MUSIC

Conservatory Diploma Program (702)   * NEW! *

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.5

Villa Maria Academy High School is proud to pilot a parallel music diploma program with Villa Maria Conservatory. Students will earn 0.5 credit per year for participation in this diploma program. One year of participation will fulfill the music component of the Fine Arts graduation requirement.  See Villa Maria Conservatory course information page for additional details.  

Music Instruction 1-4 (731-734)

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Private one-to-one weekly lessons are available in piano, voice, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Lessons are designed on an individual basis, after evaluation of the student’s ability and previous experience. Students will be given a grade for each lesson based on their preparedness and individual progress. Students will benefit from performance opportunities such as Tri-M concerts, piano repertoire classes, and the voice and guitar recitals. Private lessons are a year-long commitment and cost $1,100 for the year.  

Honors Piano Instruction 1-4 (735-737,739)

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Private weekly lessons in piano (applied instruments) are designed on an individual basis, after evaluation of the student’s ability and previous experience. Students will be given a grade for each lesson based on their preparedness and individual progress. Students will benefit from performance opportunities such as piano repertoire classes and will be required to participate in the Villa Maria Piano Guild (adjudicated) Auditions (or attend recommended competitions.) Private lessons are a year-long commitment and cost $1,100 for the year. There is an additional fee of $50 required for the Villa Maria Piano Guild (adjudicated) Auditions. Students are required to prepare two 2 or 4-Octave scales and cadences, and one memorized piece. 

Beginner Viola & Violin (769) * NEW! *

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.50

In this year-long course, students will build on the fundamental skills learned in violin or viola to expand their knowledge, technique, and repertoire on the violin or viola. By Semester 2, students will be capable of playing with Villa Maria's orchestra. Students will be required to provide their own instruments. No prior experience in reading or performing music is required.  

Music Theory & Ear Training 1 (758)

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

This semester-long course introduces students to the fundamentals of music. It gives students the reading, writing, and aural skills required to understand, perform, and create music. It is recommended for instrumentalists and vocalists of all levels as well as anyone who wishes to deepen their appreciation for music in general. Although not required, previous or current experience with reading and performing music is highly recommended. This course fulfills the prerequisite for Honors Music Theory & Ear Training 2 and AP Music Theory. 

Honors Music Theory & Ear Training 2 (728)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Prerequisite: Music Theory & Ear Training 1 (previously Music Theory), teacher approval. 

A continuation of Music Theory & Ear Training 1, this semester-long course will further develop students’ music reading, writing, and aural skills. Topics of study for this course will be chosen based on student interest and future plans regarding music. Approval from Ms. Kim-Tomilson or Mrs. Miller is required.

AP Music Theory (740)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Final grade of 91% or higher in Music Theory & Ear Training 1 (previously Music Theory) unless waived by instructor based on placement evaluation and placement test results.  

This course follows the syllabus requirements set by the College Board for Advanced Placement Music Theory. It is intended for qualified students prepared to pursue studies on the level of a first-year college course in music theory and aural skills. The goal of the course is to develop students’ ability to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music heard or presented in score. A detailed course description may be found on the College Board website. Students can expect independent work during the summer and all students must take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Approval from Ms. Kim-Tomilson or Mrs. Miller is required.

Digital Music & Sound (756)

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

This course formerly was known as Music Technology. In this semester-long course, students will receive an introduction to recording, editing, and mixing sounds using computers. Projects include creating imaginative "sound collage" compositions and adding a soundtrack to a silent movie. No previous music background is required. 

Class Guitar (713)  

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

In this semester-long, introductory course, students will focus on fundamental skills such as proper technique, chord progressions, and strumming patterns through both solo and ensemble playing. The work in this class will culminate in a required, end-of-semester performance. There is a fee of $200 for this course. Students will be required to provide their own instruments. 

Class Guitar 2 (712)  

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25

Prerequisite: Class Guitar

In this semester-long course, students will build on the fundamental skills learned in Class Guitar to expand their knowledge, technique, and repertoire on the guitar. Transposable chords and scales and other intermediate techniques will be introduced; ensemble playing will include improvised elements. There is a fee of $200 for this course. Students will be required to provide their own instruments. 

Popular Music in America (717)     Will run in 2028-2029 academic year

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

What are the stories behind the pop music legends throughout the ages? Who paved the way for their success? How did they lay the foundation for the modern-day popular music artists across all genres? In this semester-long course, students will explore, research, and study popular music in America starting from the very beginning, though current artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Zach Bryan, and many more. This course as an offering will rotate with Music History Through Love Stories and Introduction to Musical Theater.  

Music History Through Love Stories (718)         * NEW! *

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

This is a semester-long course to be offered in Spring semester. Dive into the enchanting world of romantic music through the ages in this interdisciplinary course that examines how love has been expressed in music across different cultures and time periods. From the passionate sonnets of the Renaissance to the emotive ballads of the 20th Century, students will explore a variety of musical genres, styles, and historical contexts that reflect the complexities of love and relationships. No prior experience in reading or performing music is required. This course as an offering will rotate with Popular Music in America and Introduction to Musical Theater.   

Introduction to Musical Theater (719)     * NEW!*

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.50 

This course examines the history and evolution of Broadway musical theater, one of America's great original art forms. This course will be split into two categorical topics during the semester - Musical Theater Techniques and the History of Musical Theater. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate and compare a variety of musicals from the 19th Century to present day. Topics will include, but are not limited to, Vaudeville, Operetta, Musical Comedy, Opera on Broadway, and Rock Opera. We will study Broadway musical theater through audio, video, readings, observations, discussions, projects, and guest speakers. This course has a required performance element to showcase the techniques and skills learned throughout the course. This course as an offering will rotate with Popular Music in America and Music History Through Love Stories.  

Freshman Chorus (771/775)

Grade 9

Credit 0.25 per semester

Freshman Chorus is for any freshmen student who loves to sing. In this course, students will be taught about the voice as an instrument. Concentration will be on breathing technique, learning how to read a choral score, singing in two part harmony, and performance. Students in Freshman Chorus will perform at the Villa Christmas and Spring Concerts in conjunction with the Concert Choir, Honors Vocalise Ensemble, Orchestra, and String and Piano Ensembles. Grades will be based on attendance at and participation in rehearsals and performances as well as additional assignments appropriate for this course.  No experience is required. 

Students without a concert dress must pay a one-time $80 fee for the required attire (usable for 4 years across all ensembles). Additionally, there is a mandatory music department activity fee of $75 per year (or $40 per semester), covering pre-concert dinners and celebrations. 

Honors Vocalise Ensemble 1-4 (765-768)  

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.5

Vocalise is a small, select (by audition) vocal ensemble. Students in this ensemble will study a variety of advanced choral repertoire. Students who are members of this group are expected to have strong sight reading skills, as well as strong music reading abilities. Vocalise is a full year commitment. Students who accept membership to Vocalise will perform at various events at Villa Maria as well as in collaboration with the Malvern Prep Men’s Chorus. Such performances could include Christmas on King, the Villa Christmas Concert, Villa Spring Fine Arts Festival, Villa Tree Lighting Ceremony, and others. Students in Vocalise will be expected to audition for All-Catholic Chorus and PMEA District Chorus as part of their course requirements. Additional mandatory rehearsals could be expected on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. close to performance dates, as well as for rehearsal with Malvern Prep. Grades will be based on attendance at and participation in rehearsals and performances as well as additional assignments appropriate for this course. Students who participate in Vocalise are encouraged to also participate in Concert Chorus if your schedule allows; however, this is not a requirement. 

Students without a concert dress must pay a one-time $80 fee for the required attire (usable for 4 years across all ensembles). Additionally, there is a mandatory music department activity fee of $75 per year (or $40 per semester), covering pre-concert dinners and celebrations.