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.

Elective Schedule

Elective Descriptions

• Beginning Conducting Techniques. Students will learn conducting basics in a supportive environment, led by experienced music education pedagogues. Instructors: Chris Neske, Zachary Levi, Kevin Peters
   
• A British Invasion: A History of Classic Rock. Participants will study the history, popularity, and social impact of British bands and their influence on American culture. Instructor: Amy Schumann Griswold
   
• The Collaborative Studio Recording Experience. Instrumentalists and vocalists will collaborate to produce and record a song by the end of the week. Students will follow a predetermined song form developed by the instructor and be given the opportunity to contribute artistically throughout the recording process. The final recorded product will be presented at the final concert on Saturday afternoon. Instructor: Tyler Ogilvie
  
  
• Creative Leadership. Students will participate in activities to learn about creative problem solving, healthy habits, and teamwork skills to build their confidence as leaders. Instructor: Michele Lenhart
   
• Fiddling. An introduction course for string players to learn the basic fiddling styles. Instructor: Jeffrey Abbott, Jeannine McGreevy, Luella Pinelli
   
• Folk Music from around the World. Students will explore the sounds and structure of folk music from around the world, including West African drumming, Indian classical music, Eastern European folk music of Béla Bartók and Kodaly, Indonesian Gamelan music, Latin American samba, tango, and mariachi (Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico), and Aboriginal music (didgeridoo). Instructor: Amy Schumann Griswold
   
• Improvisation for All. A course which will foster musical creativity and improvisation that is open to all instrument areas. Instructor: Will Cicola
   
• 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 Drawing. Students will explore perception and imagination as they relate to drawing. Extra fee for drawing materials. Instructor: Karen Kucharski
   
• Introduction to 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: Julie Carr
   
• Introduction to the Piano. Students who have limited experience playing the piano will have the opportunity to learn the basics. Instructor: Lauren Regan, David Geary
   
• Introduction to Singing. Students who have limited experience singing will have the opportunity to learn basic techniques. Instructor: Kailey Pulos
   
• Jazz History and Improvisation. Students will be introduced to the defining elements of jazz music through learning about its history and listening to great artists. Students will learn to play at least one jazz tune on their instrument/voice and learn the beginning steps of how improvise in a jazz style. No previous jazz or improvisation is experience is required.. Instructor: Mike Treat, Patrick O'Connell
   
• Music History via YouTube. An interactive course which will use YouTube to illustrate major moments in music history. Instructor: Jennifer Neske
   
• Musical Theatre Performance. Participants will learn how to prepare a music theater song and will have the opportunity to perform the song for an audience. Instructor: Michael Wade
   
• Music Theory Fundamentals. A course designed to teach the basic fundamentals of music theory, with a brief introduction to sight-singing. Instructors: Emily Guarino, Peter Guarino
   
• Story Telling and Writing. Students learn the basics of creating a traditional story; character, interdiction, problem solving, resolution etc.The class will improvise stories together and create stories individually and in groups. Instructor: Abigale Reisman