Lower School – Vocal Skills and Technique
Vocal Skills and Technique introduces fundamental music concepts for the beginning singer as both an individual and an ensemble member.  Students study proper vocal technique, including breathing and vowel placement as well as develop basic music reading skills.  Additionally, students are introduced to the concepts of stage presence, performance practice, concert etiquette, and audition techniques.  Vocal repertoire from a variety of genres, time periods, and cultures is learned for both solo singing and ensemble singing.  Enrollment in this class requires participation in two outside rehearsals and concerts (winter and spring) per school year.

Lower School – Vocal Ensemble
Vocal Ensemble continues the study of proper vocal technique with a focus on ensemble singing.  In addition to topics learned in Vocal Skills and Technique, students are introduced to the concepts of intonation, vocal blend and balance, and how to follow a conductor.  Students develop their understanding of emotional and personal connection to music as it relates to performance.  Additionally, the class continues to build on their music reading skills, focusing on rhythmic, melodic, and intervallic sight reading and ear training development.  Vocal repertoire from a variety of genres, time periods, and cultures is learned, including music in foreign languages.  Enrollment in this class requires participation in two outside rehearsals and concerts (winter and spring) per school year.

Lower School – Piano Skills and Technique
Students in this course learn how to perform on the piano, interpret basic musical notation, define and use fundamental musical terms. Students discuss the various stylistic periods of musical history and understand how to practice effectively. It is expected that the students develop musicianship in the art of piano playing through technique exercises, sight reading, harmonization and repertoire appropriate to level. In a structured class environment, students are expected to practice and exhibit progress through playing assessments offered at various occasions throughout the marking periods. Students need not have a piano or keyboard at home to successfully engage in the course. Practice time is built into the class. For eligible students, participation in the annual piano recital is a highlight of the course and should be embraced as a positive and memorable solo performance.

Lower School – Advanced Piano
This course is designed for students who have either completed Piano Skills and Technique or demonstrate adequate mastery of key concepts. Students are expected at the advanced level to sight read, demonstrate a refined technique, harmonize melodies and continue to develop repertoire. Therefore, an advanced piano student should be able to discern appropriate elements of interpretation. The primary goal of the course is to define each student’s individual style and capitalize on the musicianship previously demonstrated. The advanced piano student should possess a repertoire which displays their understanding of the art of interpretation in respect to mood, style, form and compositional practices. Playing assessments and solo performances which are designated throughout the year should be regarded as regular occurrences in addition to the annual piano recital.

Lower School – Applied Wind Instruments I
Students begin formal study of a wind instrument from either the woodwind or brass family. Students learn basic mechanics and maintenance, proper tone production and articulation, technical vocabulary (major scales, arpeggios), basic music reading skills, beginning ensemble playing techniques, and proper music practice etiquette. Students master content knowledge by performing alone and in small ensembles during class, by completing assigned assessment activities, and by performing publicly in our Instrumental Music concerts in both the winter and spring. Students are expected to practice at least three times per week outside of class and complete all written assignments in order to earn full credit for this course. Students must provide their own instrument and lesson book as designated by the teacher. There is no pre-requisite for this class.

Lower School – Applied String Instruments I
Students begin formal study of a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Students learn basic mechanics and maintenance, proper tone production and articulation, technical vocabulary (major scales, arpeggios), basic music reading skills, beginning ensemble playing techniques, and proper music practice etiquette. Students master content knowledge by performing alone and in small ensembles during class, by completing assigned assessment activities, and by performing publicly in our Instrumental Music concerts in both the winter and spring. Students are expected to practice at least three times per week outside of class and complete all written assignments in order to earn full credit for this course. Students must provide their own instrument and lesson book as designated by the teacher. There is no pre-requisite for this class.

Lower School – Applied String Instruments II
Students continue formal study of a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Students expand on their study of proper tone production and articulation, extended range (shifting),  technical vocabulary (major and minor scales and arpeggios), intermediate music reading skills, intermediate ensemble playing techniques, proper use of vibrato, and proper music practice etiquette. Students master content knowledge by performing alone and in small ensembles during class, by completing assigned assessment activities, and by performing publicly in our Instrumental Music concerts in both the winter and spring. Students are expected to practice at least three times per week outside of class and complete all written assignments in order to earn full credit for this course. Students must provide their own instrument and lesson book as designated by the teacher. Students must have spent at least one year in the level I strings class or qualify for this class placement by performing during their entrance audition to CPFA.

Upper School – Vocal Study with Keyboard Concentration
Vocal Study with Keyboard Concentration introduces fundamental music concepts for the developing singer.  Students study proper vocal technique, including breathing and vowel placement; students also develop basic music reading skills and how those skills relate to the piano keyboard.  The class is divided between time in the Vocal Room and the Keyboard Lab, studying interrelated topics of music theory.  Additionally, students are introduced to the concepts of stage presence, performance practice, and concert etiquette.  Vocal repertoire from a variety of genres, time periods, and cultures is learned for both solo singing and ensemble singing.  Enrollment in this class requires participation in two outside rehearsals and concerts (winter and spring) per school year.
The keyboard concentration component of the course is designed to enhance the vocalist’s training in order to understand the process of performance practices. The students learn basic keyboard skills which include reading of treble/bass clefs, scales and technique exercises in addition to musical terms, articulation and interpretation. A student need not have a piano or keyboard at home to be successful in the keyboard element of the course. Practice time is built into the instruction. Participation in the annual piano recital is available for eligible students, and should be embraced as an opportunity for a positive and memorable solo performance.

Upper School – Vocal Ensemble Ear Training and Sight Singing
Vocal Ensemble Ear Training and Sight Singing continues the study of proper vocal technique as it relates to ensemble singing, with a focus on music reading and aural training.  Students develop rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic sight singing and dictation skills, as well as understand intervals both aurally and visually.  The concepts of intonation, vocal blend and balance, and how to follow a conductor are introduced, and students develop their understanding of emotional and personal connection to music as it relates to performance.  Vocal repertoire from a variety of genres, time periods, and cultures is studied, including music in foreign languages.  Enrollment in this class requires participation in two outside rehearsals and concerts (winter and spring) per school year.

Upper School – Advanced Voice and Solo Performance
Advanced Voice and Solo Performance is for the musician who is self-motivated, independent, and driven.  Students are required to spend time both in and out of class working independently to learn their music and prepare for performances.  The students in this class perform individually in front of peers and audiences on a regular basis.  Students are trained from a traditional approach, developing basic vocal technique and musicianship skills, as well as exploring the art of performance preparation and practice. In addition to continuing to develop music reading and ear training skills, the following topics are covered:

• Vocal Technique: Understanding how to achieve a free and resonant tone quality through training in proper breathing; placement of the tongue, lips, teeth, and soft palette; vowel and consonant placement; releasing tension and achieving proper body alignment; and differentiating between the head and chest voice
• Vocal warm ups for a solo singer
• How to maintain a healthy voice and how to care for your voice when ill
• The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) in a variety of languages
• Assessing vocal faults and finding solutions for said faults
• Understanding the connection of solo performing to theatre, acting, and character development as well as movement
• Understanding how to prepare for a performance through research of the text, character, composer, and historical/cultural connections
• Developing a repertoire base, a resume, and preparing for auditions in the real world.

Vocal repertoire from a variety of genres, time periods, and cultures is individually selected for each singer, including music in foreign languages.  Enrollment in this class requires participation in two outside rehearsals and three concerts (winter, spring, and solo recital) per school year.

Upper School – Piano Skills and Technique
Students in this course learn how to perform on the piano, interpret basic musical notation, define and use fundamental musical terms, discuss the various stylistic periods of musical history and understand how to practice effectively. This course offers a wide ranging base of knowledge which covers several topics, and it is expected that the students will develop musicianship in the art of piano playing through technique exercises, sight reading, harmonization and repertoire appropriate to level. In a structured class environment, students are expected to practice and exhibit progress through playing assessments offered at various occasions throughout the marking periods. Students need not have a piano or keyboard at home to successfully engage in the course. Practice time is built into the class. For eligible students, participation in the annual piano recital is a highlight of the course and should be embraced as a positive and memorable solo performance.

Upper School – Advanced Piano
This course is designed for students who have either completed Piano Skills and Technique and/or demonstrate adequate mastery of key concepts necessary for advancement. Students are expected at the advanced level to sight read, demonstrate a refined technique, harmonize melodies and continue to develop repertoire. Therefore, an advanced piano student should be able to discern appropriate elements of interpretation.  Each quarter is focused on a specific style of keyboard playing; ranging from the Baroque practices to music of the Twentieth Century. Students are expected to explore each time period and approaches to the keyboard with previous music theory knowledge. Playing assessments and solo performances which are designated throughout the year should be regarded as regular occurrences in addition to the annual piano recital. The advanced piano student should possess a repertoire which displays their understanding of the art of interpretation in respect to mood, style, form and compositional practices.
 
Upper School – Advanced Music Theory and Composition
This year long course is designed for students who plan on entering the collegiate level as music majors. Students in this course must have either successfully completed a music theory course at PALCS or demonstrate an adept ability to read and write musical notation. Dictation, solfége syllables in major and minor keys and composition are incorporated into the curriculum. The student must have a basic knowledge of 4 part writing procedures, technical terms pertinent to music theory (such as secondary dominant functions) and basic keyboard skills in order to be successful at this level.  The primary goal of this course is to develop the student’s ability to recognize, describe and understand the materials and processes of music which are listened to or presented in a piece of music. Utilizing written and aural exercises in addition to application of compositional rules afford the achievement of this goal. By the end of the course, students will be familiar enough with terms to take a music theory placement exam at the collegiate level. Roman Numeral Analysis is an unfailing component of the Advanced Music Theory and Composition curriculum.  

Upper School – Orchestra
Students continue formal study of a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass) or a wind instrument from the woodwind or brass family. Students expand on their study of proper tone production and articulation, extended range (shifting or upper octave work),  technical vocabulary (major and minor scales and arpeggios), intermediate to advanced music reading skills, intermediate to advanced ensemble playing techniques, proper use of vibrato, and proper music practice etiquette. Students master content knowledge by performing alone and in small ensembles during class, by completing assigned assessment activities, and by performing publicly in our Instrumental Music concerts in both the winter and spring. Students are expected to practice at least three times per week outside of class and complete all written assignments in order to earn full credit for this course. Students must provide their own instrument and lesson book as designated by the teacher. Students must have spent at least one year in a level I strings or winds class or qualify for this class placement by performing during their entrance audition to CPFA.

Upper School – Select Ensemble
Students in this class engage in a pre-professional course of study on their primary instrument. Students develop a professional portfolio, study solo literature for use in auditions, apply music theory and ear training knowledge in arranging and composing projects, and apply music performance knowledge by leading the class in rehearsals of their compositions. Students perform in the Instrumental Music concerts in both the winter and spring, the Senior Select Ensemble and Solo Voice Recital, and other out-of-school performance opportunities. Students in Select Ensemble are held to expectations that exceed the standard CPFA requirements for attendance, practice outside of class, written assignments, and class conduct. Students must provide their own instrument (except piano and guitar) and must be willing to purchase etude books or solo literature for their instrument as designated by the teacher. All students in Select Ensemble have expressed interest in pursuing music as a career after high school and are invited to enroll in the course by the music faculty and director of CPFA.

Upper School – Guitar Skills and Theory
Guitar Skills and Theory teaches students how to perform and read music on the guitar as well as requiring the student to learn basic music theory and composition in relation to the guitar. Various styles of music are studied, including rock, jazz, classical guitar and blues. An introduction to improvisation is included during the course. Students are required to perform in group recitals. The class also utilizes computer based ear training software to teach the students to aurally recognize different aspects of music.

Upper School – Harmonic Composition for Jazz Guitar
Harmonic Composition for Jazz Guitar is a comprehensive course in guitar performance and composition. This course allows the student to perform various styles of music specifically jazz (and all related forms of jazz music), Classical guitar, and Blues. The class places an emphasis on improvisational technique and understanding to give the student well rounded versatility in their performance. There is also a heavy emphasis on music analysis and composition related to the pieces performed in class.
The class also utilizes computer based ear training software to teach the students to aurally recognize different aspects of music. An audition is required for this course.

Upper School – Advanced Guitar
The Advanced Guitar Techniques and Performance course emphasizes a stringent program of technical music reading and performance and is only for the advanced guitarist. The course focuses on advanced musical studies whereby the students will be required to read complex melodies and rhythms. Advanced chord theory is also taught and utilized in the students performance, as well as a more in-depth study of classical guitar and technique. This course prepares each student for auditions to enter a college guitar studies program if they so choose. An audition is required for this course.

Upper School – Modern Music History: Ethnicity to Electronics
Students in this class are engaged in a study of the historical roots of modern American music, including Western European, African, Jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country, and Contemporary Popular Music in its various sub-cultures. Students directly experience these musical periods and genres in small musical composition projects, using model recordings and written arrangements as source material. Also included in this course is an ongoing exploration of the modern music industry, with exploration of music writing, promotion, and production using modern technology. Students are expected to complete all written assignments by designated deadlines and will work as a class and individually to complete projects. Students must have at least one year of experience in any CPFA music class or qualify for this class placement by performing during their entrance audition to CPFA.

E-mail: music@palcs.org