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.
Classes
Academics
Music Composition
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 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.
Musicianship Skills has multiple levels to account for students of all skill levels and experience. Below is a basic overview of our levels and who they are intended for:
Course Levels:
- Intro to Musicianship Skills – Beginner students aged approximately 8-12 with only a couple of years of musical experience. For students part of SYSO’s other programming these classes are generally geared for students of the Prelude and Symphonette orchestras, and SYSO Summer Music.
- Intermediate Musicianship Skills – Geared for intermediate students aged approximately 12-16. Intended for intermediate students looking to dive deeper into the mechanics of music theory. Intro to Musicianship is not a prerequisite for the intermediate level. Some students repeat Intermediate Musicianship skills to continue honing their abilities and to dive deeper into specific topics. This class can also be appropriate for high school juniors and seniors looking to fill out their theoretical backround before graduating high school and looking to get a head start in college. For students part of SYSO’s programming this level is intended for advanced Symphonette students, Debut Symphony, Junior level students, advanced SYSO Summer Music students, and intermediate Marrowstone Students.
- Advanced Musicianship Skills – This level is intended for students with a strong music theory background, either in the form of classes taken at the Conservatory or similar programs. Returning Conservatory students will be placed into an appropriate section of Advanced Musicianship Skills to continue their SCM curriculum. Admittance into Advanced Musicianship without taking previous SCM courses is done only by approval of the teacher and program manager.
Placement tests for Musicianship Skills are available upon request and may be administered for students new to the Conservatory.
Performance Study
Chamber Music
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 – Audition Required*
*Students applying for the Academic Year Orchestras may reuse their audition for Chamber Music.
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.
In-Person – Audition Required
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
