Course Level 4

Intermediate B is an intensive period of study, which focuses on musicianship skills, style performance competencies, and professional performance experiences. Intermediate A is a prerequisite for Intermediate B.

Intermediate B includes the following classes:

Musicianship:
This class is part of a seven-level sequence, which focuses on music theory, aural skills, and keyboard proficiency.

Reading Proficiency Class:
The Reading Proficiency Class consists of a series of progressive classes. Students learn sight-reading skills and the ability to interpret music from a wide variety of sources and formats.

Time & Groove Class 4:
This four-class sequence is a continuation of the classes taught in the CPA program, which emphasize to students the importance of playing in time and with a musical groove, no matter what the technical challenge. Students play a variety of transition grooves from and into Swing, Funk, Latin, and Shuffle. Students apply what they have learned by playing with a click track and with a professional rhythm section.


Technical Proficiency:

Rudimental Drum Ensemble 4:
Students work in an ensemble setting learning and applying foundation rudiments. This course focuses on hand technique, ensemble performance, and reading skills. 

Bass, Guitar, and Keyboard Technical Proficiency 4:
Students apply the basics of proper instrumental technique with a focus on proper hand and body position as well as correct fingerings to typical rhythm section and instrumental ensemble material.


Performance and Lab Classes:

Drummers Lab-2:
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. Tasks include playing variations of more complex rudiments with accents on the bass drum and crash cymbals, and the application of alternate sticking in a variety of 8th, 16th, and 6/8 grooves.

Bassist Walking Bass Line Lab-2:
This course continues and builds on the work done in Walking Bass line 1. Students study more complex progressions and a wider range of bass line patterns. Course material continues with the study of diatonic and chromatic passing tones on strong and weak beats – the repertoire focuses on the minor as well as major mode. There will be considerable emphasis on rhythmic elements and creating bass lines in the context of non-functional harmony.

Guitar Ensemble:
This ensemble gives guitarists the opportunity to study, rehearse, and perform material written and conceived for this instrumentation. Students are coached on ensemble performance, dynamics, improvisation, and playing in a variety of styles.

Keyboard Accompaniment-2:
This course continues from where KA-1 left off. Keyboardists have the opportunity to develop the ability to accompany vocalists and other instrumentalists in a wide range of styles, including standards, R&B, Jazz, and Brazilian styles. Students are coached on conceptual and technical aspects of this skill area, while working with fellow vocal and instrumental students.

Real Deal Rehearsal-2:
This course gives students the practical experience of working together with a faculty “bandleader” 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. Course commences with a public recital.

Latin Percussion Ensemble 2:
This course gives students in all divisions the opportunity to study Brazilian music, in a Batucada ensemble setting, on the indigenous percussion instruments.


Styles and Harmonic Sequences 2

Drums and Bass Style Sequence B:
Each style is presented in a four-class sequence consisting of a style analysis class, followed by two groove mechanics classes, and culminating with a pro style rhythm section.

  • Caribbean
  • Contemporary Rock
  • Contemporary Jazz
  • Contemporary Funk
  • Contemporary Afro-Cuban
  • Brazilian
  • Hip-Hop
  • Drum n Bass / Electronic

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. Instructors 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. All instruments meet separately. Students are also given I-Pods on which the repertoire compilations are loaded.

3. Style Rhythm Section Series 2:
Each student must pass a quarter-end “Jury” performing pieces in selected styles from the style sequence list. The Jury is made up of the faculty members who teach in the style sequence.

4. Quarter-end Juries
Each student must pass a quarter-end “Jury” performing pieces in selected styles from the style sequence list. The Jury is made up of the faculty members who teach in the style sequence.


Guitar and Keyboard Harmonic Sequences – 2

Harmonic Studies Sequence – 2:
This four-class harmonic sequence takes students through a series of chord progressions, from modal harmonies to full chromatically altered chords. Students analyze, apply the progression to their instrument, and then finally, perform in a professional rhythm section on repertoire, which uses the progression being studied.

Harmonic Series – 2 for Guitar and Keyboard CPB:
2-5-1 Progressions (major & minor)
2-5(b9)-1 Progressions
Altered 2-5-1 Progressions

1. Harmonic Analysis – Series 2:
Students study the underlying theory of the progressions being studied.

2. Applied Harmonies – Series 2:
This course shows students how to apply the topic being studied in a musical context and how to deal with the technical instrumental issues arising from the topics at hand.

3. Rhythm Section – Series 2:
This is an opportunity for students to perform the material being studied in a rhythm section setting with professional musicians. The instructor and the other rhythm section musicians critique student performances.

4. Quarter-End Juries:
Each student must pass a quarter-end “Jury” performing pieces in selected styles from the style sequence list. The Jury is made up of faculty members who teach in the style sequence.


Individual Study and Practice

Anchor Teacher Private Lessons:
Students are assigned a private instructor who acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor. Students meet with this teacher 8 times during the quarter, usually weekly, starting in week 2 of the quarter. Students are also allocated 5 additional elective private lessons with a teacher, or series of teachers, of their choice.

Elective Private Lessons:
Students are allocated 5 private lessons to be used to do additional work or make up missed work with any regular faculty member.

Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours of practice time, in a private designated space, per day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional scheduling of private practice rooms are  subject to availability. Students may sign up for a practice space during peak hours as well if space allows or they may choose to practice in a private, off-campus space of their choosing.