Students enrolled in private lessons have the opportunity to perform in regularly scheduled recitals held in the Recital and Concert Halls. Preparatory Division students participate in master classes with distinguished visiting artists and with the Conservatory's Collegiate Division faculty. Off-campus and showcase performances are also arranged for students throughout the year. Certificate programs available.
First Steps at the Keyboard is a two-year course for the young pianist ages five through eight. Using the Peery Habits Piano Curriculum, each group class contains assignments in three categories:Muscular, Practical and Musical. Events include student recital and private evaluations.
These classes approach playing the piano through understanding music theory with emphasis on sight-reading, transposition, and rhythm. Piano I begins with music notation (rhythm and intervals). In conjunction with playing simple classical pieces, students learn major scales, relative and parallel minor scales, and chords (tonic, dominant, and sub-dominant). Piano II explores these same subjects in greater depth, while adding seventh chords, practice techniques, ensemble, and analysis of students’ repertoire.
Jazz piano is designed for those students who love jazz, already play the piano, read music, have some experience with music theory, and are interested in learning how to improvise. Students learn about chord symbols, voicings, common jazz chord progressions, scales and modes, as well as other tools that allow them to begin the rewarding journey into jazz improvisation. A play-a-long CD is provided to give students the opportunity to learn tunes at home while playing with a drummer and bass player anytime! Lessons are shaped to match each student’s interest and level of ability.
Experienced musicians (violin, viola, cello, piano, woodwinds or horn) receive intensive daily coaching in wide-ranging repertoire. Most pianists are assigned to a piano duo, but those with especially strong skills may play in a mixed ensemble. All students perform in two culminating concerts.
At least three years private instruction recommended. No previous ensemble experience required.
Audition Required
Young string players and pianists grow immensely in this course, which features intensive chamber ensemble instruction and a final concert including all students. Ensembles vary according to instrumentation and ability, though most pianists are assigned to a piano duo. Piano enrollment is limited to 12 students.
Mary Jean Kelsey’s Group Piano has been a popular offering of our music school for a number of years. While stressing the proper approach to note reading and pianistic technique, lessons are infused with humor and a sense of fun. The joy of sharing music in an ensemble setting is the ultimate goal of this level. Seriousness of purpose and concentrated focus are stressed for the child's musical development in these classes. Mary Jean also believes that infusing the lessons with humor and a sense of fun are equally important for children's success at this age.
It’s never too late to learn how to play the piano! This class welcomes the complete beginner (or folks who are a bit rusty on the keys) to cover basic piano skills through theory, rhythm, ear training and improvisation. The material will be adapted to the students’ musical tastes and interests. Come join to deepen your enjoyment of music! Classical training and the emphasis on "correct" body alignment to prevent injury are stressed from the beginning any of Mary Jean's training. Ultimately, the joy, love and appreciation of a wonderful art form are the ultimate goals.