Everyone can also play music, but it must be learned first. Music is learned behavior and very few ever break this rule. Our philosophy is to teach the foundations of music to all of our students, giving them a broad and well-rounded curriculum from which to draw from. When students have been given those fundamentals, then having internalized those concepts, may then move forward in their musical experience to actually make or play music.
Students of the Midwest Music Conservatory are encouraged to continue learning and playing music on other instruments if they are not satisfied with their first choice. Because we believe that all can study music, it is important that all students are able to find an instrument that fits their personality and level of inspiration. Inspired learners who are consistent in their studies may then develop as music performer.
It is our belief at the Conservatory, that no one particular genre of music is the pinnacle of theory and practice. While theoretical principles of Western music stay the same, they are applicable in endless ways of expression. Essentially and at the most fundamental levels, our faculty’s priority is to teach our students the foundations of music, so that they are capable to assimilate alternate expressions within the world of music. These essentials include, but are not exhausted by the following list:
- Rhythmic Comprehension -
The ability to count, divide and subdivide the quarter note and other general note values. - Chord Indoctrination -
Saxophonists as well as pianists and guitar players should be able to recognize and perform the main sets and subsets of chords. - Sight Reading –
While reading notes on a musical staff may be thought of as “traditional”, it is altogether necessary for all instrumentalists and vocalists to be able to read, communicate and perform the language of music. - Fundamentals of Music Theory -
Key signatures, notes, note values, understanding dynamics and music expressiveness, chord/scale construction and relationships, etc. - Age/Level Appropriate Song Selection -
Learning music would be virtually exhausting and unrewarding without making music by playing songs! - Scalar Application -
Learning the key signatures would be limiting without actually applying basic major scales, such as C, G and F to the instrument. As learners assimilate scales, they sharpen their fine motor skills which will allow them to assimilate new music at a successful rate.
Again, the aforementioned list is not exclusive, but certainly foundational to new learners at any age. As students progress within the fundamentals and are taught to be a “complete” or “well-rounded” musician, they will be able to confidently approach new material of various genres.
Young music learners have consistently been tested to determine if they improve academically and the results have always been the same. Music students repeatedly test higher in math and sciences. As a student grows musically, they also develop life skills such as preparedness, decision making, organization and attentiveness. Being able to play a musical instrument or to use the voice musically will always be a good outlet to satisfy the mind and calm the soul. We understand that only a percentage of our students will continue their studies at the University level and even a smaller percentage will become performers or music teachers themselves, but they will be given a discipline that they can use the rest of their lives.