The basic program is the heart of the Academy offerings. It combines traditional music instruction–weekly private lessons with one teacher, with monthly community events.
The valuable teacher/student, mentor/mentee relationship is combined with the incontrovertibly positive modeling that is developed through peer interactions including peer feedback, duo/trio/ensemble interactions, and exposure to multiple styles of music.
With communal enjoyment of exposure to other styles of music, ears are opened and creativity emerges.
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How does it work? » What’s Instruments Can I Learn? » Rates » What’s Included? » Why Choose this Program? » Practicing & Attendance » Sign up now
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How does it work?
Each student enrolls on one instrument with one instructor. The instructor customizes a curriculum for each private student and also prepares them to participate in every Academy event. The preparation and participation in Academy Events exposes pupils to other students and teachers. When the student has advanced through the beginning levels they are then paired with others of similar level to play duos/trios/ensembles. They attend lessons with the instructors of these other students and get feedback this
way. These collaborations increase repertoire and develop valuable musicianship skills such as teamwork, listening, nonverbal musical communication, increased rhythmic awareness. These skills lead to increased self-confidence and a larger network of positive social relationships. Families who attend events also bond with each other and further relationships are formed.
What instruments and styles of music are available?
In Classical, World, Jazz, & Contemporary Styles…
- Piano
- Percussion (Drum Set & Hand Drums)
- Vocals
- Strings (Violin, Viola, Electric Bass, Guitar, Ukelele
What events are included in the Basic Program?
- Sept: Open House
- October: Out & About in Rockridge Street Fair, Recitals and Recital Rehearsals
- December: Holiday party and performance
- January: Student CD Parties and Goal Setting Labs
- February: Skills Labs
- March: Duo/Ensemble Class
- May: Optimal Performance Class
- June: Recitals and Recital Rehearsals
- July: Rockridge Jazz and Wine Stroll
Why Choose the Basic Program?
Often times, the basic program seems like a big commitment for parents and their children. However, there is always a certain level of commitment necessary to achieve the skills and the music education which can last forever. Here are some of the facets of the basic program that we think are especially valuable:
- Two distinct learning environments: Most young music students often follow a curriculum which includes either private one-on-one instruction, or group lessons. Musically Minded’s Basic Program is a combination of these two learning environments. On the one hand, students receive guidance from a master instructor. On the other, they can learn from watching other students of similar age and level. They can witness their peers overcoming challenges, see them learn at various paces, and will be exposed to music they may never have had an interest in.
- Our Staff: Our staff is extremely experienced and diverse, and we go to great efforts to make sure that collectively and individually, our instructors cover a wide variety of musical genres and cultures. We highly encourage our students to be curious about various types of music and work to expose them to as many as possible. Music as an art is only capable of progressing if it experiences this sort of exposure, which is why we integrate various musical cultures and styles into our curriculum.
- Work ethic and practice schedule: Undoubtedly, practice produces better musicians. When you enroll in the basic program, you are committing to a weekly lesson and practice schedule. This type of regimented schedule is perfect for young students, and especially beginners. Revisiting your instrument and material on a periodic basis is essentially what produces consistent improvement and will instill a discipline which eventually becomes second-nature. Musically Minded Academy offers prizes and other incentives for students who keep up a good practice schedule.
- Group Lessons and Ensembles:Our basic program requires students to play in groups and ensembles with their peers. These sessions offer young musicians the opportunity to collaborate and experiment with other musicians of their age, and helps refine basic musical skills such as maintaining tempo and understanding balance. Group playing also helps students practice one of the most important skills required for a musician – ear training. In order to play successfully with others, students must know how to listen to their fellow performers in order to respond appropriately. This sort of concentrated listening is key to become a better solo musician.
- Performances: Students who are enrolled in the basic program have many opportunities to perform. Our recitals act as definitive goals for our musicians, and they can feel accomplished when they have successfully polished their pieces and have had the opportunity to deliver them to an audience. We strongly encourage family and friends to attend these events for a number of reasons: 1)It allows students to share their work with friends and family, which makes music a part of their lives beyond the academy, and 2) The positive influence of family support encourages students work harder and gives them greater incentive to continue sharing music with a greater community.
- Technology: Musically Minded Academy implements technology when teaching basic program students. Audio and video recording, educational computer software, and recorded accompaniments aid in both learning and motivation. Every January, our basic program students also receive a CD of their recorded pieces!
