Diploma Program Year: First Year

MUS 561, 551, 571, OR 575

Class Description: MUS 561 - Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature. All instrumental students must be enrolled in the orchestra program. VAM Symphony Orchestra gives four concerts each year. OR MUS 551 - Vocal Theatre Workshop focuses on staged performances of vocal repertoire. Solo and ensemble pieces will be tailored and assigned to the students. Each term will culminate in a fully-produced show for the public. OR MUS 571 - Each Artist Diploma pianist is expected to organize and present at least one public performance each semester which involves performing with at least one other person. Students report on their project to the College Office by downloading the semester report form from the Student Resources section of the college website. OR MUS 575 -Composition students must arrange a public performance of an original composition. This involves preparation of the score, editing, finding performers, organizing rehearsals and arranging a performance date and venue. It may including performing, or conducting a group of performers. For composition majors only.    

MUS 412

Class Description: Exploration of strategies for creating conditions for successful performances, auditions, and lasting careers. Topics include: tactics and solutions for dealing with performance anxiety, centered performance, and skills for focused practice and rehearsal. Required for Artist Diploma.

MUS 541

Class Description: Each college student receives 32 one-hour private lessons during the academic year.  Students also participate in master classes/technique classes/repertoire classes.  Recital appearances are expected.  Students may request a particular private instruction teacher. The CEO will assign the student to the requested teacher whenever space permits.

MUS 562, 552, 572, OR 576

Class Description: MUS 562 - Preparation and public performance of representative works from the symphonic literature. All instrumental students must be enrolled in the orchestra program. VAM Symphony Orchestra gives four concerts each year. OR MUS 552 - Vocal Theatre Workshop focuses on staged performances of vocal repertoire. Solo and ensemble pieces will be tailored and assigned to the students. Each term will culminate in a fully-produced show for the public. OR MUS 572 - Each Artist Diploma pianist is expected to organize and present at least one public performance each semester which involves performing with at least one other person. Students report on their project to the College Office by downloading the semester report form from the Student Resources section of the college website. OR MUS 576 -Composition students must arrange a public performance of an original composition. This involves preparation of the score, editing, finding performers, organizing rehearsals and arranging a performance date and venue. It may including performing, or conducting a group of performers. For composition majors only.  

MUS 542

Class Description: Each college student receives 32 one-hour private lessons during the academic year.  Students also participate in master classes/technique classes/repertoire classes.  Recital appearances are expected.  Students may request a particular private instruction teacher. The CEO will assign the student to the requested teacher whenever space permits.

MUS 598

Class Description: First year Artist Diploma recital, consisting of a full length program with at least 60 minutes of music.  It will be adjudicated by the applied music teacher and one other juror.  Repertoire for the recital must be approved by the applied music teacher. For the AD in Composition, in place of the full recital in first year, the student can opt to submit a Portfolio of at least four original compositions of contrasting instrumentation presented in the form of printed scores (arrangements/orchestrations are not acceptable).  At least three of the pieces should have performance documentation from the period of the school year, including programs and if possible recordings.  These performances should have occurred within the period of the first year of study, and at least one of them should have taken place at VAM.  Since it is encouraged for composition students to promote their work elsewhere, recordings of performances outside of the school environment are valued. A written statement of 750-1000 words about all submitted works and general thoughts on the composer's style and ideas must be included.  A short composer talk or lecture is also encouraged.  If the Portfolio option is chosen, performances cannot be the same as those used for MUS 575 and 576.

MUS 411

Class Description: Topics include: defining artistic and professional objectives; job application, interview and audition processes; understanding the concert presenter's perspective; concert programming; audience development; marketing and expanding opportunities; and arts business realities. The goal is to enable students to achieve greater impact and forge successful musical careers.