Class Descriptions

SUMMER SESSION 2020 COURSE OFFERINGS

DATES: July 7 – August 1

Tuesdays through Saturdays

Beethoven: 250 Years – Life and Works

Instructor: Juan Pablo Horcasitas

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

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Corresponding visual art and musical eras: from Ragtime to Cool Jazz   

Instructors: Jon Price

This class will focus on the music and art from around the turn of the 20^th century, the emergence of blues and ragtime and the visual artists of the time.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Infamous Composers of the 20th Century

Instructor: Konrad Kamm

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

The Magical World of Musical Theatre

Instructor: Charlotte Surkin

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

The World of Opera

Moderated by Michelle Trovato and Charlotte Surkin

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. Explore the world of Verdi and his operas with someone who has made a film about the composer. Hear from an opera singer how he shapes his character and develops his role in opera.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Impressionism in Art and Music

Instructors: Juan Pablo Horcasitas

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”

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Exploring and Expressing Dissonance and Consonance in Piano Playing

Instructor: Jennifer Apsel

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Composing 101

Instructor: Chris Petz

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

It’s All About That Bass

Instructor: Jon Price

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

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Learning Braille Music Code

Instructor: Svetlana Avezbakiyeva

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Understanding and Creating with your Ears

Instructor: Jon Price

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Preparing a Monologue          

Instructor: Michelle Trovato

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.

Tuition fee: $80 for current FMDG Music School students, $100 for non-FMDG Music School students

Individual lessons: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Woodwinds, Accessible Music Technology

Tuition fee: four 45-minute lessons $160 for current FMDG Music School students, $200 for non-FMDG Music School students

Special rate for those who take multiple group classes:

Two classes for $150 for FMDG Music School students

Two classes for $160 for non-FMDG Music School students

One individual lesson and one class for $200 for FMDG Music School students

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

Career Building for Youth in the Arts

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

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 of age

The Workshop takes place twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Tuition fee: $100 for current FMDG Music School students, $125 for non-FMDG Music School students