Beginning

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.

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.

The Alexander Technique is helpful for musicians who wish to play with more coordination and freedom. Understanding the subtleties of how the head, torso, breath, and limbs relate to each other enables us to make music at our full potential of power and expression. Unconscious habits of movement can lead to excess muscle tensions, which can lead to pain and injury as well as dampening the free flow of communication with the audience.

Music appreciation classes vary per semester. Popular offerings have included; Music Appreciation: An Overview of Western Music History, and Who's Afraid of Opera.

Voice classes vary per semester. Popular offerings have included: Singing in German, Performance Workshops, Recreational Singing, Musical Theater Workshop.

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.

Group guitar classes for adults and teens include such offerings as Bluegrass class, Rock Band Workshop, The Blues, and Ukulele class. Visit the website for specific class offerings.

Group guitar classes for adults and teens include such offerings as Bluegrass class, Rock Band Workshop, The Blues, and Ukulele class. Visit the website for specific class offerings.

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.