Program Overview

Most, though not all, Music Center students have a favorite style of music.  We offer students different, but overlapping, educational tracks across four Departments: Classical, Jazz, Rock, and Roots.

Within in each Department, students encounter faculty who have rich experience and serious training in their field of interest and production, and other students with similar interests.  Our educational programs are carefully designed to support the cultivation of an authentic practice in a particular style, and Departmental tracking plays a critical role.

In our globally connected and temporally suspended world, what traditions can we preserve and what intriguing musical fusion lies ahead? Students can explore both traditional and experimental practices within each of these Departments, and they can shape their training by taking lessons and courses in more than one track. Indeed, Departments offer the opportunity to cultivate expertise, but they are not rigidly designed to foment artistic isolation.  Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things about being a member of the Music Center community is the opportunity to meet and work with musicians of all kinds.

For younger students in our Elementary Divisions, we provide a comprehensive and broad foundation.  The curriculum prepares the student for more advanced work in any of our Departments.  As students mature, they typically hone in on a track (or sometimes two) that is most appealing to them and their families.  Under the guidance of Center faculty, the student is able to cultivate a genuine musical practice within the chosen area of concentration.

We divide students into Divisions based on age and skill level.  Although some Center-related activities are open to the entire community, many are tailored to meet the educational needs of the target group(s).  Further, some of our faculty hold expertise working with students in particular Divisions.  By categorizing students, we are able to channel them io the opportunities and resources that will meet their needs and interests.

• Early Childhood Division (Be-Boppers): for preschool aged students
• Lower Elementary Division (Level 100): for students in grades K -2
• Upper Elementary Division (Level 200): for students grades 3-5
• Intermediate Division (Level 300): for students grades 6-8
• Open Division (Level 400): for high school aged students and older
• Pre-Pro Division: for serious students and students who plan to pursue a career or collegiate studies in music