CLASS OFFERINGS

DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Group classes are 60 minutes, individual lessons at 45 minutes, unless otherwise noted.

Date and times of group classes are flexible, pending enrollment.

BEETHOVEN: 250 YEARS - LIFE AND WORKS

Instructor: Juan Pablo Horcasitas

Tuesdays from 4 pm - 5 pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28)

An overview of his life, the three compositional periods, and the style and main works that define each one.

INFAMOUS COMPOSERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Instructor: Konrad Kamm

Thursdays from 2 pm - 3 pm (July 9, 16, 23, 30)

This class will highlight some of the most notorious composers of the 1900s and the music that earned them overwhelming negative attention. Each week we will focus on one composer and uncover the importance of their work and the influences they have had on music thereafter. We will try to answer the question of whether or not their respect should be rewarded or their distrust well-deserved. We will challenge our musical thoughts to expose the hidden genius behind some of the most controversial ideas and practices in modern music.

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF MUSICAL THEATRE

Instructor: Charlotte Surkin

Fridays from 1 pm - 2 pm (July 10, 17, 24, 31)

An introduction to the history of how this exciting art form got started—from 1716 in local taverns to our current Broadway shows from Hamilton to Mean Girls, and from earlier time periods. Depending on interest, students may perform a song that relates to each era.

THE WORLD OF OPERA

Moderated by Michelle Trovato and Charlotte Surkin

Wednesdays from 6 pm - 7 pm (July 8, 15, 22, 29)

Welcome to the world of opera. Each week’s session will introduce a different guest who will share real-life experience from the world of opera. Learn about the challenges of putting an opera on its feet from Metropolitan Opera stage director Sarah Meyers. Hear from opera singer, Robert Osborne, talking about how he shapes his character and develops his role in opera. Asako Nagasaki will give us a glimpse into the backstage operations of the opera. Explore the world of Verdi and his operas with Verdi and Italian opera expert August Ventura, who has made a film about the composer.

Week 1: Sarah Meyers

Week 2: Robert Osborne

Week 3: Asako Nagasaki

Week 4: August Ventura: On Golden Wings – Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Giuseppe Verdi

IMPRESSIONISM IN ART AND MUSIC

Instructors: Juan Pablo Horcasitas and an Educator from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Saturdays from 1 pm - 2 pm (July 11, 18, 25 and August 1)

This class will explore the style, influences and main works from this unique art movement. We will also discuss the strong connection that exists between literature, painting and music. Works to be studied: Monet's "The Rouen Cathedral Series", Debussy's "Le Cathédrale Engloutie," and Gustav Adolf Bécquer’s "The Miserere".

EXPLORING AND EXPRESSING DISSONANCE AND CONSONANCE IN PIANO PLAYING

Instructor: Jennifer Apsel

Wednesdays from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm (July 8, 15, 22, 29)

Looking at select piano repertoire from J.S. Bach to Chopin and beyond, we will attempt to heighten our awareness and sensitivity of dissonance and consonance, and ultimately our expression of this fundamental and powerful element of music.

COMPOSING 101

Instructor: Chris Petz

Tuesdays from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (July 7, 14, 21, 28)

This class is designed to help the student compose music of any kind using any instrument or instruments. This means any genre or style that contains the three main elements of music: rhythm, melody and harmony. We will examine basic structures of music chosen by the class with the aid of the instructor. Each student will then create their own compositions based on the knowledge gained by analysis and listening.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

Instructor: Jon Price

Saturdays from 3 pm - 4 pm (July 11, 18, 25 and August 1)

New concepts for beginner/intermediate bass guitar players. Work on those special skills that provide the backbone for any band.

LEARNING BRAILLE MUSIC CODE

Instructor: Svetlana Avezbakiyeva

Wednesdays from 3 pm - 4 pm (July 8, 15, 22, 29)

Learn the basics of braille music code in an abbreviated version of our semester-long course geared for both users who are blind and those interested in teaching braille music.  You will need to request the Primer for Braille Music (available in braille and print through the National Library Service). Register early to ensure that you can acquire materials before the course begins.  This course will include an additional charge for materials provided by the instructor.

UNDERSTANDING AND CREATING WITH YOUR EARS

Instructor: Jon Price

Wednesdays from 1 pm - 2 pm (July 8, 15, 22, 29)

An approach to ear training with a focus on internalizing information regarding intervals, and then reproducing that pitch/interval on one’s respective instrument.  Additional benefits include identifying chords, chord progressions, and studying and learning a piece of music by ear without needing a reference instrument nearby.

PREPARING A MONOLOGUE           

Instructor: Michelle Trovato

Fridays from 3 pm - 4 pm (July 10, 17, 24, 31)

A monologue workshop focused on creating a character through a one-minute monologue, based on Uta Hagen’s Nine Questions, an in-depth 14-page character worksheet. Doing this work on monologues can help young singers work on deepening their musical understanding when singing a song or aria as well. Each student will research a character and memorize/present a 1-minute monologue by the end of the course.

SPECIAL WORKSHOP: CAREER BUILDING FOR YOUTH IN THE ARTS

Instructors: Leslie Jones; Lisa Johnson, Michelle Trovato, Guest Lecturers and Panelists

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am - 11:30 am (July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30)

A seminar-style course team-taught for young people who are contemplating a career in music, who wish to remain active in the arts as young professionals, and those who are just beginning their careers in music.  The course will meet twice per week with one session devoted to a workshop-style subject area and the second weekly session will be held as a panel discussion among music professionals on the very same weekly topic.

Topics covered will be selected from the following:

• Resume Writing for Performers, Teachers and College Entrance
• Creating a Bio for various scenarios and programs
• Mock Interviews
• Monologue Choices and Presentation
• Headshots and Dressing for Success
• Preparing program notes and performance remarks
• Video and audio submissions
• Coaching on gestural and facial expression
• Audition Preparation for Performances and College entrance
• Presentation of an array of career possibilities in music

Appropriate for ages 12 to 25 years; sighted parent, sibling, or a friend will enhance visual portions of the class.

The Workshop takes place twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.