Overview
The mission of the Academy of Music Northwest is to insure that the region's most talented young classical musicians have the most comprehensive pre-college classical music training available, regardless of financial need.
We do this through three main programs. For young children, ages 4-8, and Juniors 9-12 we offer a program that serves as an introduction to musical knowledge and thinking, as well as a compliment to individual private study. For serious young musicians, ages 13-18, our Pre-College Division offers a range of sessions in music studies and in performance in solo performance, master classes, chamber music ensemble, chamber orchestra, large ensemble (2011-12), and regular public performance opportunities.
There will usually be some cross-over students who may be in parts of several programs based on demonstrated current knowledge and/or performance level.
Our Saturday school runs from September through May, divided into two, fifteen-week semesters (see the Academic Calendar). Students enroll for the full year, though we occasionally have very advanced students only participating in ensembles or chamber orchestra or large ensemble who enroll for just the fall or spring semester with approval from the the corresponding program's Director. These are usually students who have already completed their basic studies with us or elsewhere.
Students from age 6 are required to be in private study with an instrumental, voice, or composition teacher. The Academy will not ask you to change teachers. Our programs are an important supplement to private study, and the finest private studio teachers in the region refer students to us for this essential training for aspiring young artists. For those not yet studying with a teacher, we are happy to offer courtesy referrals. A limited number of private lessons may be are available at the school on Saturdays, especially to accommodate enrolled siblings.
A Typical Day in the Children's Division
For our youngest children: four and five-year-olds, the Academy includes a fine introduction to melody, rhythm, and harmony: (music fundamentals); including movement, improvisation, composition, and performance. All sessions are taught in a game-like environment. Parents are welcome to attend these classes especially with very young students who may need the comfort of having a parent nearby. Usually children become so involved in the class and with the other students, parent presence is not noticed after the first few minutes.
Six to eight year olds take a Musicianship class (Children's Division faculty will determine the appropriate level for each child); a Performance class (solid introduction to Performance Protocol), and/or Children's Choir. Guests are welcome to attend the Performance Class, and this may help students in their private practice sessions and with their studio recital preparations.
Nine to twelve year olds take a Junior Theory Class and have the options of
taking the Children's Performance Class and/or Children's Choir. Students who are approved by
the Ensemble Director to participate in an ensemble also have that option. The Junior Division is currently formulating its program for its first year: 2011-12. Sessions will be announced here later in August, but early Ear Training and Sight Reading Skills will be part of this program.
Sight Reading Skills classes/workshops for string players and for pianists are very popular with students and parents, and are much appreciated by studio teachers.
A Typical Day in the Pre-College Division ages 13-18
We encourage students starting out in the Pre-College Division to enroll in our core curriculum, which includes music theory, ear training, ensemble, and performance workshop. Some students also take composition classes. For students who have completed our core theory and ear-training classes (or who can test out of them), we offer a series of advanced electives, including conducting, sonata literature, advanced composition, and honors ensemble. Enrollment in these advanced classes require approval from faculty. Students may also enroll in electives, such as Sight-Reading for String Players, Sight-Reading for Pianists, or a popular History and Literature of Music class. Regular performance is a basic part of this program.
