|
Piano Department
The Piano Department at ISM was established to meet the needs of
students of all ages and abilities. Beginning with a natural
hand/arm technique (developed in the last 30 years and now
taught at many prestigious music conservatories), students at
ISM learn to read and understand notes and musical symbols, as
well as learn classical and more contemporary repertoire.
Music theory is included in the lesson. The goal of the piano
program is to encourage students to develop a love of music within a
comprehensive program that is tailored to individual needs.
Students perform solo pieces for the optional annual winter and
spring formal recitals. Proper performance etiquette is
emphasized. The opportunity to participate in a small ensemble
setting is available throughout the academic year. Also, ISM is
Bethesda’s Center for the National Piano Guild Piano
Auditions/American College of Musicians. This program is
optional and allows students to participate and demonstrate
their level of proficiency. Students are awarded with diplomas
and report cards at each level. In addition,
there are other numerous performance opportunities, such as
recitals, MTNA festivals, and competitions. Semester evaluations
are completed for each student at the end of the year.
Strings Department
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar,
Harp)
The Strings Program at ISM teaches note reading from the
beginning, as well as proper technique and intonation. Suzuki
and other method books are used in addition to recital
repertoire to promote enjoyment, excellence and creativity.
Music theory is taught in the lesson. The goal of the string
program is to give students a love of music within a
comprehensive program that is flexible to individual needs.
Students perform solo pieces with an accompanist for the
optional annual winter and spring formal recitals. Proper
performance etiquette is emphasized. The opportunity to
participate in a small ensemble setting is available throughout
the academic year. Yearly evaluations are completed for each
student in order to monitor progress. Students may also
participate at optional ASTA (American String Teachers
Association) and/or Royal School of Music (ABRSM) exams.
Certificates, awarded by level, serve as markers of progress
through ASTA/ABRSM curriculum.
Voice Department
Voice classes introduce the fundamentals of breathing, diaphragm
control, correct posture, good vocal support, tone production
and diction in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. In addition,
students receive training in pitch, tone, agility, projection,
timing and phrasing.
ISM strives to give voice students the best training possible to
prevent injury and to increase range, flexibility, and control.
Students gain confidence as they learn to use their voices
properly and expressively while reducing strain and physical
tension.
Repertoire includes classical (opera/oratorio), folk, jazz, pop
and Broadway selections. These lessons can also help students
prepare for future auditions through vocal coaching, staging
instruction and assistance in selecting appropriate repertoire. Students learn
vocal and physical warm-ups and how to work with an accompanist.
Classical voice involves the study and application of vocal
technique using repertoire from folk songs to English, French,
German and Italian music in the original languages. Emphasis on
voice production may include clarity of speech, economy of
breath and proper articulation. The student should ultimately be
able to sing with ease and confidence.
ISM also offers performance opportunities such as formal recitals, yearly exams, festivals,
competitions. These performances allow students to showcase
their work, giving them an opportunity to share their progress
with family and friends. Proper performance etiquette is
emphasized. In addition, the opportunity to participate in a
small ensemble setting is available throughout the academic
year.
Woodwind Department
(Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone)
The Woodwind Program at ISM includes private instruction on all
woodwind instruments of all levels. The goal of the woodwind
program is to give students a love of music within a
comprehensive program that is flexible to individual needs. All
students learn note reading from the beginning, as well as
proper technique and intonation. Complete method books are used
in addition to recital repertoire to promote enjoyment,
excellence and creativity. Music theory is taught in the lesson.
Students perform solo pieces with an accompanist for the annual
winter and spring formal recitals. Proper performance etiquette
is emphasized. The opportunity to participate in a small
ensemble setting is available throughout the academic year.
Yearly evaluations are completed for each student in order to
monitor progress. Students may also participate at optional
Royal School of Music (ABRSM) exams. Certificates, awarded by
level, serve as markers of progress through ASTA/ABRSM
curriculum.
Percussion/Drum Department
Students will learn all of the
traditional rhythms that are the
basic building blocks of proper percussion technique. A method
book is used in addition to recital repertoire to promote
enjoyment, excellence, and creativity. All styles are available
including classical, jazz and pop. The opportunity to
participate in a small ensemble setting is available throughout
the academic year. Music theory is taught in the lesson. The
goal of the program is to give students a love of music within
a comprehensive program that is flexible to individual needs.
Yearly evaluations are completed for each student to monitor
progress. Optional recitals and diploma program are available to
interested students.
|
