Our program of study begins with a rigorous aural training program designed to build basic aural skills. Each student is initially assigned a set of recorded melodies, from many different musical traditions, to be sung from memory. This memorization is done solely by ear, allowing the student to assimilate the details of each different style and absorb not only the superficial characteristics but also the deeper emotional and spiritual aspects of each piece. The student also works on traditional ear training.
Private lessons are devoted to training in improvisation, composition, and instrumental skills.
As the student masters the basic ear skills, the program becomes more flexible and is tailored to the needs of the individual. Students begin to define themselves by choosing the artists or styles most germane to their musical personality. The aural absorption process continues in a more focused way, including selection of a performing repertoire. Through deep aural absorption of the student's chosen musical roots, a synthesis becomes possible, and in the student's improvisations a musical self-portrait begins to emerge.