GUITAR I Grades 7-8 (IFT1212) Grades 9-12 (IFT1215) Learn the fundamentals of guitar. This class is for students who have never played the guitar before and have limited or no music reading experience. Learn to read simple chord progressions, and pick and finger style techniques. Acoustic guitars will be provided.
GUITAR II Grades 7-12 (IFT1217) Are you a self-taught guitar player but could use some review with note-reading and tablature? Then this is the class for you. Deepen your understanding of traditional notation, and pick and finger style techniques while playing your favorite tunes. Students must provide acoustic guitar, pick, and extra strings.
GUITAR III Grades 7-11 (IFT1251) Study intermediate to advanced techniques on the guitar including scales, chord progressions, and improvisation in blues and rock styles. Students should be able to read notes on the first two strings, and play open-string chords C, G, F and power chords. Students must provide acoustic guitar (or electric guitar with amp), pick, and extra strings.
GARAGE BAND Grades 7-12 (IFT1446) Learn to play cover tunes and create original songs. Put together a “set” and perform for the IFTA student body. Drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals wanted. Other instruments welcome; ukulele, saxophone, etc. To be successful, students should be more advanced than beginner level. Students must provide instruments and amplifiers.
DRUMS & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Grades 7-12 (IFT1951) Play drum set, mallet, and orchestral percussion instruments. Learn basic, intermediate, or advanced techniques relative to your skill level, and perform in a percussion ensemble. Open to drummers, percussionists, and anyone who enjoys banging on things. No experience necessary but must be able to read music notation. Full ensemble music plus pieces for experienced percussionists.
BAND Grades 7-12 (IFT1771) Perform a variety of band music and improve skills in various techniques such as tone production, articulation, and breathing. This is a performance and techniques class designed for students comfortable playing up to VBODA Grade 3-4 level music.
JAZZ BAND Grades 7-12 (IFT1351) Study jazz literature with a focus on the fundamentals of improvisation. This course is for students new to jazz or with a little jazz experience. A good command of major scales up to 2 sharps and 3 flats is highly encouraged to experience more success. Traditional instrumentation (wind and brass, bass, piano, guitar, drum set, and vibraphone) are encouraged, however, nontraditional instruments are welcome.
STRING ORCHESTRA Grades 7-12 (IFT1851) Perform a variety of string orchestra music and improve skills in various string techniques, such as vibrato, shifting, and tuning. This is a performance and techniques class for students comfortable playing up to VBODA Grade 3-4 level music.
ADVANCED STRING ORCHESTRA Grades 7-12 (IFT1871) Develop higher level performing skills, including ensemble techniques and disciplinary skills needed for advanced performance. This is a performance and techniques class for students comfortable playing up to VBODA Grade 5 level music.
CREATIVE STRING PLAYING Grades 7-12 (IFT1881) Question: What’s the difference between a violin and fiddle? Answer, the player! Develop your non-classical side and explore various styles of string playing including rock, jazz, blues, as well as various fiddle styles like Celtic, Scottish, and bluegrass. Open to violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
PIANO I Grades 7-12 (IFT1715) Learn to read music and play the piano. This course is self-paced through independent study and is designed for students with little to no experience playing the piano or who have not played in several years. Students play electronic keyboards.
PIANO-ADVANCED Grades 7-12 (IFT1761) Study advanced piano techniques and literature. This course is self-paced through independent study and is designed for students with 3 or more years of consecutive piano study. Students play electronic keyboards.
MUSIC THEORY Grades 7-12 (IFT1511) Prerequisite: Must be able to read music in more than one clef and be familiar with a piano keyboard. Study the elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Learn how the rules and relationships of music theory govern the sounds of your voice or instrument. Improve sight-reading, ear-training, and analytical skills.
ELECTRONIC MUSIC LAB Grades 7-12 (IFT1116) Prerequisite: Must be able to read music in treble and bass clefs, and be familiar with a piano keyboard. Use state-of-the-art music software and computer technology to create music. Learn about the music composition process through the use of music notation, sequencing, and recording software.
INTRO TO PROTOOLS Grades 7-12 (IFT1118) Prerequisite: Must have functional piano keyboard skills. Learn to use the world’s leading recording software as both a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and a MIDI sequencer. Students will be introduced to MIDI sequencing as well as live recording, editing, and mixing as they produce a final project. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.
ADVANCED VOICE Grades 9-12 (IFT1056) Topics such as vocal health, performing, auditioning, and sight-reading are visited through large and small group instruction. Students will sing and perform solo repertoire in class.
SHOW CHOIR I Grades 7-8 (IFT1010) Grades 9-12 (IFT1011) Learn to sing in the show and swing choir genre. Add simple choreographed routines and bring popular songs to life!
SHOW CHOIR II Grades 8-12 (IFT1017) Prerequisite: Show Choir I Develop proficiency in ensemble performance as you study more advanced vocal techniques and choreography.
CHORAL WORKSHOP Grades 7-8 (IFT1012) Grades 9-12 (IFT1015) Improve your vocal skills while singing folk, pop, Broadway, jazz, and classical styles in a large group setting.