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Teen and Adult Classes - Winter/Spring 2013

The Conservatory offers a wide assortment of classes on different instruments as well as musical styles. In small group settings, Conservatory classes offer you the opportunity to introduce yourself to a new style of music or expand your present skills beyond the parameters of individual instruction. Whether you want to learn Afro-Caribbean hand drumming, sing American popular songs, learn music theory or jazz piano, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music has a class for you.

Click on class links below to find specific class information or scroll down on page for detailed class information. 

JAZZ INSTITUTE GUITAR
  Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar
BRASS & PERCUSSION Scales and Progressions
Trumpet Chop Builder Lead Guitar: Classic Solos
Afro-Caribbean Hand Drumming
Beginning Guitar
  Continuing Beginning Guitar
VOICE The Blues Form For Jazz Guitarists
 Voice for Teens History of the Classical Guitar
Beginning Voice for Adults  
Intermediate Voice for Adults GREG KOCH ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
The Great American Songbook for Teens and Adults Rock/Blues Band Clinic 1
  Contemporary Blues Rhythm Guitar Workshop
 STRINGS A Tale of Two Alberts Lecture/Demo
Tangos and Other Dances for Violin Rock/Blues Band Clinic 2
  Jazzing Up Your Blues Playing Workshop
 PIANO Duane Allman and Dickey Betts Lecture/Demo
Group Piano for Adults: Levels 1, 2, 4 & 6  
   RECORDING & MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
 THEORY & COMPOSITION  ProTools
Music Theory at the Keyboard  
Music Theory for Guitar: Level 1 MUSIC THERAPY & WELLNESS
Individual Instruction in Composition Music Therapy for Teens with Developmental Disabilities

Music Therapy for Developing Social Skills For Teens


 


JAZZ INSTITUTE  
Click here to view all our Jazz Institute class offerings, including piano, voice and guitar.
 
BRASS & PERCUSSION  
Trumpet Chop Builder | 12 Weeks | $198     NEW!
 
Adults
Get your trumpet chops back in SHAPE! Explore warm ups, lip slurs, scales, range and endurance exercises in a group setting. We will engage and build on your current skills by preparing Bach Chorales written for trumpet.

Prospect • Saturdays 10:00-10:50am
4969 • Starts 2/16/13
Instructor: Eric Jacobson


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Afro-Caribbean Hand Drumming | 15 Weeks | $248
 
Teens and Adults
Learn to play rhythms of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Emphasis will be placed on proper hand technique for congas, bongos, timbales, and assorted percussion instruments. Purchase of a hand drum is not required. Instruments are provided for class use.

Level 1
Students will learn basic techniques and fundamental rhythms. These components, presented against a historical backdrop, will facilitate the understanding and playing of specific Afro-Caribbean song styles.

Prospect • Tuesdays 5:30-6:25pm
4941 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Robert Figueroa

Level 2
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 or consent of instructor.

Students will expand their rhythmic vocabulary and learn improvisation, ensemble playing, and the integration of Afro-Caribbean rhythms in popular music genres such as R&B, Rock and Jazz.

Prospect • Tuesdays 7:30-8:25pm
4940 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Robert Figueroa

Level 3
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 2 or consent of instructor.

Students use an extended curriculum from Level 2. 

Prospect • Tuesdays 6:30-7:25pm
4942 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Robert Figueroa


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VOICE  
Click here for Jazz Institute Voice Classes
 
Voice for Teens | 15 Weeks | $248  
Grades 7-11
For students with some experience in choral singing or beginning vocal production who want to sing a variety of vocal styles. Have fun with fellow teens who love to sing!

Prospect • Mondays 6:00-6:55pm
4943 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Phillip Pearl

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Beginning Voice for Adults | 15 Weeks | $248  
We know you've always wanted to learn to sing! Give your vocal talents a jumpstart with this valuable introduction to the basics of good singing, including proper vocal production, breathing and posture. Ability to read musical notation not required.

Prospect • Tuesdays 5:30-6:25pm
4944 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Kathleen Matts

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Intermediate Voice for Adults | 15 Weeks | $248  
If you have already taken a beginning class or have had some singing experience and want to go to the next level and would like to join others in learning more about good singing, this class is for you! We will learn more about vocal production as well as new repertoire.

Prospect • Tuesdays 6:30-7:25 pm
4945 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Kathleen Matts

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The Great American Songbook for Teens and Adults | 12 Weeks | $198  
Learn to sing American standards, from blues to jazz, from Broadway to Motown to the songs of today. Learn new repertoire each semester!

Prospect • Wednesdays 7:00-7:55pm
4946 • Starts 2/13/13
Instructor: Robin Pluer

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STRINGS  
Tangos and Other Dances for Violin | 12 Weeks | $149     NEW!  
Adults
If you play the violin come join us and have some fun! We’ll play Brazilian Bossanovas, Latin American Tangos by Piazzola and Francini, Irish Jigs and Ukrainian Polkas. Explanations of the dance steps will be provided for a comprehensive experience. Open to violin players at the intermediate to advanced playing ability.

Prospect • Mondays 7:00-7:40pm
4947 • Starts 2/11/13
Instructor: Tatiana Migliaccio


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PIANO
 
Click here for Jazz Institute Piano Classes
 
Group Piano for Adults: Levels 1, 2, 4 & 6 | 15 Weeks | $248  
Enjoy learning the piano in a supportive and non-competitive musical environment with other adults. Develop keyboard skills in note reading, rhythm, improvising, transposing, and playing by ear. You'll learn how to play easy classical and popular pieces, add accompaniment patterns to melodies, read lead sheets, and play ensemble pieces with other members of the class. Practice time and access to a piano or keyboard are required.

Level 1 - Beginning
Music Book: Adult Piano Adventures Book 1 by Faber and Faber. Please purchase book prior to first class.

Prospect • Fridays 12:00-12:55pm
4953 • Starts 2/8/13
Instructor: Rachel Fritz

Level 2 - Continuing
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 or consent of instructor.
Continue to develop the skills learned in Level 1. Level 2 Music Book: Adult Piano Adventures Book 1 by Faber and Faber. Please purchase book prior to first class.

Prospect • Tuesdays 5:00-5:55pm
4949 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: Joy Elowsky


Level 3 - Continuing
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 2 or consent of instructor.
Continue to develop the skills learned in Level 2. Level 3 Music Book: Adult Piano Adventures Book 2 by Faber and Faber. Please purchase book prior to first class.

Prospect • Wednesdays 6:00-6:55pm
4954 • Starts 2/6/13
Instructor: Joy Elowsky

Level 4 - Continuing
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3 or consent of instructor.
Continue to develop the skills learned in Level 2. Level 3 Music Book: Adult Piano Adventures Book 2 by Faber and Faber. Please purchase book prior to first class.

Prospect • Tuesdays 7:00-7:55pm
4950 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: LaRita Craft

Level 6 - Continuing

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 5 or consent of instructor.
Continue to develop the skills learned in Level 4. Level 5 Music Book: Adult Piano Adventures Book 2 by Faber and Faber. Please purchase book prior to first class.

Prospect • Tuesdays 6:00-6:55pm
4951 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: LaRita Craft


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THEORY & COMPOSITION  
Music Theory at the Keyboard | 15 Weeks | $248  
Teens and Adults
Looking for an opportunity to enhance your musicianship? Explore the components of intervals, scales, chords and the basics of harmony while also developing a functional knowledge of the piano keyboard. Additional components of the class include ear training, sight reading and sight singing skills. The class meets in our keyboard lab. For students who have had some music training on an instrument or voice.

Prospect • Wednesdays 7:00-7:55pm
4955 • Starts 2/6/13
Instructor: Joy Elowsky

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Music Theory for Guitarists: Level 1 | 15 Weeks | $248  
This course is designed to help the guitarist with little or no knowledge of music theory to understand the basic structures of music and how these fundamentals apply to the guitar. Topics to be discussed will include scale construction, key signatures, modes, intervals, triads, 7th chords and their inversions and chord progressions. The students will also learn to do harmonic analysis and to write simple accompaniments.
 
Prospect • Tuesdays 7:00-7:55pm
4956 • Starts 2/5/13
Instructor: George Lindquist

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Individual Instruction in Composition  
Many Conservatory faculty also teach composition. We offer several composition styles to choose from:
• John Babbitt – contemporary/classical
• Peter Baime – classical
• Mark Davis – jazz
• Max Day – contemporary/classical
• Lynn Roginske – contemporary/popular & sacred
• Paul Silbergleit – jazz

Various lesson times and lengths are available according to your needs and availability.
Please call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to arrange for these lessons.


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 GUITAR
 
Click here for Jazz Institute Guitar Classes  
Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar | 15 Weeks | $248
 
High School-Adult
Put down the pick and discover the rich depth of music that can be made when you use your fingers to articulate the strings of the guitar! Learn basic right-hand picking patterns as well as traditional and modern solo pieces in standard and alternate tunings. Also learn the history of the style, watch videos by top performers and listen to groundbreaking works. Open to guitarists with a basic knowledge of chords, and tablature or notation.

Prospect • Mondays 6:00-6:55pm
4957 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Matt Schroeder

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Scales and Progressions | 15 Weeks | $248
 
High School-Adult
Learn the chord progressions to blues, rock and pop songs, and the scales used to improvise over them, Chord construction and intervals are also covered. Open to guitarists with a basic knowledge of chords, and tablature or notation.

Prospect • Mondays 7:00-7:55pm
4958 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Matt Schroeder


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Lead Guitar: Classic Solos | 15 Weeks | $248
 
High School-Adult
Learn note for note some of the best rock and blues solos ever recorded! Solos by Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Angus Young, Rick Derringer, and Jimi Hendrix will be taught and analyzed. Relevant scales and technical studies will also be presented. Open to guitarists with a basic knowledge of chords, and tablature or notation.

Prospect  •  Mondays 8:00-8:55pm
4959 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Matt Schroeder


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Beginning Guitar | 15 Weeks | $248  
This course is designed for the student who wishes to learn basic technical and musical skills before pursuing a specific style of music. Topics include technical work for the hands, reading standard music notation, chord comprehension, basic strum patterns, and ensemble skills. Get your guitar experience off to a great start and establish good practice habits. Students are required to have a nylon or steel-string guitar for use during the class and for home practice.

Prospect • Mondays 7:00-7:55pm
4960 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Jason Behr


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Continuing Beginning Guitar | 15 Weeks | $248  
This course is for students who have either taken Beginning Guitar, or for guitarists who can read music in first position but would like to continue to progress. Topics include reading in first position, reading outside of first position, movable chords and 7th chords, ensemble playing, and solo guitar skills. This class is a great way to build upon your guitar experience in a group environment. Students are required to have either a nylon or steel string acoustic guitar for use during the class and for home practice.

Prospect • Mondays 8:00-8:55 pm
4961 • Starts 2/4/13
Instructor: Jason Behr


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The Blues Form For Jazz Guitarists | 12 Weeks | $198     NEW!  
High School-Adult
The blues progression is an essential part of the jazz tradition, although it appears here in more complex variations than are typically found in the rock or blues genres. In this class we will try our hand at chording and improvising through some of these colorful jazz versions of the blues. Basic knowledge of chords and scales, and solid familiarity with at least a three-chord 12-bar blues progression, are required for participation.

Prospect • Wednesdays 7:00-7:55pm
4920 • Starts 2/13/13
Instructor: Paul Silbergleit

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History of the Classical Guitar | 12 Weeks | $198  
This course will trace the development of the guitar and survey the music written or transcribed for it from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Students will be shown modern replicas of the original early instruments and hear how the music actually sounded on the lute, vihuela, baroque and classical guitars. They will also learn how to read the original tablatures and see how the music has been adapted to the modern guitar. Some basic experience with the guitar and music notation will be helpful, but not necessary if you are just curious. The more advanced guitarists however, should find this class very interesting and may want to learn to play the music themselves. Guitar students of all levels will acquire a better understanding and appreciation of their instrument.

Prospect • Thursdays 7:00-7:55pm
4962 • Starts 2/14/13
Instructor: George Lindquist


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GREG KOCH ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Workshops, Lecture/Demos and Rock/Blues Band Clinics
 
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is proud to welcome guitar master Greg Koch as a 2012-13 Artist in Residence! Greg will be presenting several workshops, lecture/demos and band clinics this spring.
 
Rock/Blues Band Clinic 1 | 1 Session | $75.00 per Band / $5.00 WCM Students & General Public at the door to observe  
Have a band that needs a little tweaking? Greg Koch will listen to your band, offer performance tips and help with arrangements!

Space is limited to two (2) bands and each band is limited to one (1) song on which to work. Submission of a CD with that one song or a link to the audio track and/or video posted online is required for consideration. Please contact Mary Dally-Muenzmaier, Communications Coordinator, at marydm@wcmusic.org or call 414/276-3450 for more information.

Prospect • 7:00-8:30pm
4737 • Thursday March 14, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch


Greg Koch is also available for Individual Instruction at the Conservatory on Friday, March 15, 2013.  Please call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to schedule a lesson time.

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Contemporary Blues Rhythm Guitar Workshop | 1 Session | $40  
10 Students Maximum.
Intermediate and Above.

Cool shuffle, swing, slow-blues, rhumba and funk rhythm patterns shared for both ensemble and solo contemporary blues guitar applications. Please call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to enroll.

Prospect • 1:00-2:20pm ---FULL!
4735 • Saturday March 16, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch

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A Tale of Two Alberts Lecture/Demo | 1 Session | $40  
10 Students Maximum.
Intermediate and Above.

A discussion and demonstration of the styles of blues greats Albert King and Albert Collins. How to achieve their sounds and licks in standard tuning both with right and left hand techniques. Tips on how to take the styles of these two greats and morphing that info into creating a unique playing style of your own.
Please call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to enroll.

Prospect • 2:30-3:50pm
4738 • Saturday March 16, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch

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Rock/Blues Band Clinic 2| 1 Session | $75.00 per Band / $5.00 WCM Students & General Public at the door to observe  
Have a band that needs a little tweaking? Greg Koch will listen to your band, offer performance tips and help with arrangements!

Space is limited to two (2) bands and each band is limited to one (1) song on which to work. Submission of a CD with that one song or a link to the audio track and/or video posted online is required for consideration. Please contact Mary Dally-Muenzmaier, Communications Coordinator, at marydm@wcmusic.org or call 414/276-3450 for more information.

Prospect • 7:00-8:30pm
4736 • Thursday May 2, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch

Greg Koch is also available for Individual Instruction at the Conservatory on Friday, May 3, 2013.  Please call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to schedule a lesson time.

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Jazzing Up Your Blues Playing Workshop | 1 Session | $40  
10 Students Maximum.
Intermediate and Above.

A guide to increasing your harmonic knowledge for playing over tricky chord changes without making your head explode! Using substitutions of various pentatonic scales and applying modal info to pentatonic positions most blues/rock players are already familiar with, you will learn things that will expand your soloing ability immensely!

Prospect • 1:00-2:20pm
4740 • Saturday May 4, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch


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Duane Allman and Dickey Betts Lecture/Demo | 1 Session | $40  
10 Students Maximum.
Intermediate and Above.

The Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore was one of the greatest blues-rock guitar recordings of all time. This master class deconstructs aspects of this glorious recording from a slide, blues, rock and even country guitar perspective. We'll trace the influences and morph the info into a modern stew of guitar goodness.

Prospect • 2:30-3:50pm
4739 • Saturday May 4, 2013
Instructor: Greg Koch


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RECORDING & MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
 
ProTools | 15 Weeks | $372  
Teens and Adults
Prerequisite: Previous recording experience or consent of instructor.

Learn the skills needed to create your own recordings using ProTools, the most popular hard disk recording software in use today. Learn all aspects of work with a DAW including recording, importing, editing, repairing, cross fading, and mixing. Principals covered are non-platform, non-software specific and will apply to most digital audio workstations.

Off Site • Tuesdays 6:30-8:25pm
4963 • Starts 2/12/13
Instructor: Kevin Arndt
Classes will be held at The Exchange Studios located near Miller Park.

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MUSIC THERAPY & WELLNESS  
A consultation with our Music Therapy Department Chair, Bonnie Jean Barczak, is required prior to enrollment in most of the Music Therapy class listed below. Please call 414/459-3444 for more information.  
Music Therapy for Teens with Developmental Disabilities | 10 Weeks | $165
 
Grades 7-12
This group is designed to facilitate positive peer interaction for teens with developmental disabilities. Groups of 4-8 will participate in group music therapy experiences that emphasize listening, leadership, effective communication, and social interaction. Call 414/459-3444 for more information and/or to register.

Off Site • Tuesdays 6:30-7:25pm
4964 • Starts 2/5/13
Music Therapist: Christine Wiggin-Bergey
Classes will be held at New Berlin Therapies, 2895 S. Moorland Road, New Berlin, WI.

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Music Therapy for Developing Social Skills for Teens | 10 Weeks | $165  
Grades 7-12
Music is a powerful sensory stimulus capable of engaging the brain in multiple ways. Participation in music based activities can shape productive behavior, improve communication, focus attention, and enhance cognition. This class will be split into individualized sections. This group is specially designed for children who are showing delays in social development and beneficial for children with attention disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other social disorders. Scholarships are available for city of Milwaukee residents and students that attend MPS schools. Call 414/459-3444 for more information and to register.

Off Site • Thursdays 6:40-7:35pm
5036 • Starts 2/7/13 (No class on 4/4)
Music Therapist: Christine Wiggin-Bergey
Classes will be held at Elm Creative Arts School, 900 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI.