Foundational Music Track
Colorado Springs Conservatory
Foundational Piano Class - Dr. Adam Haas
Grow as a performer and musician through a mix of performance and special topic sessions in this weekly piano class. Once a month, the class transforms into a performance masterclass, where students share their music with peers and a mentor, building confidence and learning to give and receive constructive feedback. In other weeks, students will explore a variety of engaging topics such as piano literature, duets and ensembles, accompanying, keyboard skills, and pedagogy. Students will also enjoy exciting performance opportunities throughout the year, including a mid-semester recital and Holiday Extravaganz in the fall, as well as Piano Night in March and the Conservatory Festival at the end of the spring semester. Together, these experiences foster well-rounded musicianship and a deeper connection to the piano.
Foundational Music Production - Dr. John Rot
This class introduces students to the process of creating music in a DAW (digital audio workstation), focusing on techniques such as using electronic and software instruments, making beats, working with audio loops, and more. Students will develop an understanding of basic production principles and the confidence to continue creating on their own using Logic Pro in our state-of-the-art computer lab. Additionally, we learn the ins and outs of studio engineering, including recording and editing audio from vocals and instruments.
Foundational Songwriting - Dr. John Rot
This class is designed for students eager to tell their own stories through songwriting. We analyze song structure, learn about building effective chord progressions, workshop lyrics, and more, all with the goal of enhancing students’ capacities to express themselves through their songs. Whether a student has never written many songs or has only dreamed of trying, all abilities and experience levels will benefit by learning more about the craft of songwriting and how to put it into practice themselves.
Foundational Composition - Dr. John Rot
This class explores the fundamentals of composing original music, including writing chord progressions to evoke different moods, composing memorable melodies, using rhythm to create dramatic energy, and more. Students have the opportunity to create music of any style for live performers or orchestral mockups in the professional production software Logic Pro.
Foundational Group Voice - Jack Branning
Students have fundamental understanding and knowledge of music theory based on appropriate RCM Theory level. Students will explore warm ups in rounds to increase vocal independence as well as actively listening to how their part fits with another vocalist or instrument. Students explore vocal scales, keys, and agility to make musical decisions in regards to artistry or character development.