Musicianship Classes

General musicianship classes are included in rehearsals for the Da Capo, Lyric, Treble, and Concert Choirs. In musicianship classes, singers will learn age-appropriate vocal technique, pitch- and rhythm-matching skills, and ensemble teamwork. Curriculum is based on Kodály methodology.

Musicianship Teachers: Molly Khatcheressian, Michelle McCarten, Lucinda Sexton, Eric Sennett

We also offer an Early Childhood Music Class, and an AP Theory class is planned for 2012. 

Early Childhood Music Class for 2 – 4 Year Olds

Mondays in Annandale from 5:00-5:30

Research shows that in-tune singing and movement skills are best developed in early childhood.  The activities in our early childhood music class are based on folk songs and traditional rhymes. This rich repertoire is best for the young child, because folk song is a natural means of melodic expression and flowing use of language.  The repertoire prepares young children for singing high-quality literature in our Da Capo Choirs.  Pedagogy is a Kodály-inspired approach based on “First Steps in Music,” developed by John Feierabend.   
 
Class structure

  • Greeting, gathering, welcoming songs
  • Pitch exploration
  • Song Fragments
    • Echo Songs
    • Call and Response Songs
  • Simple Songs
  • Percussion Exploration
  • Active listening
  • Child-Created Tunes
  • Movement Exploration
  • Movement with the Beat
  • Song Tales
  • Parent Sharing

During the final five minutes of class, parents are invited into class for a brief Informance, so the teacher can share the focus song with parents. Parents will receive a copy of the focus song to review at home and to build a repertoire of simple songs and rhymes.
 
Tuition:          $300 for September - May OR

Session 1 (September – December):  $150
Session 2 (January – May):  $200

For more information or to register:  Contact the FCS Office.
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Coming up:  Advanced Placement Music Theory Class for High School Students

We are planning to offer an AP Music Theory class in 2012!

The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of these goals may best be approached by initially addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course will progress to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figured-bass notation.

The student's ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to such a course. It is also assumed that the student has acquired (or is acquiring) at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.

In addition to the once a week meeting, the student will be responsible for completing an online class each week as well. This class will prepare students to take the AP Music Theory Exam; however, it is not required.

Tuition:          $300
For more information or to register:  Contact the FCS Office
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Coming Soon - Adult Music Literacy Class
Check Out the flyer here!