Stony Brook Community Music Program
Pre-College Division
Students study with the finest professional faculty in a university setting with studio classes, chamber coachings and classes in music theory, composition and aural skills. Programs of study include chamber music, classical voice, composition, jazz improvisation, computer/electronic music and harp.
Students will have an opportunity to take part in masterclasses with the Bryant Park Quartet, our ensemble-in-residence, and work alongside world-renowned performers on the Stony Brook faculty.
The main programs of chamber music, jazz and classical voice consist of guided rehearsal and instruction on interpretation and style by the experienced Pre-College faculty artists. Courses in Theory, Analysis, and Aural Skills reinforce the musical foundation of the performance program. Additional electives are offered on a per-semester basis.
Similar programs in New York cost more than four times as much before you consider the time and cost of transportation. For less than the cost of a weekly private lesson, young musicians have the chance to study in a conservatory environment at one of the world's best schools of music.
AUDITION INFORMATION
1) A movement or section of a two separate solo pieces. These can be recent NYSSMA solos or something that shows your current level of musical skill. There are no guidelines for the piece you should select, but solos of NYSSMA levels 5-6 are usually appropriate. Etudes or other short works are also acceptable.
2) 2-3 scales selected from those provided on the audition form.
3) Short interview of the applicant by the audition committee
CLASSES
Theory, Analysis, and Aural Skills courses supply the intellectual backbone that informs the excellent performance at the heart of the chamber music program. Students in the program will be well prepared for the most rigorous college, university, or conservatory programs. These two courses provide instruction in two essential areas of musical instruction: (1) Music theory includes the rudiments of musical notation and the study of such components of music as scales, keys, intervals, and harmony. Students apply this knowledge through compositional exercises and the study of music from various traditions, including classical, jazz, popular, and world music. (2) The aural skills aspect of the class engages students in practical musicianship, applying their theoretical knowledge to the listening experience. Students learn the important connection between sound and notation through drills in rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation. Students also learn to sing at sight in four clefs.
Participation in a chamber music ensemble (small groups with one instrument or voice to a part.) Each session consists of guided rehearsal and instruction on interpretation and style by the experienced Pre-College faculty musicians. Students perform each semester in master classes conducted by Stony Brook University faculty, which has in recent years included the Emerson String Quartet, Colin Carr, Joe Carver, Christina Dahl, Daniel Gilbert, Gilbert Kalish, Timothy Long, Mitchell Stern, Ray Anderson and others. An important part of the chamber music experience is the opportunity to perform for an audience during the year in the Recital Hall of the Staller Center for the Performing Arts.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Each area of study (voice, jazz, composition, chamber music) follows its own class schedule. A typical day begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at 2:00 PM. Elective courses will be offered on a per-semester basis and may be scheduled before or after the main session.
A sample class schedule:
| 10:00 a.m. |
Chamber Music |
| 11:15 a.m. |
Break |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Studio Performance Class |
| 12:30 p.m. |
Break |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Sight Singing/Dictation |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Theory |
| 2:00 p.m. | Home |
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Concerto Competition
The annual concerto competition is open to all Pre-College Division students for any instrument or voice. The winner will perform with the University Orchestra in March on the Main Stage of the Staller Center for the annual Children’s Concert. The concerto should be standard repertoire, and short works or a movement of a concerto should be approved by the director and the conductor well in advance. Auditions will be held in November.
Free tickets to Music Department and Staller Center events
Throughout the year students and their families have access to exclusive concerts and events held at the Staller Center. This past year families were able to experience the Emerson String Quartet, Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, Stony Brook Opera and Faculty Recitals at no cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How does tuition compare to similar programs?
- Do you have a youth orchestra or chamber orchestra?
- If I'm already enrolled in a youth orchestra, why do I need chamber music?
- Do you have summer programs available?
- Do you offer private instruction as part of your program?
Private instruction is a requirement of the Pre-College Division, but is not offered directly through the program. The instructors at Stony Brook are amongst the best in the world, and we offer a free matching service for stude
nts who are looking for private instruction or tutoring.
TUITION AND FEES
Audition Fee (first time applicants only): $50
Full year tuition $1700
Tuition is due in full by December 1, 2013. You may pay by check, money order or credit card.
TO APPLY
