Instrumental Music
Middle School Course of Study
Guitar Theory
A fundamental course designed to teach music theory to guitarists
Piano Theory
A fundamental course designed to teach music theory to pianists
Theory I
Level one of a fundamental course designed to teach theory basics to percussionists, woodwind, string, and horm players.
Theory II
Level two of a fundamental course designed to teach theory basics to percussionists, woodwind, string, and horm players.
Theory III
Level three of a fundamental course designed to teach theory basics to percussionists, woodwind, string, and horm players.
Guitar Studies
In this class the students will be introduced to different guitar styles through listening and playing. We will discuss a variety of tools available to us from how to develop arrangements for performance, through how to provide solid accompaniment for other musicians. Students will play teacher created arrangements as well as music from their own repertoire. The course aims to further develop in student’s keen ears, creativity, and a solid and well rounded skill set on their instruments.
Jazz Ensemble
Students will play and perform in a big band setting. This course provides instruction in jazz-related rhythm, tone, style,concept, listening skills, and improvisation. We will explore multiple styles of basic Jazz literature including Swing, Blues, Ballads, Jazz Rock, & Latin Jazz.
Piano Program
The Piano Program at OSA shall dually serve to groom fine overall players, including preparing students for interdepartmental/ interdisciplinary opportunities. The piano curriculum will support students’ soloistic development as Classical and Jazz players with technique and repertoire assigned. In addition, it will prepare students for respective group participation through a range of ensemble placement. A private teacher for each student is optimal, however, in the case where the student is without a private teacher, a commensurate program of repertoire shall be assigned as appropriate to the individual’s level and circumstance. IM Piano students are highly encouraged to participate in our many ensemble course offerings available in our department. Piano students that participate in ensembles will also have the opportunity to have solo time on their instrument. If, for a specific reason, a piano student does not wish to take part in our ensemble offerings, a formal request will need to be submitted by both student and parent via email to Emily Tian (etian@oakarts.org). If deemed appropriate and approved by all faculty above, the student may participate solely in the piano program during ensemble time.
String Ensemble
These classes consists of mixed-instrument groups designed to further develop skills in rehearsing and performing classical repertoire. Abilities gained from an chamber group include, but are not limited to, phrasing as a unit, contributing to the group as a leader, and assessing one’s own playing as well as others in a professional and respectful manor. Every student is expected to learn four works, representative of their level, during each semester and participate in chamber recitals.
High School Course of Study
Music Theory (required)
The first course in the Music Theory program concentrates on the basic concepts of musical notation, rhythm, scales, form and the application of these concepts. The basic principles of music literacy and construction are covered. Students are also introduced to ear training through sight singing and rhythmic drills and dictations.
Music Theory II (required)
The second course in the Music Theory program concentrates on the development of diatonic melody and harmony using practical exercises. Topics such as key signatures, diatonic chords, circle of 5ths, and all 12 major scales are covered. Students participate in sight-singing and ear training exercises, dictation exercises, and composition exercises.
Music Theory III (required)
The third course in the Music Theory program combine their understanding of scales, melody, harmony, and chord progressions in the context of tonal music. Students will become fluent in the use of triads and seventh chords in all inversions, and they will begin applying these concepts through composition analysis. This course also covers chromatic harmony with a means to develop a richer harmonic understanding through various musical contexts. Students will continue to train rhythmically by means of clapping exercises, rhythmic dictation, and listening examples.
HS Music History (open to students that have completed and passed Theory III) This course is designed for students to gain specific knowledge of music history from antiquity to present times. Topics will emphasize salient features of eras in regard to counterpoint, form, harmonic evolution, notation, and instrument development. Through weekly journaling and timeline assignments, listening exams, and class discussions, this course seeks to impart an appreciation of worldwide perspectives covering diverse genres and cultures. This course is open to both Vocalists and Instrumentalists.
Studio Production (open to seniors that have completed AP Theory) To be eligible to take the Studio/Live Production course you must be have completed AP Music Theory, and be a senior. Writing and rehearsing a song is hard enough, recording, mixing and mastering is a whole separate beast. Creating a full, rich mix for that live performance takes a special touch and a few tricks so in Studio Production we will cover the essential methods used for recording live material in the studio, and polishing the sound within the workstation. We will also focus on microphone placement, instrument arrangement, tracking order, studio etiquette and a host of other engineering concepts as we tackle live recording and create professional mixes. Using Pro-Tools as our Digital Audio Workstation for recording we will explore the expansive set of tools provided to undertake any sound project. In addition to working on musical material we will also learn how to use Pro-Tools as a powerful sound design, and editing program to create soundscapes for a number of collaborative projects with other departments. The Studio Production team will become the go-to group for advanced, professional sound solutions at OSA.
Chamber Orchestra (Levels I, II, III)
The OSA High School Chamber Orchestra is open to all students who play standard orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion). Literature rehearsed and performed consists primarily of advanced music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. This large ensemble is designed to further student’s experience in an orchestral setting. Each rehearsal aims to prepare for concerts and will focus on balance and shaping musical ideas, intonation, and classical techniques.
CTE Midi Production (Levels I, II, III, IV)
This course takes students from the introduction to the advanced functions of the MIDI music making process. Working with MIDI gives individuals the freedom to take control of their entire project, controlling instruments and arrangements, right down to the individual notes. MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a music industry standard computer language that communicates the information contained in a musical performance
CTE Studio Production (Levels I, II, III, IV)
Students will cover the essential methods used for recording live material in the studio, and polishing the sound within the workstation. They will also focus on microphone placement, instrument arrangement, tracking order, studio etiquette and a host of other engineering concepts as they tackle live recording and create professional mixes. In addition to working on musical material students will also learn how to use Pro-Tools as a powerful sound design and editing program to create soundscapes for collaborative projects.
Guitar Ensemble (Levels I, II, III)
This course is designed to develop the future generation of classical guitar players. This workshop provides in-depth study of guitar technique, repertoire, and expression in music according to performance practice. Students will learn various instrumental techniques, efficient use of both left and right hand fingerings, to have a beautiful tone, phrasing, and solo repertoire performance. This course will put emphasis on developing strong sight- reading ability, which is an essential skill for any instrumentalist.
Piano Program (Levels I, II, III)
The Piano Program at OSA shall dually serve to groom fine overall players, including preparing students for interdepartmental/ interdisciplinary opportunities. The piano curriculum will support students’ soloistic development as Classical and Jazz players with technique and repertoire assigned. In addition, it will prepare students for respective group participation through a range of ensemble placement. A private teacher for each student is optimal, however, in the case where the student is without a private teacher, a commensurate program of repertoire shall be assigned as appropriate to the individual’s level and circumstance. IM Piano students are highly encouraged to participate in our many ensemble course offerings available in our department. Piano students that participate in ensembles will also have the opportunity to have solo time on their instrument. If, for a specific reason, a piano student does not wish to take part in our ensemble offerings, a formal request will need to be submitted by both student and parent via email to Emily Tian (etian@oakarts.org). If deemed appropriate and approved by all faculty above, the student may participate solely in the piano program during ensemble time.