2012 Electives

The Summer Music Academy is unique in offering an extensive list of music and non-music electives. For students considering a career in music, these electives offer an array of experiences that will hone interests and provide new musical experiences typically not available in most summer music programs.

Electives are filled on a first-come, first-served basis after June 1. Posted electives subject to change depending upon interest and enrollment. Students must choose "practice time" for at least one elective period.

Elective Schedule:

 Elective Descriptions

• Beginning Conducting Techniques. This course is designed to equip the student with the fundamental skills of conducting, including baton position, left hand technique, score reading and preparation, transposition and rehearsal procedure. Members of the class will also function as the ensemble and each person will have the opportunity to conduct the ensemble. Instructors: Jennifer Sengin, Patrick Valentino, Andrew Benware, Tony Pinelli
   
• Creative Leadership. Participants will explore new perspectives and strategies to develop healthy, creative and effective leadership skills. No previous leadership experience is required. Instructor: Michele Lenhart
   
• Drawing the Landscape. This class will offer students an opportunity to use the Ithaca College campus as inspiration for observational drawings. Using the nearby the pond, fountains, hills and unique architecture, students will gain skills in perspective and creative mark-making. Instructor: Jenna North
   
• Drawing the Musical Still. Using a variety of dry and wet mediums, students will work on key observational drawing skills. The class will include warm-up gestural and longer studies. Instructor: Jenna North
   
• Emotion and Meaning in Music. From the Renaissance to the present, composers have cultivated musical materials that provoke human reactions that are more emotional then intellectual. Using examples from music history, musical affect will be discussed. Instructor: Mark Radice
   
• Finding Balance. Students will learn to balance the intensity and focus of a serious performer with the creativity and artistry needed to balance the whole musician. Instructor: Dawn Pierce
   
• Intermediate Conducting Techniques. Designed for students who succeeded in last year's Basic Conducting Techniques class. Students will review the fundamental skills of conducting, including baton position, left hand technique, score reading and preparation, transposition and rehearsal procedure while learning more advanced conducting pedagogy. Members of the class will also function as the ensemble and each person will have the opportunity to conduct the ensemble. This course is available to only students who took the beginning course last summer. Instructors: Andrew Benware
  
  
• Introduction to Acting. Introduction to Acting will focus on developing beginning acting skills through theatre games, ensemble exercises, improvisation and open scene work. No previous experience necessary. Instructor: Jennifer Herzog
  
  
• Introduction to the Classical Guitar. Students will obtain a functional understanding of the guitar, as well as tools for the continued exploration of the instrument beyond the scope of the class. Emphasis will be placed on right and left hand technique, basic chord shapes, and reading skills. Instructor: Michael Caporizzo
   
• Introduction to Composition. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of compositional procedures used in traditional and contemporary concert music, leading to composing one or two short works. Private lessons with Professor Lamb-McCune are also available upon request (standard private lesson rates apply). Instructor: Sally Lamb-McCune
   
• Introduction to Italian.  Students will learn the basics of the Italian language, including the alphabet, numbers, colors, weather, food, etc.  This interactive class will also focus on common phrases, as well as developing a better understanding of the common Italian musical terms. Instructor: Emily DiAngelo
   
• Introduction to Modern Dance. Students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of Modern Dance through technique in the modern style and improvisational movement. No previous experience necessary. Come ready to move! Instructor: Avery Sobczak
   
• Introduction to the Piano. Students who have limited experience playing the piano will have the opportunity to learn the basics. Instructors: Elena Nezhdanova, Russell Posegate
   
• Introduction to Singing. Students who have limited experience singing will have the opportunity to learn basic techniques. Instructor: Kailey Pulos
   
• Introduction to Sound Recording Technology. Students will learn basic recording concepts that will include cable and connector identification, interconnecting of audio equipment, microphone technology, live sound, and remote recording techniques. Instructor: Michael Caporizzo
   
• Jazz Improvisation and Standards I. Students will learn the basic elements of how to improvise and compose an effective jazz solo. No previous experience in jazz or improvisation required. Instructor: Mike Titlebaum
   
• Jazz Improvisation and Standards II. Students will learn more advanced techniques of how to improvise and compose an effective jazz solo, such as playing over more challenging harmonies and more difficult songs. For students with previous jazz and/or improvisation experience. Instructor: Mike Titlebaum
   
• Let's Write (and Perform) a Musical. A collaborative workshop in which the participants create a short original, one-act musical. Instructor: Joel Gelpe
   
• Practice Time. Students are required to choose a practice time for at least one of their three elective periods. Practicing will take place in our newly remodeled individual practice rooms. Counselors will be available to supervise practicing and offer guidance as needed.
   
• Sounds Other People Make. This course will expose students to a wide variety of countries and cultures including Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, India, the Middle East and Asia. Instructor: Mark Radice
   
• Sound Synthesis and Music Technology. Using the software application, Reason, students will explore sound and the manipulation of various sound parameters. Using analog synthesizers, digital samplers and drum machines, the students will record and edit musical material, create their own timbres and experiment with different sound parameters that they use daily as performers. Instructor: Timothy Nord 
   
• The Musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. An overview of Rodgers and Hammerstein's best known shows, their lesser known shows, and "flops," as well as an introduction to the shows which Rodgers wrote after Hammerstein's death. Instructor: Joel Gelpe
   
• Top Ten "Big Bang" Moments in Music History. This class is an exciting introduction to ten crucial moments in music history from Mozart, Wagner, Stravinsky to John Cage. Instructor: Sara Haefeli
   
• Yoga for Musicians. An exploration into the integration of yoga philosophy and music pedagogy, in order to develop a more efficient approach to practicing and performance. This course will explore basic yoga postures, breath work, and concepts of yoga philosophy. Come prepared to lie down, move around, and find some peace and quiet. No previous experience is necessary! Instructor: Allison Adams