The Music Advancement Program’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to offer students individualized instruction in their area of concentration while seeking to develop the whole musician. A student’s skill level and concentration in the program determine his or her assigned course schedule.
Curriculum and course offerings are subject to change by program administration at any time.
| Core Curriculum |
|---|
| Morning Rally Private Lesson Studio Class Music Theory and Ear Training Chorus Artist as Citizen Project |
| Concentration-Specific Courses |
| String Ensemble Wind Ensemble MAP Orchestra Composer’s Forum Composition Lab Chamber Music |
| Elective Courses |
| Secondary Piano Group Composition |
Core Curriculum
Required of all students in the program.
Morning Rally
Morning Rally offers an opportunity for the entire student body to build community as they start their Saturday together. Following the morning’s announcements, the rally’s advisers and special guests lead the students in interactive activities which encourage teamwork, self-reflection, and the development of the whole musician. Required of all students each year. 25 minutes.
Private Lesson
Private instruction in the student’s area of concentration (instrument or composition) with assigned studio faculty. Instruction includes preparation for the student’s annual solo recital and jury examination. Required of all students each year. Composition students receive two private lessons, one in composition and one on their instrument. 60 minutes.
Studio Class
Group studio classes offer opportunities for students to practice scales and other exercises which strengthen their foundational skills on the instrument; focus extra attention on areas of technique and performance for which there is limited time in private lessons; and perform for and receive feedback from their peers and the faculty. Masterclasses may also be offered throughout the year. Required of all students each year. 50 minutes.
Music Theory and Ear Training
A series of courses designed to develop students' theory and ear training skills from the fundamental level through the advanced. Placement in the appropriate music theory and ear training class is determined by a written music theory assessment, completed during the student's entrance audition. Required of all students each year. 50 minutes.
Chorus
A vocal performance course introducing students to the fundamentals of ensemble singing. Weekly rehearsals offer students an additional opportunity to collaborate with their peers and strengthen their note reading and aural skills. Each semester culminates in a concert. Required of all students each year. 50 minutes.
Artist as Citizen Project
An independent project exploring the musician's role as leader, entrepreneur, and arts advocate. Offering an interactive performance, lecture-demonstration, or other artistic project in their local community, students experience firsthand how the arts can foster meaningful connections, strengthen community, and inspire social change. Project advisement is offered as requested. Required of all students each year.
Concentration-Specific Courses
String Ensemble
Study of classic orchestral repertoire for strings. Each semester's study culminates in a performance. Required each year for all students with a concentration in violin, viola, cello, and double bass. 75 minutes.
Wind Ensemble
Study of classic concert band repertoire. Each semester's study culminates in a performance. Required each year for all students with a concentration in wind, brass, and percussion instruments. 75 minutes.
MAP Orchestra
Study of classic orchestral and symphonic repertoire. Each semester's study culminates in a performance. Required each year of all students with a concentration in violin, viola, cello, double bass, and percussion. Required of brass and wind students at the discretion of faculty and administration, based on audition. 50 minutes.
Composer’s Forum
A collaborative forum for students with a concentration in composition focusing on music technology and production, listening skills, music history, and orchestration. Students regularly share their works-in-progress and receive feedback. Required each year of all students with a concentration in composition. 75 minutes.
Composition Lab
A practicum for students with a concentration in composition exploring various composition techniques. Topics covered by guest artists and lecturers include writing for various instruments and for voice, career paths for composers, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Required each year of all students with a concentration in composition. 50 minutes.
Chamber Music
Coached by studio faculty, students explore the unique skills and repertoire required to perform in small chamber ensembles (groups of 2-5 students on various instruments). Chamber groups perform twice per year. Open to all instrumental majors except percussion, saxophone, and double bass. Placement at the discretion of faculty and administration. May be repeated. 50 minutes.
Elective Courses
Secondary Piano
Group piano lessons that introduce the student to basic piano technique, including scales, fingerings, chords, and sight-reading. No previous piano instruction required. Open to all students. Not recommended for students who currently take or have previously taken private piano lessons outside of MAP. May be repeated as space permits. 50 minutes.
Group Composition
An introduction to the fundamentals of music composition, including form, counterpoint, and harmony. The year concludes with a performance of students' original compositions. Open to all instrumental majors who demonstrate sufficient skills in music theory and ear training. Eligibility is determined based on the student’s music theory placement exam. May be repeated as space permits. 50 minutes.