TheRidgewoodConservatory


FALL 2009 SEMESTER

Check out the end of this page for our Early Childhood Music and Dance Programs!

THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY’S MUSIC PREPARATORY PROGRAM

A three-part approach to the study of music, The Ridgewood Conservatory's Music Preparatory Program has been established to provide the student musician with a sound foundation as well as multi-faceted performance experience:

Theory and Musicianship Classes. Offered both in a group setting and as private study, Theory and Musicianship classes provide the framework necessary for the understanding and performance of music.

Private Instrument or Vocal Instruction. Tailored to meet the individual needs and talents of the student, Private Instruction enables each student to progress at his or her own rate.

Chamber Music and Jazz Ensembles. Ongoing participation in an ensemble serves to broaden the scope of performance beyond that of private study.

We strongly encourage our students to take advantage of The Conservatory’s Music Preparatory Program by enrolling in Theory and Musicianship classes and joining one of our many ensembles, in addition to private instrument instruction.

As an incentive to enrollment, we are offering a $50 discount on tuition to students registering for all three courses concurrently.


THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)

Theory and Musicianship classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of music using theory, composition, ear training and music literature. Students will gain a comprehensive and useful knowledge of music principles, enhancing both their musical awareness and performance.

Fees for Theory and Musicianship are as follows:
30-minute private lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 913.00/semester
45-minute private lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1369.50/semester
60-minute private lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1826.00/semester



PRIVATE INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTION*
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)

Private study offers the student musician untold benefits. Many use the time to focus on improving their overall musicianship in addition to practicing songs for the school band. Others are interested in exploring new musical styles. For the novice, private instruction provides the opportunity to get a head-start before participating in a school music program. Private instruction is offered on woodwinds, brass, strings, piano, percussion and voice (see Vocal Performance below).

Fees for private study for the semester are as follows:
30-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 913.00/semester
45-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1369.50/semester
60-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1826.00/semester

* Piano and violin lessons available for ages 5 years - adult.
All other instruments available for ages 8 years - adult.


CHAMBER MUSIC AND JAZZ ENSEMBLES*
To Be Determined!

Chamber Music Ensembles and Jazz Ensembles provide the opportunity to perform challenging level-appropriate music in an intimate group setting. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability.

The following ensembles will be offered at the intermediate and advanced levels:
Woodwind Saxophone
Clarinet Flute
String Brass
Percussion Guitar
Jazz

Fees for ensembles are as follows:
One-hour rehearsals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299.00/semester

* 10 years - adult. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability.
Schedules to be determined by instructor. Classes subject to enrollment.

JAZZ IMPROVISATION*
To Be Determined! (12 sessions per semester)

Designed for student-musicians who are fluent in all 12 keys, Jazz Improvisation teaches the skills necessary to do much more than play the written notes on the page. Students explore their creative potential through improvisation, experience a variety of jazz styles, experiment with new techniques, and enjoy the rhythms and sounds associated with some of America’s most famous musicians. Students bring their own instruments.

Fees for Jazz Improvisation Workshops are as follows:

One-hour rehearsals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299.00/semester

* 10 years - adult. Students will be accepted by audition only and placed according to ability.
Schedules to be determined by instructor. Classes subject to enrollment.


PIANO, SOLFEGE AND THEORY WITH MAESTRA VERA

Students studying piano with Maestra Pamela Vera can now enroll in a new program which integrates Piano, Solfege and Theory into twice-weekly private lessons. This intensive is designed to augment and enhance a young pianist’s progress and to accelerate overall musicianship and prowess. Available as two 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons per week. (Lessons may be scheduled back-to-back.)

COMPOSITION, MUSIC HISTORY, AUDITION PREPARATION AND MUSIC AP COACHING

Private and/or group instruction is available in Music Composition, Music History, and preparation for school, band, orchestra or professional auditions and Music Advance Placement exams.

SPRING STUDENT RECITAL - To Be Determined, 2010
The Ridgewood Conservatory's annual student recital will be held in May at the George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood. All of our students are encouraged, but not required, to participate. (Date to be announced.)

SONATA RECITALS
As the semester progresses, many of our teachers schedule small "sonata recitals" in TRC's Rose Recital Hall to provide their students with the opportunity to practice performing in front of an audience

FACULTY RECITALS
The Ridgewood Conservatory's Faculty Recitals offer our students the unique opportunity to hear their own teachers perform in a concert setting. (Dates to be announced.)

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For our student vocalists...

THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY’S VOCAL MUSIC PROGRAM

TRC’s newly expanded Vocal Music Program is designed to provide a full range of vocal performance training in the classical, musical theater and popular crossover vocal mediums, with a special emphasis on the American Musical Theater. Taught by highly qualified performing professionals, The Ridgewood Conservatory offers a complete vocal music education, combining professional performance practice and the literature and materials of music.

DISCOVER THE JOY OF SINGING with Hanne Ladefoged-Dollase
Hanne Ladefoged-Dollase’s vocal program at TRC is especially geared towards the student who wants to find - and free - his or her voice in a warm and nurturing environment. The program teaches the student to sing with ‘the whole body’ though body-mind techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, Alexander technique and Wesley Balk performance techniques. Ms. Ladefoged-Dollase has extensive credentials in oratorio, concert, traditional and experimental opera, music education and community outreach programs, as well as a popular choir clinician
.

VOCAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE COMPLETE SINGER*
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)
Hanne Ladefoged-Dollase’s program of one-on-one instruction offers a comprehensive study of the art of singing to both amateurs and professionals.
• Vocal technique and voice building
• Classic bel canto vocal technique for the lyric and the dramatic voice
• Performance techniques, expression, interpretation of songs in English and foreign languages
• Exploration of, and historical/analytic perspective on, chosen song literature
• Audition preparation and coaching
• Sight-singing, solfege and ear-training

FINDING YOUR NATURAL VOICE with Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson broadens the scope of TRC’s Vocal Performance department from Classical Music and Musical Theater to include Gospel, R&B and Rock ’n Roll. Mr. Wilson’s extensive teaching experience makes him uniquely qualified to coach teens and pre-teens, as well as adult vocalists. A Baritone with impressive credentials in oratorio, opera, gospel, church music and musical theater, Mark Wilson focuses on helping amateur and professional singers discover their natural voice without trying to imitate others.

VOCAL PERFORMANCE in classical, R&B, musical theater, gospel and rock *
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)
Whether studying to sing on stage, in church, at school or in a garage-band, vocal students of all ages will find private instruction with Mark Wilson meets the needs of beginners as well as more advanced vocalists.
• Development of the singing voice as the natural extension of the speaking voice
• Focus and refinement of the natural performer
• Audition preparation and coaching
• Theory, solfege and ear-training
• Development of style and expression across a broad variety of song literature
• Performance practice in Gospel, Rock and R&B

SINGING FOR THE STAGE with Kathryn Zetto
Vocal Performance for the Musical Theater, Vocal Performance for the Operatic and Concert Stage, and Acting for the Musical Theater Workshops are taught by Kathryn Zetto, a professional performer with extensive credits in opera, concerts and recitals, musical theater and television. Highly experienced teaching all levels of vocal performance, Ms. Zetto’s students include numerous working vocalists and vocal competition winners. Well-known for her success in developing professional growth in children, her students are currently performing at major venues throughout NY and NJ.

VOCAL PERFORMANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATER*
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)

This program offers performance-oriented vocal training to children, teens and adults – both amateurs and professionals – with emphasis in the American Musical Theater traditions and performance techniques for the singing actor. Young performers will learn to "take the stage" and "tell the story." More advanced performers and professionals will have the opportunity to perfect their vocal technique and expand their on-stage skills. Taught by Kathryn Zetto, our Vocal Performance for Musical Theater program enables students to grow and develop in the studio, in school performances, and in professional level work through voice building and dramatic coaching:

Voice building with diaphragmatic breathing, expressive use and understanding of vocal phrasing and musical values

Performance techniques to develop the complete singing actor

Alexander technique for an expressive and relaxed body

Preparation for auditions and vocal competitions

Microphone techniques for the stage

• Singing for the cabaret

The Musical Theater program offers a comfortable and safe growing environment to explore and develop each individual’s special talents. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents as a single performer, in duets and as a member of an ensemble.

The Vocal Performance for Musical Theater program at The Ridgewood Conservatory
is not only the right place to learn how to sing a song, it’s the place to become a special star!

VOCAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE OPERATIC AND CONCERT STAGE*
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009 (21 lessons per semester)

This program offers a complete study of classical vocal performance with Kathryn Zetto, with emphasis on traditional performance practice in opera, oratorio and concert performance to both amateurs and professional vocalists:

• Vocal technique and voice building

• Classic bel canto, spinto, and dramatic vocal techniques

• Performance techniques, expression and interpretation of songs in English and foreign languages

• Exploration of the song literature, especially the French Melodie and German Lieder

• Diction: English, Italian, German, French; Emphasis in the use of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)

• Audition preparation and coaching

• Alexander Technique

• Sight-singing, Solfege (Solfeggio), Ear Training

• Music History, Music Theory and Schenker Analysis

Fees for all Vocal Performance Instruction:

30-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 913.00/semester
45-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1369.50/semester
60-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1826.00/semester

* 8 years - adult.

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For our potential thespians...

THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY’S ACTING PROGRAM

TRC’s Acting Program, designed and taught by stage, musical theater and television actress Kathryn Zetto, was created to train both amateur and professional actors who wish to explore and enhance their acting skills. Available as weekly workshops for our vocal students, or as private lessons for both vocalists and dramatic actors, Ms. Zetto teaches our students the skills needed to "act the part" in school, local and professional musical and dramatic theater productions, including:
Technical Expertise.
How the theater works, technical terminology, audition techniques.
Individual Acting Skills.
How to work with speech (projection, tone, clarity, diction, inner rhythm), body movement and dance, and use of props–both real and imaginary.
Creativity and Imagination.
How to improvise, tell a story, and access feelings.
On-Stage Relationships.
How to act and interact with others, work as a group, develop the "inner eye," and hit the mark.
Acting Scenes with Music.
How to perform in duets, trios and ensembles (for vocalists).


PRIVATE ACTING INSTRUCTION
August 31, 2009 - January 23, 2009
(21 lessons per semester)
Private acting lessons allow the student-actor to focus on individual skills, prepare for auditions, explore various acting techniques, and/or receive one-on-one coaching for an upcoming performance. Lessons are also available on an as-needed basis.

Fees for Private Acting Instruction:

30-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 913.00/semester
45-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1369.50/semester
60-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1826.00/semester


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For our youngest students...

SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE $25 ON TUITION IF YOUR CHILD ENROLLS IN
BOTH MUSIC AND OUR NEW DANCE CLASSES THIS SEMESTER!


NEW! THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY’S
EARLY CHILDHOOD DANCE PROGRAM

September 14, 2009 - January 9, 2009* (14 classes per semester)

The Ridgewood Conservatory is pleased to announce the debut of our Early Childhood Dance Program ... adding more "movement to music" opportunities for our younger students. A sister-program to our Early Childhood Music classes, the dance classes offered at TRC are structured to address the different physical and social skills of each age group.

Designed to teach the fundamentals of ballet, this program enables our student-dancers to develop coordination and enhance both gross and fine motor skills, while learning to be more independent, mastering age-appropriate social skills and increasing their attention spans.

Through circle, line and across-the-floor work, our young dancers will gain an understanding of basic musical rhythms and how dancers can move to them, learn how to define and manage spatial boundaries within a group, and increase overall musicality. Students will be introduced to much of the classic music literature written for dance, as well as music from a wide range of genres. TRC’s Early Childhood Dance Program will provide your child with a wonderful opportunity to explore movement to music in a safe, non-competitive environment.

Twinkling Stars (Movement to Music for 3 year olds)
To a pre-schooler, the world is a wide-open, un-explored and still magical place. By learning simple pre-ballet movements your child will begin to explore movement as a way of self expression. Twinkling Stars will learn basic positions of the feet, porte de bras or arm movements, as well as simple jumps on two feet, gallops, skips and gentle stretching. They will also learn to use dance as a way of telling a story, while learning to relate to musical rhythms. (45 minutes)
monday: 2:30pm SATURDAY: 2:30PM

Ballet Bunnies (Pre-Ballet for 4-5 year olds)
As your pre-schooler begins to get ready for more formal schooling, her attention span will increase, as will her fine and gross motor skills. Ballet Bunnies will study the various positions of their feet and arms, and will begin to work at the barre. Plies, piques and passes will be introduced along with the correct terminology for each step. Children will learn transfer of weight, jumping on one foot, and the technique of turning called "spotting." As their cognitive skills increase, we will add combinations of steps to their repertoire. Free movement and storytelling through dance will be used to encourage self expression. (45 minutes)
MONDAY: 3:30PM SATURDAY: 3:30PM

Dancing Dolls (Introduction to Ballet for 5-6 year olds)
As children head off to pre-k and kindergarten, they become more independent individuals, excited to participate in and share new experiences. In Dancing Dolls, we focus on perfecting the first two positions of the feet and gradually add a third. With increased coordination, your child will learn combinations of steps at the barre (including plies, tendues, piques and grand battements), the first turn, proper jumping techniques, more complex jumps, and the waltz step. Of course, our Dancing Dolls will continue to be encouraged to listen to and "feel" the music as they dance. (60 minutes)
MONDAY: 4:30PM SATURDAY 4:30PM

*Early Childhood Music and Dance classes will not be held during the following dates:
November 23 – 28 and December 21 – January 2.

Classes are currently scheduled for Mondays and Saturdays (times subject to change). Please let us know if you can't find a time that meets your needs - new classes will be started as these fill in...

Fees for the Early Childhood Dance Program:


Twinkling Stars and Ballet Bunnies

45-minute classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299.00/semester
Required Ballet Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 40.00

Dancing Dolls
60-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $399.00/semester
Required Ballet Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 40.00

THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY’S
EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC PROGRAM

September 14, 2009 - January 9, 2009* (14 classes per semester)

The Early Childhood Music Program at The Ridgewood Conservatory was created as a ‘prequel’ to private instrument instruction. Beginning with classes for newborns and toddlers, and continuing through second-graders, our youngest students realize their musical potential by learning to translate their natural affinity for music into instrument readiness.

Moreover, recent studies indicate that incorporating music and movement into a young child’s everyday life has proven to be a wonderful vehicle for children to experience the joy of learning, develop listening skills, focus their attention, and enhance their understanding of language and concepts...skills that will be necessary for success both in school and throughout life.

After extensive research, we have chosen the Musikgarten® Early Childhood Music program for our young students. Musikgarten is a revolutionary program designed to help a child grow musically, as well as emotionally, socially and cognitively. Developed by internationally acclaimed experts, the Musikgarten curriculum includes developmentally appropriate activities to keep your child engaged while learning about life through music.

Every parent knows that early childhood is a remarkable period of growth and development. We believe it is also the perfect time to start your child’s musical education.

family music for babies (newborn - 18 months)
Sound is the only "language" your infant knows. In sharing music with your baby through playful activities, you and your child will form an even greater bond, while your child increases his or her curiosity about music, develops listening skills and establishes the foundation for music. Family Music for Babies incorporates songs, games, dancing, moving and singing into a non-stressful, non-judgmental musical playtime. Emphasis is on relaxing, growing and enjoying time together, without any behavioral expectations.
TUESDAY 9:00AM; WEDNESDAY 9:30AM

family music for TODDLERS (16 months - age 3)
As your toddler begins to explore the world, movement and sensory perception become primary learning tools. Participating in fun-filled activities that bridge the natural gap between music and movement will serve to strengthen the musical bond you have with your child, while nurturing perceptual learning. Family Music for Toddlers stresses rote imitation of tonal and rhythmic patterns and develops creativity through singing, moving, dancing, listening and playing simple instruments.
TUESDAY 10:00AM; WEDNESDAY 10:30AM, 11:30AM; SATURDAY 9:30AM, 10:30AM

cycle of seasons (ages 3 - 5 years)
A growing desire for independence, a fascination with nature and a need for self-expression are integral parts of your pre-schooler’s development. Your child will enjoy learning about music through nature with classmates for the first half-hour of each session, and with you during the last 15 minutes. Cycle of Seasons teaches rhythmic and tonal patterning to create the building blocks for musical notation through singing, focused listening and exploring musical instruments. Self-expression is taught through creative movement and storytelling.
TUESDAY 12:30PM, 2:30PM; WEDNESDAY 3:30PM; SATURDAY 8:30AM, 11:30AM

music makers I and ii (ages 4 - 7 years)
As a pre- or beginning reader, your older child is ready to translate musical sounds into symbols. Newly acquired motor skills and language development set the stage for further exploration of music. Music Makers is a sequential two-year pre-instrument program developed to build symbolic thinking, concentration and musical language. The program includes singing, solfege, creative and structured movement, playing instruments alone and as part of an ensemble, ear training and guided listening to develop initial music literacy. Note: Music Makers IA, IB and IIA, IIB classes must be taken in sequence.
MUSIC MAKERS IA (1st year, 1st semester) - TUESDAY 3:30PM; WEDNESDAY 2:15PM; SATURDAY 1:00PM
MUSIC MAKERS IB (1st year, 2nd semester) -
WEDNESDAY 4:30PM
MUSIC MAKERS IIA (1st year, 1st semester) - TUESDAY 4:45PM; SATURDAY 2:15PM
MUSIC MAKERS IIB (2nd year, 2nd semester) - WEDNESDAY 5:45PM

*Early Childhood Music and Dance classes will not be held during the following dates:
November 23 – 28 and December 21 – January 2.

Classes are currently scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (times subject to change). Please let us know if you can't find a time that meets your needs - new classes will be started as these fill in...


Fees for the Early Childhood Music Program:


Family Music for Babies, Family Music for Toddlers, and Cycle of Seasons
:

45-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299.00/semester
Course Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 40.00/course

Music Makers IA, IB and IIA, IIB
60-minute lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $399.00/semester
Course Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 55.00/course


FALL SEMESTER BEGINS ON AUGUST 31, 2009 FOR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
AND ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC AND DANCE.
SPACE IS LIMITED. LATE REGISTRATION BY AVAILABILITY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 201-612-6686.