Middle School

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.

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.

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.

Interview Required
with submission of one previously composed work

Students explore chamber music composition, from conceiving an idea to sketching, workshopping and completing a final score. Chamber music students and guest artists perform composition students’ work in a culminating concert.

Experienced musicians (violin, viola, cello, piano, woodwinds or horn) receive intensive daily coaching in wide-ranging repertoire. Most pianists are assigned to a piano duo, but those with especially strong skills may play in a mixed ensemble. All students perform in two culminating concerts.

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.

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.

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.

Launched in 2002 by Lisa Goulder, the Pop Singing For Girls program is an innovative curriculum which emphasises a popular music repertoire, designed to meet the needs of aspiring young singers who are looking for instruction in the pop music realm.