Overview

OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, November 19th!
9am-3pm

Milton and Sally Avery Arts Center
Bard College

All interested parents and students are welcome!

The Open House is your chance to learn all about our program and the courses of study available.  There will be a trial class in Music & Movement.

*Email Sohashi@bard.edu to make an appointment to observe classes or lessons, or to reserve a spot in the Music & Movement class/

For more information email sohashi@bard.edu or call 605-595-5366



   
The mission of the Preparatory Division of The Bard College Conservatory of Music is to offer young people between the ages of 1 and 18 the joy of studying music in the context of a first-class conservatory.

The early study of music brings important benefits to young people, touching many areas of their lives: language, motor and social skills, and an appreciation for the value of diligent effort. Most important, music enriches the young person's life and provides a lifetime of enjoyment.

The Preparatory Division provides its students with many advantages, including an expert and nurturing faculty, access to concerts and master classes presented by the Conservatory free of charge.  In certain cases, advanced senior students may have the opportunity to receive lessons from regular Conservatory faculty, who are among the most distinguished musicians of our time.
   
Students in the Preparatory Division participate in a well-rounded program of music study that includes Private Lessons of age-appropriate length in piano, violin, cello, double bass, flute, and voice; matched with Musicianship Class, in which elements of music theory and ear-training are offered. Students also have recital opportunities, in which they are given the chance to perform for their parents and friends. Optional to add is Performance Class, in which students play for each other in a relaxed and supportive environment.

New this year!  Music and Movement Class
Students (ages 1-8) learn elements of music through games, movement, listening, and singing; Chorus for ages 6 and up; Beginner Group Lessons in cello and violin (ages 5-8); and Chamber Music.

All classes (except for the recitals) will be held at the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Center (Edith C. Blum building) on the Bard College campus, home of The Bard College Conservatory of Music. The building opens at 7AM on Saturdays. Practice rooms are available throughout the morning on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the academic year 2011-2012, The Bard College Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division will offer instruction in:

•    Piano
•    Violin
•    Cello
•    Double Bass
•    Flute
•    Voice

Additional instruments will be added on the basis of demand.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Music and Movement Class
This class is based on the music pedagogies of Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze, all of which emphasize learning music through traditional folk songs and games.  Students explore the musical elements firsthand through various activities—and subsequently learning each elements name—a musical context is created that is both memorable and fun!

Some of the skills explored in Music and Movement include ability to:

•    Match pitch with their singing voice
•    Keep a steady beat
•    Read and play rhythmic notation
•    Sight-sing, from the staff
•    Improvise
•    Compose

This class is recommended for beginners and young children 1-8.  We encourage students to take this class before going onto the Musicianship Class.

Musicianship Class
In this class, students study an integrated curriculum that includes the fundamentals of music theory (clefs, intervals, scales, chords) and music history while developing aural skills through solfege (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti) and ear training exercises.
This class is offered in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.  Students who have completed these classes may qualify for further study in advanced concepts such as musical analysis, composition, and score reading.
We also offer a 45-minute introductory course for teens (14-18) with no prior experience in theory and ear training.

Performance Class
In a relaxed, supportive setting, students perform for their peers their current repertory weekly, designed to build the confidence necessary for performing in front of a live audience.

Chamber Music Class
Students are grouped according to age and level and are coached by the faculty. Students learn the skills of ensemble performance and explore the roles of other instruments. This class is for intermediate to advanced students.  Students must receive permission from the faculty in order to enroll.


Private Lessons
We offer private lessons to students of all levels and ages. The one-to-one instruction by our expert faculty is one of the most important components of our program. Private lessons are matched with musicianship class, and must be taken together.

Group Lessons in Violin and Cello
Ideal for beginner students ages 4-8, this class offers introduction to violin and cello. Students work in a supportive, nurturing environment with our expert faculty and explore the basics of their instruments. This class is recommended to take as a companion class to the private lessons. However, you must be enrolled in musicianship or music and movement classes to take this class.

Chorus
Students are divided into 2 groups, ages 6-11 and 12-18. Children will have a chance to sing together, in different voices and in harmony. Music will be chosen appropriately from the great choral repertoire, including classical, renaissance and spiritual.

Recital Opportunities
Students have 2 recital opportunities per semester at the Olin Hall. November 5 and December 17 in the fall semester, and March 24 and May 19 in the spring semester. Family members and friends are welcome.