Specialized Music Classes

During the school year, WCM will offer specialized music-related classes. These have included foreign language diction for singers, jazz improvisation, music styles, music theory and others. In addition to these we periodically hold workshops on specific instruments.

Music History

Instructor: TBA
Required Text: Kamien: Music - An Appreciation (3rd Brief Edition)

Participants of this course will be examining, in-depth, music from the Baroque Era to the present time.

Beginning Music History & Theory

Instructor: TBA

For beginners interested in deepening their understanding of the elements of music beginning with i.e. clefs/reading music, rhythms, scales and key recognition and overviewing the main periods in music beginning with Antiquity to the present. Standard of Excellence Book 1 and 2 Music Theory and History Workbook will be utilized.

Intermediate Theory

Instructor: TBA

For more advanced older beginners and adults who wish to further their knowledge of i.e. the grand staff, note values, time signatures, rests, symbols, harmonic progressions, etc. This course includes ear training! Alfred’s Complete Essentials of Muisc Theory will be utilized

World Music Drumming - NEW

Instructor: Margaret Jerz

Margaret has developed a series of classes for all ages of students including a special class just for adults. Drums will be provided.

"World Music Drumming" is a series of classes that feature learning and developing the hand drumming techniques needed for playing authentic music from West Africa and the islands of the Caribbean. There will be many opportunities to develop percussion ensembles within the sequenced curriculum. All necessary equipment such as drums and small percussion will be provided and no previous musical experience necessary. Don't know how to read music? No problem! The drum circle experience is unique in that the musical experience evolves differently during each session.

A drum circle is a place where creativity is valued over conformity and where working together to reach a goal is the goal. It is where people learn how to listen, to share their spirit in a way that is right for them, and discover how their unique gifts contribute to a community that is playing, working, and living together in rhythm. Both drum circles and the World Music Drumming classes help participants to:

  • develop social skills such as listening, support and sharing
  • improvise as a group to solve problems/create meaningful experiences
  • develop a variety of musical and movement skills
  • gain an appreciation for diversity and each participant's unique gifts
  • reduce the effects of stress and enjoy participating in a social activity.

 

Adult Voice Class

Instructor: Scott Hunsberger

Topics of this course will include posture, breathing, production, how to cure stage fright, sightsinging and things to help you to sing in a choir, and how to practice. Classes available in Antigo and in Wausau.

Home Schooler Voice Class

Instructor: Scott Hunsberger

This class is aimed at 12-18 year old home schooled students who don’t have the opportunity to study proper singing techniques in a group setting. Topics include: posture, breathing, sound production, ear training, phrasing, and more.

Accompanying Technique

Instructor: Dr. Lily Chia Brissman

This class helps students become strong as pianists and musically sensitive collaborators by developing their accompanying technique, interpretive abilities, and by increasing their knowledge of vocal and instrumental repertoire. Topics of discussion include synchronization, balance, sight-reading, transposing, orchestral reductions, reducing choral scores, and studying art song accompaniments. Dr. Brissman is also the head of the traditional piano division of the Conservatory and is available for private piano lessons.

 

Coaching Sessions in Vocal and Instrumental Repertoire

Instructor: Dr. Lily Chia Brissman

Vocal/piano and instrumental/piano teams will receive private coaching in preparation for performance. Dr. Brissman is also the head of the traditional piano division of the Conservatory and is available for private piano lessons.

Appreciation of Music

Instructor: TBA

Participants will be exploring music from the all different times and places throughout the world. This is a two semester sequence of classes designed especially for home schooled students.

Jazz Improv

Instructor: TBA

This course is designed to improve your jazz improvisation skills and can be taken for any instrument.

Beginning Composition

Instructor: Mara Beckman

Get your musical ideas down on paper! Learn how to write and arrange pieces of music. Students will receive guidance and advice while composing at least one piece of music and will perform the original compositions in a recital.

Guitar from Scratch

Instructor: Thomas McComb

A group class for those who are just learning to play the guitar or have no guitar playing experience, You’ll learn basic essential guitar-playing skills including tuning, right-hand and left-hand techniques, holding the pick, strumming styles, rhythms, and many chords.