course descriptions
Masterclass
Every student will receive a daily 15-minute lesson - individual, one-on-one instruction with one of our excellent faculty in the presence of two-three other students who are studying at similar levels. Families should plan to observe for the entire class period. Suzuki teacher trainees observe these classes as part of their training requirements. Suzuki Group/Repertoire Classes
Students will be placed in levels according to book/ability to perform, practice, and study pieces from the Suzuki repertoire. The full repertoire list will be distributed to students by July 1. Piano Duet Class - Open to all piano students who have completed Cuckoo or above
Piano - it's not just a solo instrument! Playing duets helps students to develop more accurate rhythm, improved reading abilities, ensemble skills, and overall musicianship. Unlike other musicians, pianists rarely play with others, especially during early study. Duet class is open to all piano students who have progressed beyond Cuckoo (Suzuki) or equivalent non-Suzuki repertoire. All students must be able to play “hands together,” with each hand playing an independent part. Please contact us if you need help determining your student’s ability to succeed in this class. Piano Ensemble Class - Student Favorite!
This class will give Suzuki pianists in book 2 and above a chance to use their review repertoire in a fun and unique way. The students will use familiar pieces to study elements of theory, structure, form and style while including as many students as possible in the performances of each piece. Activities will include playing in unison on up to three pianos, repertoire games, and creating complementary parts on other instruments. Each student should have at least three fluent, memorized review pieces from Suzuki piano book 2 or above. Music Theory
Emphasis on teaching the whole child is the basis for the methods used in the Music Theory Classes. Students will use all spatial areas and senses as well as a wide variety of media to learn skills. Students will be involved in singing, playing instruments, moving, listening, writing, reading and creating. They will be learning in areas of notation, performance, rhythm, aesthetics, analysis, and composition. Each level will be working on skills appropriate to their ability in each area. Beginning Level: Little or no theory experience. Approximate age 3-5. Intermediate Level: Some theory background. Students should be familiar with letter names, clef signs, meter signatures, simple rhythm reading, some key signatures, and general music terminology. Approximate age 6 – 10. Advanced Level: Extensive theory background. Students should be familiar with major and minor key signatures, major and minor scale and chord structure, all meters, complex rhythms, and many musical terms. Approximate age 11 and up. Private lessons in Music Theory can be scheduled for students working at higher levels by taking a placement test. Music & Movement
When traveling, IAM Faculty member Wayne Krigger observed that many children did not seem to be connected in mind, body, and spirit with their music so he developed a creative movement program. This class engages the body’s large muscle groups and voice while still maintaining the student’s individuality by using music from the early Suzuki repertoire and supplementing with music from other venues and cultures. Two levels available. Students ages 3-7 and 8-up. Orchestra
Two levels of Orchestra are offered - one for early reading students, and one for advanced students. Orchestras are open to all strings students. Orchestras perform as part of the final festival concert on Friday evening. Music Composition
This course will explore the creative world of music composition. Students taking this course should be familiar with major and minor key signatures, major and minor scale and chord structure, all meters, complex rhythms, and many musical terms. Students will be composing for solo instruments as well as small chamber groups. This introductory course will explore simple forms and styles to give the student a basic understanding of the composition process. If a student has music they have been working on they are encouraged to bring those works but it is not a requirement. |
Family Chorus
Family Chorus is one of our favorite offerings at the IAM Festival! Parents, students, and family members of all ages are invited to participate! The Family Chorus will perform fun, energetic choral selections with an emphasis on entertainment and participation. Parents of registered students participate for FREE! Other family members of registered students may register for family chorus separately for a $15 additional fee. Fiddling
Beginning students will learn basic melodies for fiddling, as well as an introduction to common techniques and themes. More advanced students may be introduced to double stops, alternate bowing styles and incorporating single/double-line melody song structures in order to build foundational performances suited for acoustic fiddle. Suzuki students must have completed Minuet 3 to enroll. Handbells
Playing handbells is a unique experience in music making. Only through the handbell medium are musicians responsible for just a few notes in a piece. Performing on handbells helps develop note reading and rhythmic accuracy as well as attention span, concentration, and focus. (Ages 9 and up.) Jazz
Students of all instruments are invited to participate in our jazz classes, where they will learn the basics of improvisation and performance. All groups will perform on our Friday final concert. Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art consisting of hand strikes, kicks and blocks. It is a safe and fun way to learn self-defense, increase self-control and gain self-esteem. Increase physical fitness, balance and flexibility at any age or fitness level. Visual Arts
Art classes are an introduction to art and artistic mediums. Each art experience does not necessarily result in a masterpiece. Creativity and talent are developed through exercises designed to stimulate your child's mind and promote problem solving. Classes, regardless of age level, will do daily activities that culminate in one fully integrated project. Whenever possible, the Multiple Intelligences will be utilized. Materials Fee - $10.00 Beginning Level: age 3-5 Intermediate Level: age 6-10 Advanced Level: age 11 and up Flexibility among levels will be possible to accommodate ability. |