
choice. Each student will be expected to perform in a recital. Other
performance opportunities may be available depending of the students'
level of skill.
Guitar
We provide individualized instruction in both electric and acoustic guitar, allowing you to select either of these as your principal instrument. We offer a professional faculty who are specialists in each discipline, and a study program specifically designed to enhance your talents and abilities. Emphasis is placed on achieving a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of student and professional performance, including scales, chords, reading, improvisation, interpretation, and standard repertoire. Also included is intensive training in sight-reading and in the understanding of chord voicing.
Bass Guitar
The focus of our bass guitar lessons will be the building of a solid foundation in technique on both electric and acoustic bass. Our instructors will emphasis the physical approach (including hand, finger, bowing, and holding positions), as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and prepared repertoire. We also provide training in sight-reading, idiomatic bass lines, and many advanced playing styles.
Drum Set
Drum instruction will include snare drum reading to develop hand to eye coordination, hand and feet technique, chart/lead sheet reading, style interpretation, improvisation, brush technique, and creative soloing. Other topics will include drum tuning and on-stage performance skills you would find playing in a contemporary worship band or any other venue from the stage to the studio. Students will utilize tools of technology in performance such as the metronome, drum machines, samplers, electronic percussion and loop accompaniment.
Total Percussion
Total percussion studies including snare drum, mallet percussion, timpani, Latin and ethnic hand percussion, multiple percussion set ups, and some drum set technique. The total percussion can also include an emphasis on marimba, with additional studies on other mallet percussion and concert percussion instruments. Theory and Improvisation will also be included in the curriculum for mallet studies.
Brass Instruments
We provide individualized instruction in
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- F Horn
- Tuba
- Euphonium
….allowing you to choose any of these as your principal instrument. We offer you professional teachers who specialize in each of these instruments and a course study specifically designed to enhance your abilities. Our brass lessons will prepare you for today's music by building on traditional aspects of learning. Instruction emphasizes a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of educational and professional performance. This includes the basics—breathing, embouchure, articulation, valve or slide technique—as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and repertoire.
Harmonica
We are honored to have one of the finest Harmonica players in the country on our staff. Gary Weldon is renowned in the music industry as an excellent musician, educator, and recording artist. (See his bio page).
Course study on the Harmonica will include the traditional aspects of technique such as breathing, embouchure, and articulation, and the various styles associated with Harmonica, ie; blues, country, jazz, and rock.
Woodwind Instruments
We provide individualized instruction in:
- Clarinet
- Flute
- All Saxophones
Woodwind instruction emphasizes a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of professional performance. This includes the basics—breathing, embouchure, articulation—as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and repertoire. In addition, advanced styles, improvisation, and interpretation are studied.