Studies in music focus on piano or strings, voice, and music theory and history. theoretical and instrumental studies focus on preparation for recitals, concerts and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London.
Students choose between the piano program and a strings program beginning in sixth grade. Vocal music is included for all students. The school puts on two major productions per year, with piano recitals scheduled each trimester.
Program Goals- To promote musical awareness, understanding, and mastery through listening, playing, research, and discussion
- To teach basic piano keyboard skills for future development of technique and artistry
- To encourage musical expression through movement, song, and improvisation
- To facilitate a broad musical education through knowledge of music theory and history
- To promote enjoyment of music through sharing of individual and group performance
Program Curriculum
The Music Program is aimed at developing the artist in every student: acoustically, physically, mentally, visually, and verbally. Through focus on the keyboard, on singing, and on broad notions of music theory and history, the program provides each child with a fundamental grounding in the practice, performance, and appreciation of music. The curriculum teaches the skills necessary for playing, singing, and enjoying music throughout the student's entire life, as an eventual "professional" or, more likely, an appreciative amateur.
Program Organization
Percussion / Keyboard/ Strings/ Vocals all incorporate:
- Music and rhythmic expression
- Knowledge of names of instruments, methods of playing, cultural applications
- Basic familiarity with technique
- Knowledge of reading music and playing simple songs
- Field trips and guest performers
- Concerts and recitals
- Group class activities involving song, movement, acting, and playing of instruments
- Twice-a-year all-school concerts presenting both solo and ensemble work
Homework in music class consists of keyboard/strings practice, assigned work in music theory, occasional written assignments, and ongoing research on larger "trimester" projects.
Grades 5 through 7
Students can opt to receive weekly piano, violin or viola lessons in small groups and study formal music theory. The students continue to analyze more complex musical excerpts and practice aural and rhythmic exercises. Students attend the annual Madison Symphony Orchestra Fall Youth Concert. Theory and piano studies and master classes prepare students for regular recitals, school concerts and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Students also participate in the Middle School choir, learning sight singing, proper singing technique, blending with other voices, and part singing. Students give a winter and spring concert. They also work on improving their ear training and vocal skills. Students also participate in a spring musical.
Grade 8
All students receive weekly group lessons in piano or a string instrument and participate in small instrumental and vocal ensembles and in Middle School choir. The weekly music classes complete the basic music vocabulary introduced in previous grades enabling each student to be adequately prepared for the Advanced Placement Music Theory course that all students begin in ninth grade. Classes also incorporate ear training and the study and analysis of set works selected from the classical repertoire. Music composition is introduced, and students are expected to perform their work. Students participate in Middle School Choir, master classes, concerts, and other school productions. Their progress is evaluated through regular testing within the school and through mandatory graded practical and written examinations administered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Students attend the annual Madison Symphony Orchestra Fall Young People's Concert and are expected to attend other cultural activities.