Course Level 2

Preparatory B continues with the work begun in Preparatory A 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. 

Preparatory 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 Program:
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 Prep Class 2:
This three-class sequence continues to teach students about playing in time and with a musical groove. Students play a Latin groove for 32 bars with a metronome and transition to playing 32 bars of swing time. Also, students play a rock groove for 16 bars with the metronome and transition to a Hi-Hat groove for 16 bars. Students apply what they have learned by playing with a click track accompanied by a professional rhythm section.

Instrumental Technical Proficiency 2:

  • Drums: Students continue the study of rudimental drumming as the foundation for a solid drumming
  • Bass, Guitar, and Keyboard: Students continue to develop the basics of proper instrumental technique with a focus on proper hand and body position as well as correct fingerings and hand positions for commonly used scales and arpeggios.

Style Prep Sequence – Style Prep 2:
Students work with an instructor on their instrument to develop a 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 2:
This class gives the student the opportunity to apply the work done in the style of preparation and student rehearsal classes in an actual rhythm section setting made up of professional musicians.

Prep Real-Deal Rehearsal 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.

Anchor teacher private Lessons:
Students are assigned a private instructor who acts as the student’s principal teacher and advisor. Students meet with their anchor teacher on a weekly basis, usually starting in week 2 of the quarter.

Daily Individual Practice Time: Students are assigned 2 hours per day during the week, open hours on the weekend, and additional hours available at off-peak times throughout the week.