The Certificate Program is an intensive period of study, which focuses on musicianship skills, style performance competencies, and professional performance experiences.
Course descriptions
Quarter One:
Reading Proficiency Program (8 weeks, plus exam)
The Collective Reading Proficiency Program consists of a series of progressive courses on levels from 1 to 5. Students learn sight-reading skills and the ability to interpret music from a wide variety of sources and formats.
Drummers Musicianship Sequence – Percussion Ensemble-1 (8 weeks, plus exam)
Students work in an ensemble setting learning and applying foundation rudiments. This course focuses on hand technique, ensemble performance, and reading skills.
Non-Drummers Musicianship Sequence – Music Theory/Keyboard (8 weeks, plus exam)
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.
Style Course Sequence 1 (8 weeks, plus exam)
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:
- US Roots (R&B)
- US Roots (Jazz)
- Rock/Blues
- Traditional Afro-Cuban
Style Analysis – Series 1: (4 classes)
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.
Groove Mechanics – Series 1: (8 classes)
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 Ipods on which the repertoire compilations are recorded. Each instrument meets separately.
Style Rhythm Section – Series 1: (4 classes)
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.
Individual Study and Practice: (8 weeks)
Weekly Private Lessons: Students may study with an individual instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours a day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off peak times throughout the week.
Quarter Two
Reading Proficiency Program: (8 weeks, plus exam)
The Collective Reading Proficiency Program consists of a series of progressive courses on levels from 1 to 5. Students learn sight-reading skills and the ability to interpret music from a wide variety of sources and formats.
Drummers Musicianship Sequence – Percussion Ensemble-1 (8 weeks, plus exam)
Students work in an ensemble setting learning and applying foundation rudiments. This course focuses on hand technique, ensemble performance, and reading skills.
Non-Drummers Musicianship Sequence – Music Theory/Keyboard (8 weeks, plus exam)
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.
Style Course Sequence 2: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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:
- Traditional Funk/Soul
- Jazz 40’s & 50’s
- Gospel
- Afro Pop
Style Analysis – Series 2: (4 classes)
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.
Groove Mechanics – Series 2: (8 classes)
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.
Style Rhythm Section – Series 2: (8 classes)
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.
Individual Study and Practice: (8 weeks)
Weekly Private Lessons: Students may study with an individual instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours a day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off peak times throughout the week.
Quarter Three:
Studio Recording 1: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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.
Style Course Sequence 3: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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:
- Caribbean
- Contemporary Rock
- Contemporary Jazz
- Contemporary Funk
Style Analysis – Series 3: (4 classes)
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.
Groove Mechanics – Series 3: (8 classes)
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.
Style Rhythm Section – Series 3: (4 classes)
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.
Individual Study and Practice: (8 weeks)
Weekly Private Lessons: Students may study with an individual instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours a day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off peak times throughout the week.
Quarter Four:
Studio Recording 2: (8 weeks, plus exam)
This course introduces the student to the recording studio. After receiving an overview 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 2: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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.
Style Course Sequence 4: (8 weeks, plus exam)
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:
- Contemporary Afro-Cuban
- Brazilian
- Hip Hop
- Drum ‘n Bass/Electronic
Style Analysis – Series 4: (4 classes)
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.
Groove Mechanics – Series 4 (8 classes)
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.
Style Rhythm Section – Series 4 (4 classes)
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.
Individual Study and Practice: (8 weeks)
Weekly Private Lessons: Students may study with an individual instructor or series of instructors of their choice.
Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours a day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off peak times throughout the week.
