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Programs

children's (4-10)

pre-college (11-18)

concert series

Chamber Orchestra

summer workshop

Pre-College Summer Workshop Sessions for ages 11-18

This Listing is followed by session descriptions.

9 AM Audition Preparation Class for Pianists and String Players (Center)
The key to auditioning successfully requires more than knowing your audition repertoire well.  Knowing how to focus and learning how to play well under pressure and be flexible under all circumstances can be just as important in the preparation process.

In this course, the students will learn how to control nerves through breathing exercises and visualization, how to project a greater stage presence, and techniques to stay focused with unexpected distractions. In the final class, the students will play through their audition repertoire in simulated scenarios in different audition and competition environments.
A written evaluation will be given at the end of the course.
Audition Requirement
Pianists:
One movement from a composition by J.S. Bach
Two contrasting compositions of your choice from the standard repertoires
String Players:
Major and minor three octave scales and arpeggios
One etude
One movement from a solo Bach
One movement from a sonata or concerto.

10 AM Orchestral Excerpts Class for String Players (Center) -
Combined with Audition Prep.
Learn to prepare for any orchestra audition at a professional level!
In today’s competitive world, in order to stand out in an audition, one has to be well prepared technically, musically, and be able to sight-read well and make bowing or phrasing changes on the spot at the request of the audition panel. The first two classes will focus on basic technical training, including intonation, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and understanding of the role of your part in the context of the orchestra. The focus of the third class will be sight-reading.

In the final class, the students will play in a mock audition from behind the screen. The repertoire will include a section from a solo Bach and a concerto, plus three orchestral excerpts. A written evaluation will be provided at the end of the course.

In the final class, the students will play in a mock audition from behind the screen. The repertoire will include a section from a solo Bach and a concerto, plus three orchestral excerpts. A written evaluation will be provided at the end of the course.

Audition Requirement
One short section from a movement of Bach
One short section from a movement of a standard concerto
Three orchestral excerpts from contrasting periods.

11 AM Chamber Music Ensembles (Faculty Coaches)
Includes piano, strings, winds. Beginning, intermediate, advanced.
Pre-formed ensembles are welcome.
Ensemble placement by current ability level.
Sight reading, rehearsing from original scores.
Optional music choices: Early, Classical, Romantic, Modern, Contemporary,
& New Music.

11AM & 2PM Composition (E.Flesher)
11AM Intermediate Level - Compositioin
2 PM Beginning Level.- Composition 1.
May be combined into 1 workshop due to limited registration.

12 PM Accompaniment/Collaboration (David or tba)
Pianists learn the basics of how to properly accompany and support a soloist, and also how to collaborate with another soloist as an equal partner in a musical conversation. . Practice both forms, live.

12 PM Dalcroze Eurhythmics (Rhythm & Music) (Ito & H.Flesher)
Total experience of music with internationally respected creative approach by Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (Swiss Music Educator, Composer) through Movement, Solfège and Improvisation
. Will be cancelled if inadequate registration.

1 PM Sight Reading Skills for Piano (Bush or tba)
Learn the basic rules to successful sight reading and practice reading new music in our comfortable group setting. By Friday, you will be amazed at how you have acquired the basic skills needed to read new scores quickly. Raise your audition and placement results, and delight your ensemble partners, teachers, and conductors.

1 PM Sight Reading Skills for Strings (Atwell)
Learn the basic rules to successful sight reading and practice reading new music in our comfortable group setting. By Friday, you will be amazed at how you have acquired the basic skills needed to read new scores quickly. Raise your audition and placement results, and delight your ensemble partners, teachers, and conductors.

2 PM Composition 1- Beginning (E. Flesher)
Fundamentals of Composition.
May be combined into 1 workshop due to limited registration.

2 PM Keyboard Skills for String Players (Bush or tba)
Fundamentals of Ear Training (Solfege). "Know" what a written note sounds like, so you know what sound to play and know if you are on pitch. Sing an F#, Bb, or any other note, accurately. If you don't know what a note sounds like, you have no idea whether you are playing it correctly or not. Accurate pitch and rhythm are key elements of performance.
Avoid playing off key. Practice does not make perfect. It makes permanent.

2 PM Introduction to Ear Training (Hawkins or tba)
Fundamentals of Ear Training (Solfege). "Know" what a written note sounds like, so you know what sound to play and know if you are on pitch. If you don't know what a note sounds like, you have no idea whether you are playing it correctly or not. Accurate pitch and rhythm are key elements of performance. Practice does not make perfect. It makes permanent.

3 PM Introduction to Theory (Hawkins or Flesher)
Fundamentals of Theory . This class introduces the Language of Music. This sets you on your path toward a true understanding of the physical and mathematical rules of music that control every piece of music ever written and performed past, present, future.

3 PM Performance Protocol (stage presence) & Practice (tba)
Practice and tips for a magical performance! Bring one or more pieces you are planning to perform or wish to review. We will learn about stage presence, memory tips, working with other musicians, what to do in various situations, and more! Performance also involves the 'show': the performer's appearance, self-confidence, and recognition of the audience: the ones who buy tickets.

time tba Improvisation (Hawkins)
Cancelled unless adequate registration. Can be taught privately.
For all instruments and performers.
Challenging and Fun!.
How to improvise. Why is it an important skill?  When should it not be done.
Bring your string or wind instrument.  We have the piano.

Summer Registration Form

© 2010, Academy of Music Northwest, Office: 9109 196th Street Southwest, Edmonds, WA 98026-6333
(425) 778-7711 · info@amnw.org  Effective Fall'12, Classes and Rehearsals are held weekly in Bothell and Seattle.