Students are introduced to the piano keyboard and develop proficiency at singing back simple note patterns and folk songs. Students are introduced to the basic elements of music reading, including time signatures, note and rest values, key signatures, and note names in treble clef. The first level of the Preparatory Theory Program functions as a direct aid to beginning instrumental study. Students develop the ability to sing simple melodies in major and minor keys while conducting the meter and tapping appropriate divisions of the beat. Particular emphasis is placed on development of rhythmic coordination and control.
Compositional assignments integrate ear training with theoretical concepts.
Students who take advantage of this accelerated track must be ready to absorb a considerable amount of information and skill in a shorter period of time. Level II Stephen Savage, Paul Beaudoin, Michael Weinstein, Instructors Level II reviews and builds upon Level I materials and activities. Chapters II, III, and IV of Robert Starer's Rhythmic Training are mastered, and students develop the ability to identify, recognize, and sing intervals up to the size of a major ninth. Compositional activities continue to reinforce ear training and theoretical skills. Students who take advantage of this accelerated track must be ready to absorb a considerable amount of information and skill in a shorter period of time.