Middle School

San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Preparatory Division Theory & Ear Training (Level III, Level IV)

Level III: Sight singing material to include seventh chords, rhythmic patterns of two against three, inversions of triads and dominant seventh chords, non-tonal use of thirds, theme & variations and rondo form. Level IV: Sight singing with secondary dominants and chromatic non-harmonic tones, small subdivisions of the beat, changing meters, inversions of dominant 7th chords, secondary dominants, modulation, non-tonal use of sixths, sonata and concerto form.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Preparatory Division Theory & Ear Training (Level I, Level II)

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.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Summer Music West: Musicianship

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.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Summer Music West: String & Piano Academy

At least three years private instruction recommended. No previous ensemble experience required.

Audition Required

Young string players and pianists grow immensely in this course, which features intensive chamber ensemble instruction and a final concert including all students. Ensembles vary according to instrumentation and ability, though most pianists are assigned to a piano duo. Piano enrollment is limited to 12 students.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Summer Music West: Gilbert and Sullivan Scenes

The perfect training program for the young stage performer–now in its eleventh year! A collaboration with Lamplighters Music Theatre.

Audition Required, Accompanist Provided
Explore the Topsy-Turvy world of rollicking pirates, damsels in distress and modern major generals! Lamplighters Music Theatre artistic staff directs daily classes in singing, acting and stage movement. Students present a fully-staged and costumed performance of Gilbert & Sullivan scenes.

Music School at Piedmont Piano Company Group Piano for Beginning Jazz

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.