In recognition of the extraordinary season ahead of us, the Seattle Conservatory of Music will be operating on a hybrid model of in-person for certain classes and online-only for others. Learn more.
Classes
Academics
Music Composition
The study of music composition is one of the most exciting and enriching pursuits in a comprehensive music curriculum. Music Composition is a seminar-based course for young composers of all levels, from beginning students exploring the creation and sculpting of simple melodies, to highly advanced composers honing details of full orchestral pieces.
ONLINE – This class is available to students outside of the greater Seattle area.
Musicianship Skills
Musicianship Skills is an integrated academics course where students will study music theory, ear training, and music history all in one class. This is a major change from how the Conservatory has previously functioned. Instead of offering our usual separate classes we want to immerse our students in a holistic study of music and its associated skills and concepts. We hope to do this by providing them with a class in which they will be directly improving musical skills like rhythm, intonation, sight-reading,
music analyzation, and more.
We strive to give our students a full and well-rounded music education that will empower them to get the most out of whatever musical activities they choose to engage over the course of their lives.
ONLINE – This class is available to students outside of the greater Seattle area.
Performance Study
Chamber Music
The program is on hold for Term 1: September 19 – October 31, 2020.
Chamber Music is designed to be held in person and it is not artistically or educationally effective when run online. Therefore, we will resume the program in person when it is safe to do so.
- We will reassess for Term 2 (November 7 – December 19, 2020) to determine if small chamber groups meeting is allowable per public health guidelines
- Chamber Music group rehearsals will also depend on space available and may occur at SYSO office
- Audition deadline is now October 31
In Chamber Music, there is no conductor, so each player learns how to convey, play and listen simultaneously in a collaborative effort with peers. Articulation, dynamics, and tempo concepts are addressed in detail as each player matches and blends with colleagues as the students demonstrate their collaborative musical project.
Weekly coaching sessions culminate in two recitals each year. Students are matched according to age, level of advancement and repertoire instrumentation to form the groups. Subjects covered include listening skills, teamwork, shared commitment, ensemble/ rehearsal techniques, and reading/interpretation of the score. Depending on the situation, more instrument specific aspects may be explored which may include bowing, and fingering/breathing choices for given passages.
In-Person – This class is NOT available to students outside of the greater Seattle area.
Collegiate Preparatory Class
This course trains students to become well-rounded, confident musicians who are capable of performing under pressure, and are knowledgeable in self-presentation. It prepares students for collegiate music school and orchestra auditions, as well as local, national, and international competitions. Weekly performance classes give students the opportunity to play and also to be evaluated by the audience, in addition to community performances the year. Collegiate Preparatory Class is designed to be taken over the course of several years starting as early as freshman year of high school as to educate, and guide students and families through the college audition process.
Hybrid – Online and in-person, this class is NOT available to students outside of the greater Seattle area.
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
