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Wilmington Branch Classes for Youth & Adults 2011-2012

COMPOSITION


INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE MUSIC, IMPROVISATION & COMPOSITION
9 to 12 years (Chuck Holdeman)
Tuesdays, 5:45-6:30 p.m.
4 weeks: September 27 - October 18, 2011
Students will participate in improvisation and take first steps in composing, both in a group setting and individually, guided by an experienced composer. Music-reading ability and experience as an instrumentalist or singer are useful but not required. No previous composition experience is necessary. Compositions will be notated on paper.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor
ENROLLMENT: 4 weeks
TUITION: $50 per 4-week session

YOUNG COMPOSERS WORKSHOP
13 to 18 years (Chuck Holdeman)
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
4 weeks: September 27 - October 18, 2011
An experienced composer will guide students through the compositional process as they compose short pieces for each other to play. Compositions may be notated on paper or using music software. Improvisation exercises will help to stimulate musical discovery. This short, introductory class is open to students with any level of composition experience, including beginners; some competence in music-reading and playing an instrument or singing is required.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor
ENROLLMENT: 4 weeks
TUITION: $65 per 4-week session

NEW! ▶ COMPOSITION LESSONS
All ages (Music School faculty)
Follows private lesson calendar
Students of all ages and levels may pursue composition studies in a private study setting.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: At private study rates


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MUSIC HISTORY


EXPLORING MUSICAL STYLE—A HISTORY OF WESTERN MUSIC, PARTS I AND II
High school students & adults (Dr. Oleg Maslov)
Part I: Renaissance to Mozart
Part II: Mozart to Present 
Mondays, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
OR Thursdays 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Starting September 19 or 22
Learn to differentiate Bach from Beethoven! With the idea that music is a unique, highly developed language, this general survey of Western musical art helps students better understand music’s evolution through the lives of the most distinguished Western composers. In addition, classes emphasize the development of musical structures (such as polyphonic forms, fugue, sonata form, concerto and character pieces, etc.) and combine lecture and discussion with focused listening activities. Part I starts with the Renaissance and continues through Mozart; Part II begins with Mozart and concludes with the music of present day.
ENROLLMENT: One or both semesters (non-sequential)
TUITION: $259 per 15-week semester
MATERIALS: Swafford’s “Vintage Guide to Classical Music”


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MUSIC THEORY

Theory placement exams are mandatory for all new theory students and will be administered by appointment; call the front desk to register. Knowledge of subject matter (not simply age or length of private study) determines class assignment. Specialized theory or composition classes for advanced students may be available by request.


THEORY ESSENTIALS (Beginner)
(Susan Nowaczyk Ritter)
Wednesdays, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Starting October 5
A hands-on, activity-based introduction to music theory and notation for students who are beginning private lessons or for students ages 7 to 9 who desire a general music class. Students will learn the fundamentals of written music and its symbols—as well as basic scale patterns, rhythm and ear-training—freeing up precious time in their private instrumental lessons. Each student will receive Theory Time® worksheets to complement Music Mind Games group activities.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester

THEORY DISCOVERIES (Elementary)
(Susan Nowaczyk Ritter)
Wednesdays, 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Starting October 5
Excellent for the student who has studied for one to three years with no theory instruction or for students who have completed Theory Essentials. Includes Theory Time® worksheets and introduces intervals, major scales, key signatures, triads, circle of fifths, rhythm, aural skills and more. The class combines individually paced learning with hands-on, group activities (Music Mind Games) to support musical growth in a fun setting.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester

THEORY EXPLORATIONS I (Early Intermediate: DSMTA Level 4)
(Elayne Soltz Penn)
Mondays, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
OR Tuesdays, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Starting October 3
For students with previous theory experience. Students learn notation, key signatures, sharp major scales, intervals in relation to major keys, construction of major and minor triads in nine keys, beginning use of Roman numerals and rhythms in simple meter, and are introduced to basic musical form and style periods. Aural skills include identification of simple harmonic patterns, rhythms, intervals and triads. Correlates to DSMTA Theory Level 4.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester

THEORY EXPLORATIONS II (Early Intermediate: DSMTA Level 5)
(Elayne Soltz Penn)
Mondays, 6:45-7:30 p.m. OR Tuesdays, 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Starting October 3 or 4
A continuation of Theory Explorations I for students with previous theory experience. Students continue learning notation, all major key signatures and scales along with related intervals, modes, major and minor triads, Roman numerals, rhythm in simple and compound meter, basic musical form and historical style periods and composers. Melodic dictation is added to previous aural skills. Correlates to DSMTA Theory Level 5.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester

INTERMEDIATE THEORY I & II (Intermediate: DSMTA Levels 6, 7)
(Elayne Soltz Penn)
Mondays, 4:15-5:00 p.m.
Starting October 3
For students with previous theory experience. Students learn minor scales and key signatures, modes, the circle of fifths, all intervals within an octave, and augmented and diminished triads; continue working with Roman numerals, inversions, asymmetric meters and form and style periods; and develop their aural skills, including identification of triads and melodic dictation. Correlates to DSMTA Theory Levels 6 & 7.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester

ADVANCED THEORY I (Advanced: DSMTA Level 8)
(Elayne Soltz Penn)
Mondays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Starting October 3
For students with significant theory experience. Class includes review of all major and minor key signatures and scale forms, whole tone and pentatonic scales, seventh chords in root position and inversions, discussion of Baroque and Impressionistic devices and continued aural training, including identification of style. Correlates to DSMTA Theory Level 8.
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $165 per 15-week semester

BASIC MUSIC THEORY FOR ADULTS
Adults 18 years and up (Dr. Paula Nelson)
Wednesdays, 7:15-8:00 p.m.
Starting September 21
Ideal for the adult student with little or no musical experience, this class covers fundamentals of notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm, time signatures, major and minor scales, key signatures, modes, intervals and chords, as well as beginning aural skills.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 15-week semester
MATERIALS: Surmani and Manus’ “Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory” (purchased in class)


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OTHER CLASSES


NEW! ▶ INTRO TO FIDDLING
6 years and up (Shelley Beard Schleigh)
Saturdays, 3:15-4:00 p.m.
12 classes: schedule TBA
Starting September 10
Traditional or Suzuki violin students can explore the fiddling techniques and repertoire of Irish, Scottish, old-time and bluegrass music. The class will be taught primarily by ear, with sheet music available as needed. An excellent preparation for the Brandywine Fiddlers.
PREREQUISITE: Suzuki Book 2 or equivalent
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $100 per 6-class semester

CLASS PIANO FOR ADULTS
Adults 18 years and up (Joan Fasullo)
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Starting September 21
Perfect for the adult who has always longed to play the piano but has little or no musical experience. Students learn to read music and play from the very first class. Lessons include theory, rhythm, technique, sight-reading, harmonization, ensemble playing and expressive performance. Emphasis is placed on efficient practice skills for the busy adult.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor; daily access to a piano and time for regular practice required
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $301 per 15-week semester
MATERIALS: To be purchased by student

NEW! ▶ PIANO ENSEMBLE CLASS
Adults 18 years and up (Joan Fasullo)
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Biweekly, starting September 20 or 27
Why should band and orchestra students have all the fun? Adult piano students can also make a BIG sound with other adults as we explore the growing literature of keyboard ensemble music and orchestral adaptations. Using the digital piano lab, each student will play his/her individual part on one of eight pianos, improving important sight-reading and listening skills. Two sections available.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor; enrollment in private piano lessons at the school
ENROLLMENT: Entire academic year
TUITION: $150 per 8-class semester (biweekly)
MATERIALS: To be purchased by student

CLASS VOICE FOR BEGINNING ADULTS
Adults 18 years and up (Joanne Ward)
Mondays, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Starting September 19
Ideal for adults who have little or no previous vocal instruction and wish to begin a more formal exploration of the art and science of singing. Students will participate in solo and ensemble singing using a variety of music styles.
PREREQUISITE: Telephone interview with instructor
ENROLLMENT: Fall semester only
TUITION: $254 per 15-week semester

CLASS VOICE FOR CHURCH MUSICIANS
Adults 18 years and up (Dr. Michael Larkin)
Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Semester 1 starting September 24
Semester 2 starting February 4
Involved in music at your church? This group class focuses on improving vocal technique with music literature and supplemental materials specially tailored for singers involved in church music ministry.
ENROLLMENT: One semester
TUITION: $254 per 15-week semester

NEW! ▶ CLASSICAL CAFE
Adults 18 years and up (Dr. Michael Larkin)
Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Starting date & schedule TBA
Join Dr. Larkin for coffee, donuts and informal conversations about a variety of musical topics. Schedule will be announced in September.
ENROLLMENT: No pre-registration required
TUITION: $5 per class


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BROWSE CLASSES

Classes Overview

Wilmington Branch
   •  Composition
   •  Music History
   •  Music Theory
   •  Other Classes

Milford Branch
   •  Group Piano Classes
   •  Music Theory

Policies & Information

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2011-2012 Information Guide


The Music School of Delaware is proud to be an active partner in the IN Wilmington Arts Campaign.

Programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
Programs at The Music School of Delaware