Summer Programs

Online Courses  |  Jazz in July  |  Wind Conducting Inst.  |  Workshops/Theory Pedagogy  |  Pre-College Classes   

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Summer 2020 Online Music Courses

These online courses will proceed as scheduled!

 

Jazz in July Summer Music Programs

July 13-24, 2020    On-campus program cancelled this year; online option in the works - please see the Jazz in July website

Two weeks of inspiring jazz music - learn from the masters!

 

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10th Annual UMass Summer Wind Conducting Institute

July 30 - August 2, 2020    Wind track only    Website
Unfortunately, canceled this year due to COVID-19; to return in 2021.

We are very excited to offer the 10th Annual University of Massachusetts Amherst Conducting Institute!

All sessions will be held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Fine Arts Center and George N. Parks Band Building.  This workshop is focused on helping you become a better conductor, teacher, and listener.  Activities include conducting the UMass Summer Wind Ensemble and clinics/sessions that directly relate to your life as a conductor, teacher, and artist: literature selection, score study, rehearsal strategies, creativity, conducting technique, and leadership skills.

A Conductor participant waiting list has begun.  If you are interested, register but do not send a deposit; you will be contacted if a spot opens up.  There is no limit on the number of auditors. For further details: http://www.umasswindstudies.com/conducting-workshop/ For more info, contact: Dr. Matthew Westgate, UMass Amherst Director of Wind Studies

 

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Workshops in Music Theory Pedagogy

At UMass Amherst 

Next Workshops in Summer, 2022 - Check back! 

Description & details of last year's 2019 Workshops

Gary S. Karpinski, Director

Learn about teaching music theory from leading authors and scholars.

Sessions will focus on the teaching of undergraduate music theory at the college level.  All teachers of music theory are encouraged to attend these workshops - teachers at the college, university, conservatory, and high school levels (including AP instructors). Various other individuals - including graduate students in music, music scholars, performers, and music educators of all kinds - will also benefit from attending.

 

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Pre-College Summer Music Courses

We regret that all on-campus Pre-College Summer Courses have been CANCELED for 2020.
Please check back later for possible pre-college online offerings.
 

Original offering (Canceled): Music & Technology, July 19-25, 2020    
Instructor: Jazer Giles Sibley-Schwartz, Adjunct Faculty, Music & Dance Dept.

With little more than a computer, a microphone and a midi keyboard it is possible to explore all the wonderful ways of making music electronically. In this one week course we will focus on the principles of recording, editing and mixing digital audio as well as electronic synthesis and sequencing. In the process we will consider the basics of composition and arranging. No prior experience is required, but more advanced music students are welcome as well. We will all compose our own music in our favorite and other styles! Mornings will be spent in lab class, learning software and techniques, and afternoon sessions will be devoted to individual work on projects/compositions. Each student will have his/her own workstation. There will also be a field trip to a professional recording studio in the area. Come with open ears and a willingness to experiment and play!

 

Original offering (Canceled): Fundamentals of Music Theory, July 5-11, 2020    
Instructor: Jason Hooper, Senior Lecturer, Music & Dance Dept.

Fundamentals of Music Theory introduces concepts useful for listening, composing, and playing music in a variety of styles. This one-week course includes an introduction to rhythm, meter, pitch, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, and voice leading, as well as an introduction to sight singing and dictation. Students attend lecture in the morning and then work in small teams on a different project each day.

The course is designed primarily for students considering majoring or minoring in music but is open to any student who has experience reading music notation.