Composition/Theory

Level I: Sight singing and conducting using diatonic melodies in simple and compound time. Students study all major and minor keys, the intervals in those keys, chord progressions, rhythmic design and phrasing. Level II: Sight singing using skips in all diatonic triads, syncopation, harmonic cycles of thirds and fifths, dominant 7th and V7 chords, non-tonal use of seconds, fourths and fifths; binary and ternary form.

This class is designed for students who want to enhance their current musical literacy. Coursework will focus on developing aural perception and understanding musical materials- rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic- in both tonal and modal contexts. The class covers the following musical elements:Chromatic intervals, Common chord progressions and cadences, Basic keyboard harmony, Introduction to harmonic analysis and musical form.

Our outstanding private lesson faculty provides intense and personalized instruction on most Western instruments. While taking private lessons at the Conservatory you will have the opportunity to perform in the Sol H. Joseph Recital Hall and the larger, 450-seat Concert Hall.

Instrumental experience and ability to read music required. No previous music theory or ear-training experience required. Also appropriate for current Preparatory Division musicianship students.
Interview May be Required
Students will improve their general musicianship skills and lay solid groundwork for exploring music in other programs. Three class levels are offered, grouped by age and experience.

Interview Required
with submission of one previously composed work

Students explore chamber music composition, from conceiving an idea to sketching, workshopping and completing a final score. Chamber music students and guest artists perform composition students’ work in a culminating concert.

The John Adams Young Composers Program was founded in 2007 to honor Pulitzer prize-winning composer John Adams, who has a long association with the Crowden Music Center. The program offers an opportunity for young composers to learn from each other in a community, and to have their works performed by professional musicians.

In this class, students listen to and analyze a great variety of music- contemporary works as well as masterpieces of established music literature. In addition to this guided listening, students engage in sight singing, ear training, and written exercises, building the fluency that is required of a proficient musician.