First, our high-level performance program requires dependable participation from all members. This is true of a professional ensemble. If two choristers in the same section (Soprano I, etc.) don’t attend a rehearsal, the entire group will be out of balance and the rehearsal (and the rest of the ensemble) suffers.
Second, the educational program at CCM is so effective that classes move at a fast pace. This is the same reason that we generally cannot accept new students' mid-year or beginner students over the age of 10: there’s just no way to catch up. We strive to avoid placing a child in a situation where they are likely to ‘fail’. Indeed, a major component of the Kodály approach is to ensure that every child, in every class, feels successful in their work. Every time a student misses a class, they miss a vital component of their education and run the risk of falling too far behind.
Third, in the midst of this world of disposable cell phones, sound bites, and instant gratification, we believe in valuing commitment, teamwork, dependability and responsibility. We are training tomorrow’s leaders.
Audiation. Hearing music inside your head
Sight singing. Singing music by reading music symbols from the page without someone playing it for you on the piano
Dictation. Hearing music and writing it down on music staff paper
Vocal training. How to shape vowels and consonants, how to produce a good sound, how to sing in tune, how to care for the voice
Theory. Includes solfa hand signs, scales, functional solfège (do re mi), key signatures, intervals, melody, harmony, functional rhythm, modes
History. Major composers, classical and folk styles from the Middle Ages to current
Interpretation. Phrasing, expression, improvising, harmonizing, conducting, arranging and composing
The short answer is: We place a strong emphasis in music education—not just performance.
Research shows that efficient and effective learning occurs with increased frequency of teaching. Your child will learn and apply many advanced concepts with peers similarly prepared to embrace increasingly challenging material in class and on stage. The result is a coherent music education and practice that unlocks the ability to intellectually and artistically engage a musical piece, no matter the genre.
Compare this approach to simply singing in a chorus, learning the music from recordings or relying on stronger singers to lead their section, rehearsing once a week, and learning concepts without context and framing because a specific piece demands it. At CCM, each child studies and learns the language of music, striving to achieve independent music literacy.
BEGINNER 1–3 / TREBLE CHOIR
Wednesdays
Class: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturdays
Rehearsal: 8:15 - 9:00 am
Class: 9:00 - 10:00 am
INTERMEDIATE 1–3 / LYRIC CHOIR
Wednesdays
Rehearsal: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Class: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays
Rehearsal: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Class: 10:00 - 11:00 am
SOLFA 1–4/ CONCERT CHOIR
Wednesdays
Rehearsal: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Class: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturdays
Rehearsal: 10:15 - 11:45 am
Class: 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
These are the class/rehearsal times for our current season. Times are subject to change.
Auditions are about 20 minutes long and are held with either our Artistic Director or one of our wonderful teachers. The process is fun and playful, not intimidating, and is designed not only to assess developmental readiness for our program, but to choose an appropriate class placement for the student. In addition to a series of vocal and rhythmic activities, children are usually asked to sing a song that they like. This can be anything, such as a nursery rhyme, folk song, song learned at school or place of worship, or a song from a musical. Parents are welcome and encouraged to sit in on the audition, as it provides a peek into our program.
Be assured that CCM faculty will give your child the utmost respect and consideration. Please note, there is a $25.00 audition fee.
Learn what to expect and watch a brief demo in Experience CCM > Audition Demo.
The primary mission of our Conservatory program is to provide a solid music education that brings children to fluent music literacy. Our pedagogic approach develops in students the ability to listen with understanding, to perform with artistry, and to read, write, improvise and compose music. It is the quality of musicianship training that drives the quality of the performances.
UPDATED: August 2024
CCM COVID & ILLNESS POLICY:
Masking at CCM will now be optional, with the following important caveats, as the health and safety of our entire community remains of paramount importance. Those attending CCM unmasked must be 100% well, free of any symptoms of Cold, Flu, Covid-19 ** or other respiratory or gastro-intestinal illness.
1. **We expect any student who has symptoms of Covid-19 to test at home and if that test is positive, to let CCM know and then stay home from CCM for 5 days. After the five days, as long as the student is free of fever for 24 hours, they may return, but must remain masked for an additional 5 days.
2. **Any student who comes from a household with a positive test within may attend CCM but must remain masked until the infected family member is past day 10.
3. Any student who is too ill to attend school for any reason, should also remain home from CCM. This includes fever, severe cough, vomiting, diarrhea, severe sore throat, or very "drippy" cold. They may return when severe symptoms have resolved, and the student is back at school, but we ask that until they are 100% well, the student mask.
4. Any student who is slightly under the weather, but still attended school, may attend CCM, but is asked to mask until they feel 100% well.
5. It is always optional to remain masked, as per each student's and family's comfort level.
Plans are subject to change pending CDC and state health guidelines.
Or reach us by phone at (410) 494-1480
