CERTIFICATE PROGRAM #1. SIX-SEMESTER CERTIFICATE (LEVELS 1-4) 31 CREDITS
This six-semester program is for advanced beginner to intermediate level students who wish to include additional intensive work in a particular area, after a long-term intensive period of study.
*Certificate programs start in the fall & spring semesters unless special permission is given by the Admissions Director for winter or summer entrance.*
This plan of study consists of: *Prep-A, *Prep-B, Certificate-A, Certificate-B, Elective Intensive, Performance Musicianship
PREP - A COURSE (0 CREDITS)
This course is designed as the Collective's entry-level course of study, and focuses on developing the rudimentary technical and musicianship skills required for further study, as well as an introduction to the rhythm section and the four foundation styles of Rock, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian. Students are assigned an “anchor” teacher to help guide them through the course work.
This course includes the following courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM
MUSIC THEORY
This class introduces the basic theoretical concepts, and skill sets required for every well trained musician. Course work covers rhythm and pitch notation, scales, and key signatures.
RUDIMENTAL DRUMMING 1 (drummers only)
Students are introduced to the study of rudimental drumming as a foundation for a solid drumming technique.
or
BASICS OF INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUE 1 (non-drum students)
Students are introduced to the basics of proper instrumental technique with a focus on proper hand and body position and correct fingerings and hand positions for commonly used scales and arpeggios.
STYLE PREP SEQUENCE
STYLE PREP CLASS 1
Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop the conceptual framework and application of applied techniques to perform in a rhythm section setting in the designated contemporary root styles of Rock and Jazz. Each week's class is dedicated to a particular style.
STYLE PREP RHYTHM SECTION
This class gives the student the opportunity to apply the work done in the style preparation and student rehearsal classes in an actual rhythm section setting, playing with professional musicians.
REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL PREP 1
Students work together in a rhythm section format, under the supervision of a faculty member, to rehearse in a series of practical real-life situations, the mastery of which is essential to every performing rhythm section musician.
WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS
Students receive 10 anchor private lessons with an instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week.
PREP-B (0 CREDITS)
This program continues with the work begun in the Prep-A program and focuses on rudimentary technical and musicianship skills, as well as further rhythm section work in the four foundation styles of Rock, Jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian. Students are assigned an “anchor” teacher to help guide them through the course work. .
This course includes the following courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM
MUSIC THEORY
This class introduces the basic theoretical concepts, and skill sets required for every well trained musician. Course work covers rhythm and pitch notation, scales, and key signatures.
RUDIMENTAL DRUMMING 2 (drummers only)
Students continue to study rudimental drumming with a focus on application to the rhythm section and the percussion ensemble.
or
BASICS OF INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUE 2 (non-drummers)
Students apply the basics of proper instrumental technique with a focus on proper hand and body position and correct fingerings to typical rhythm section and instrumental ensemble material.
STYLE PREP SEQUENCE
STYLE PREP 2
Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop the conceptual framework and application of applied techniques to perform in the designated ethnic root styles of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban. Each week's class is dedicated to a particular style or groove.
STYLE PREP RHYTHM SECTION
This class gives the student the opportunity to apply the work done in the style preparation and student rehearsal classes in an actual rhythm section setting, playing with professional musicians.
REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL PREP 2
Students continue to work together in a rhythm section format, under the supervision of a faculty member, to rehearse in a series of practical real-life situations, the mastery of which is essential to every performing rhythm section musician.
WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS
Students receive 10 anchor private lessons with an instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week.
CERTIFICATE-A (CP-A) 9 CREDITS
The Certificate Program is an intensive period of study, which focuses on musicianship skills, style performance competencies, and professional performance experiences. This is the first half of the complete Certificate Program.
Musicianship and Technique Courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM (1 credit)
DRUMMERS MUSICIANSHIP SEQUENCE (1 credit)
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE-1
Students work in an ensemble setting learning and applying foundation rudiments. This course focuses on hand technique, ensemble performance, and reading skills.
ODD METERS-1
POLYRHYTHMS-1
BUSINESS SAVVY-1
DRUMMERS LAB-1 (0 CREDIT)
This class is designed to help students integrate all the information that they are receiving in other classes and apply that information towards the steady development of new performance skills.
NON-DRUMMERS MUSICIANSHIP SEQUENCE (1 credit)
MUSIC THEORY-1
This course focuses on establishing a firm base of rudimentary musicianship skills. The course covers music theory, notation, key signatures, chord structures and simple chord progressions. (by placement exam)
ODD METERS-1
BUSINESS SAVVY-1
EAR TRAINING LAB-1
This lab is designed to drill each student in the basic aural recognition elements of intervals, scales, modes, chords, and chord progressions. Students have access to the computer ear-training software for additional drills.
STYLE COURSES SEQUENCE A: (4 credits)
Each style is presented in a four-class sequence consisting of a style analysis class followed by two groove mechanic classes and culminating with a pro style rhythm section.
Style sequence:
1. US ROOTS (R&B)
2. US ROOTS (JAZZ)
3. ROCK / BLUES
4. AFRO-CUBAN PERCUSSION
5. TRADITIONAL FUNK-SOUL
6. TRADITIONAL AFRO-CUBAN
7. JAZZ-40'S & 50'S
8. CARIBBEAN
1. STYLE ANALYSIS - SERIES 1 Students are introduced to various styles and periods of music, and the important musicians and groups who helped define each style. Faculty demonstrate the role played by each instrument in each style. Course material includes specially selected and representative discographies, which have been compiled by the instructors for class discussion and review.
2. GROOVE MECHANICS- SERIES 1 This course follows up on the Style Analysis class by having the instructor work with the students in developing the instrumental techniques and conceptual frameworks required to perform competently in the designated style. All instruments meet separately. Students are also given I-pods on with the repertoire compilations are recorded. Each instrument meets separately.
3. STYLE RHYTHM SECTION - SERIES 1 This is an opportunity for students to work in a rhythm section setting with professional musicians who are experts in the designated style. Student performances are critiqued by the instructor and other rhythm section musicians. Each instrumental division meets separately.
Professional Studies Courses:
STUDIO RECORDING 1 (1 credit)
This course introduces the student to the recording studio. After receiving an over- view of the technical aspects of recording, students are given the opportunity to record over pre-recorded tracks in a variety of settings and styles.
REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL 1 (1 credit)
This course gives students the practical experience of working together with a faculty “band leader” in an actual rehearsal situation. Students perform and create arrangements in a variety of styles and settings in response to the demands of the music and the bandleader.
Individual Study and Practice:
WEEKLY ELECTIVE PRIVATE LESSONS (1 credit)
Students receive 10 anchor lessons and 4 elective lessons with an instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME (0 credit)
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week.
CERTIFICATE-B (CP-B) 9 CREDITS
The Certificate Program is an intensive period of study, which focuses on musician- ship skills, style performance competencies, and professional performance experiences. This is the second half of the complete Certificate Program.
*CP-A is prerequisite for taking CP-B*
Musicianship and Technique Courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM (1 credit)
DRUMMERS MUSICIANSHIP SEQUENCE (1 credit)
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE-2
Students work in an ensemble setting learning and applying foundation rudiments. This course focuses on hand technique, ensemble performance, and reading skills.
ODD METERS-2
POLYRHYTHMS-2
BUSINESS SAVVY-2
DRUMMERS LAB-2 (0 CREDIT)
This class is designed to help students integrate all the information that they are receiving in other classes and apply that information towards the steady development of new performance skills.
NON-DRUMMERS MUSICIANSHIP SEQUENCE (1 credit)
MUSIC THEORY-2
This course focuses on establishing a firm base of rudimentary musicianship skills. The course covers music theory, notation, key signatures, chord structures and simple chord progressions. (by placement exam)
ODD METERS-2
BUSINESS SAVVY-2
EAR TRAINING LAB-2
This lab is designed to drill each student in the basic aural recognition elements of intervals, scales, modes, chords, and chord progressions. Students have access to the computer ear-training software for additional drills.
STYLE COURSES SEQUENCE A: (4 credits)
Each style is presented in a four-class sequence consisting of a style analysis class followed by two groove mechanic classes and culminating with a pro style rhythm section.
Style sequence:
1. CONTEMPORARY FUNK
2. BRAZILIAN BATUCADA-PERCUSSION
3. FUSION
4. BRAZILIAN 5. AFRO-POP 6. CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 7. CONTEMPORARY AFRO-CUBAN
8. HIP-HOP / DRUM & BASS
1. STYLE ANALYSIS - SERIES 2 Students are introduced to various styles and periods of music, and the important musicians and groups who helped define each style. Faculty demonstrate the role played by each instrument in each style. Course material includes specially selected and representative discographies, which have been compiled by the instructors for class discussion and review.
2. GROOVE MECHANICS- SERIES 2 This course follows up on the Style Analysis class by having the instructor work with the students in developing the instrumental techniques and conceptual frameworks required to perform competently in the designated style. Students are also given CD compilations with which to study.
3. STYLE RHYTHM SECTION - SERIES 2 This is an opportunity for students to work in a rhythm section setting with professional musicians who are experts in the designated style. Student performances are critiqued by the instructor and other rhythm section musicians.
Professional Studies Courses:
STUDIO RECORDING 2 (1 credit)
This course is a continuation of Studio Recording 1 and offers the student an opportunity to record in typical real-life over-dubbing sessions in which he/she records in a variety of live and pre-recorded situations.
REAL-DEAL REHEARSAL 2 (1 credit)
This course gives students the practical experience of working together with a faculty “band leader” in an actual rehearsal situation. Students are introduced to a variety of musical settings, including working with a vocalist and lead horn players in different styles, additional percussionists and other instrumentalists.
Individual Study and Practice:
WEEKLY ELECTIVE PRIVATE LESSONS (1 credit)
Students receive 10 anchor lessons and 4 elective lessons with an instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME (0 credit)
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week.
ELECTIVE INTENSIVE PROGRAM (EIP) 6 CREDITS
EIP programs are designed to allow each student to focus on a particular style or set of styles of their own choosing. Most EIP’s have a private lesson, a prep class, and a pro rhythm sectionin the focus style. In addition, students are able to choose from a list of Elective Classes to add to and further customize their program. Reading classes, private lessons, and individual practice time. are also included in this program.
Note: The New Musical Concepts EIP focuses on current musical trends and is taught in tandem by a drummer, a bassist, and a pianist.
This program includes the following courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM (1 credit)
RHYTHM SECTION INTENSIVE PERFORMANCE ELECTIVES (2 credits)
Each of the following elective rhythm section classes has an associated private lesson assigned to the student with the instructor of the performance class. The focus of the private work is to prepare for and review the work done in the rhythm section class. All rhythm section classes have professional rhythm section players.
ELECTIVE INTENSIVES (EIP)
Offered in the Fall and Spring semesters
Contemporary Jazz
Jazz/Funk
Contemporary Afro-Cuban/Fusion
Brazilian
Offered in the Winter and Summer semesters
Contemporary Jazz
Jazz/Funk
Contemporary Afro-Cuban/Fusion
Progressive Rock
Pop R&B
New Music Concepts
COORDINATED PRIVATE STUDY (1 credit)
Each performance style offers private lessons with the teacher for the purposes of preparing and reviewing the student's performance in the rhythm section class.
ELECTIVE CLASS
Students may further personalize their plan of study by choosing from the following list of elective classes. Prerequisites may apply.
PERFORMANCE SERIES
1. SOLOING / IMPROVISATION THURS. 10-12/weeks 1-9
Students work on developing their musical spontaneity in within given formal structures and contexts. Soloing and improvisation is studied in a number of important styles and settings. Available for non-drum students upon request.
2. ODD METERS TUES. 3-5/WEEKS 1-9
Students work in a systematic way to achieve fluency in the less common meters and subdivisions, with a strong focus on musical application in accompaniment and soloing situations. Odd meters in /4, /8, /16*, rhythm scales and rhythmic subdivisions over multiple beats will be among the topics covered in this course.
3. POLYRHYTHMS TBA
The complexity of polyrhythms is laid out in an relatively easy to understand system, which helps students to find musical applications to each set of rhythmic and metric combinations.
4. AFRO-CUBAN PERCUSSION TBA
This course will be an intensive study of contemporary and folkloric Afro-Cuban rhythms with a master percussionist, Pedro Martinez. Students will play in a traditional Afro/Cuban ensemble and learn basic techniques and rhythms on congas, bongos, timbales, and cowbell.
5. HARMONIC LINEAR IMPROVISATION TBA
This course goes through a series of sequential exercises designed to help students master common chord progressions and their associated key centers. Chord patterns start with diatonic 7th chords and progress through 251 progressions, altered chords, and chord extensions.
DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION SERIES
1. MUSIC THEORY / KEYBOARD MON. 10-12 /weeks 2-10
This course links the study of music theory with its practical application on the keyboard. Students apply information studied in class to the piano keyboard. Course topics include scales, chord structures, chord progressions, and song forms.
2. COMPOSITION / ARRANGING WED. 10-12/weeks 1-9
Students learn to apply basic musical concepts to the writing and arranging of original material. Both live and electronic media are used in this course.
3. DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION TUES. 6-8/weeks 1-9
Students are introduced to the professional state-of-the-art recording techniques and software, including Pro-Tools, Digital Performer, and Logic.
CAREEER DEVELOPMENT
4. PERSONAL MARKETING AND PROMOTION WED. 7-9/weeks 1-9 This course is designed to help students become self-sufficient in the utilization of contemporary digital tools for the purpose of promoting themselves and their music. Students learn the basics of web, Myspace, and facebook site development and construction and design, using state-of-the-art Adobe Creative Suite software. The goal of the course is for each student to launch there own MySpace or Facebook site, and to understand how to proceed to launch their own web site.
Individual Study and Practice:
WEEKLY ELECTIVE PRIVATE LESSONS (2 credit)
Students receive 10 assigned private lessons with the EIP instructor and 10 elective private lessons with an individual instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME (0 credits)
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week.
PERFORMANCE MUSICIANSHIP PROGRAM (PMP) 7 CREDITS
This program is designed to prepare the student to meet the requirements of most full-time accredited colleges and universities, including Berklee College of Music, while expanding the practical musicianship skills required to succeed as a professional musician.
This program includes the following courses:
READING PROFICIENCY PROGRAM (1 credit)
MUSIC THEORY & EAR TRAINING 1 or 2 (1 credit)
This course builds on the foundation established in the earlier classes and moves into more advanced musical concepts, including chord substitutions, chromatic harmonies, song forms, and artificial scales. (by placement exam)
INTRO TO MALLETS (1 credit)
Drum and percussion students are introduced to the study of mallets as a primary application of music theory studies as well as a direct expansion of the scope of their musical understanding and musicianship.
or
KEYBOARD 1 or 2 (1 credit)
Students learn correct keyboard technique, including hand position and proper fingering for scales and chord-voicings. Students prepare for and perform in the contemporary pop music idiom. Keyboard students study drums or bass.
TRANSCRIPTION CLASS (1 credit)
Students are introduced to the basics of computer music engraving, using the world standard “Finale” software, and apply what they have learned to create their own music and to notate class assignments and special arrangements used in class.
REP LAB (1 credit)
This course gives students the opportunity to rehearse together in a rhythm section setting to learn the “must know” tunes that any competent professional musician would be expected to know when called to do a gig.
REPERTOIRE CLASS SECTION(1 credit)
This performance-oriented class gives students the opportunity to perform with a professional rhythm section, playing challenging repertoire, in a variety of styles and meters. Students are required to learn a designated number of tunes from The Collective's “must know” tune list.
Individual Study and Practice:
WEEKLY ELECTIVE PRIVATE LESSONS (1 credit)
Students receive 10 elective private lessons with an instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
DAILY INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE TIME (0 credits)
Students are assigned 17 hours per week of individual practice time, with additional hours available at scheduled times throughout the week. | 
