MUSIC-THEMED PROGRAMS

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE COACHING

A Manhattan School of Music teaching artist will work with a group of student instrumentalists to cover areas such as technique, interpretation, ensemble, phrasing, and other topics as requested. Classroom teachers are encouraged to send music they would like to have reviewed during the videoconference session.

Grades: 6–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

CHORAL ENSEMBLE COACHING

Using classical or jazz repertoire selected by the classroom teacher, a Manhattan School of Music teaching artist will work with a select group of vocalists to improve musicality, breathing, style considerations, and other technical matters as requested. Teachers are encouraged to send music they would like to have reviewed during the videoconference.

Grades: 6–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP INSTRUMENTAL AND VOICE LESSONS Students at partner schools may take private or group instrumental or voice lessons with an MSM teaching artist. Partner schools may select either a classical, jazz, or musical theatre emphasis. Brass, wind, string, piano, and percussion group lessons are available, as well as jazz music and improvisation lessons. Instruction will cover areas from technique and analysis to musical and stylistic interpretation. MSM also provides

educational support such as lesson plans from each teaching artist, video recordings of each lesson, and a certificate of completion for each student at the end of the session.

Grades: 7–12 Length of Program: Five 45-minute sessions or regular class periods Cost: $350 (package of 5 lessons)

JAZZ ENSEMBLE COACHING

Student instrumentalists and vocalists will have the opportunity to work with a Manhattan School of Music teaching artist on subjects ranging from improvisation, rehearsal techniques, and other areas as requested. Classroom teachers are encouraged to send music they would like to have reviewed during the videoconference.

Grades: 6–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

MUSICAL THEATRE COACHING

Using popular musical theatre repertoire selected by the classroom teacher, a teaching artist will work with individual vocalists to improve stage presence, breathing, style considerations, and other techniques as determined on an individual basis. Classroom teachers are encouraged to send music they would like to have reviewed during the videoconference.

Grades: 6–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

AMERICAN MUSIC

AMERICAN MUSIC: TONALITY, TRADITION, AND INNOVATION

The 20th century was a time of experimentation and development across all art forms. We can see this in the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock, the pop art of Andy Warhol, and the avant-garde dance of Merce Cunningham. Similarly, American music shifted its focus from its folk roots to acoustic experimentation. This program explores how legendary American composers, including Aaron Copland and George Gershwin, lay the foundations for the techniques adopted by experimental composers such as Henry Cowell and John Cage. An MSM teaching artist helps uncover a range of social influences that sparked this movement, which has influenced the current trend of fusion between music, visual arts, and/or dance. Students will observe the performance of live extended instrumental techniques and will also create their own pieces involving new auditory possibilities. An intensive interactive program designed to inspire students to explore new artistic possibilities.

Grades: 9–12; Lifelong Learners Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

During times of hardship, music and culture can flourish. Take a closer look at the lives of the mid-19th-century California gold miners and how they expressed their disappointment, homesickness, and pride through song. Join an MSM teaching artist as they perform and lead critical discussions on songs from the era. Students will gain an insightful perspective into life on America’s Western frontier.

Grades: 7–8 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

STORY OF A COMPOSER: GEORGE GERSHWIN

Now free from "The Great War", the 1920s saw the nation able to develop its own rich culture. Major cities became centers for innovation in music, shunning European classicism for a freedom that was strictly American. It was out of this ideal that the most famous of our composers, George Gershwin, emerged. An MSM teaching artist will describe the historical and social contexts of his compositions and guide students to discover the features of classical and jazz idioms he incorporated into his musical scores. A creative opportunity for students to use their critical thinking

skills, with live performance and analysis of Gershwin’s best-known works, including Porgy and Bess and Rhapsody in Blue. Grades: 7–12; Lifelong Learners Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

CLASSICAL & POP MUSIC

CLASSICAL MEETS POP: HOW THE TWO FALL IN LOVE

Join an MSM teaching artist in an informative and lively discussion about what elements categorize music as classical or pop. With the aid of live piano performances and recorded examples, students will define musical elements, learn historical contexts, and discover how the two seemingly disparate genres share the same language. Critical thinking activities also include the analysis of texts from both time periods. Designed to engage young audiences with examples from hip-hop and rock, the program also widens students’ appreciation so that they will begin to listen to Mozart and Schubert with new ears.

Grades: 8–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

Join an MSM teaching artist as they debunk the popular myth that classical music is “old and boring.” This interactive program focuses on music written since 1950, ranging from experimenters John Cage and Karl Stockhausen to current pop artists Björk and Radiohead. Students will discover the fresh, exciting, and outrageous sounds of what contemporary classical music really is, leading to a greater appreciation and understanding of classical music today.

Grades: 8–12 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

JAZZ

JOURNEY THROUGH JAZZ

A Manhattan School of Music teaching artist trio takes students on a field trip through jazz in this presentation. Come along for the ride as the musicians introduce their instruments (piano, bass, and drums) and each of their roles in the trio. Hear them talk about the “rules” of jazz and what happens when those rules are broken. Listen as they play familiar musical

examples to demonstrate some common jazz styles. An interactive and exciting way to learn about some of the basic sounds of jazz, with live musicians! OUR MOST REQUESTED PROGRAM

Grades: 4-8 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

LATIN JAZZ: THE SPANISH TINGE

Have you ever wanted to know about the rhythms behind the merengue, salsa, cha cha cha, or mambo? Here’s your chance to learn the beats of your favorite dance music while our talented teaching artist trio turn you into Latin jazz experts. This interactive program discusses the musical and cultural origins that make this style of jazz so distinctive.

Grades: 6–9; Lifelong Learners Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

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A toe-tapping exploration of this irresistible style!

Regarded as one of America’s most prolific and important composers, Duke Ellington formed an important cornerstone in the foundation of American music. Join an MSM teaching artist jazz trio as they lead students on an interactive exploration of his life and times. Students will listen to live performances of his incomparable music, learn about his legendary band, and discover new and exciting facts about the man himself.

Grades: 4–8 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

THE HISTORY OF JAZZ: SWINGING THROUGH TIME

In this presentation, a Manhattan School of Music teaching artist trio will trace jazz from its beginnings in New Orleans, through its growth in the big cities of New York and Chicago, and on to its success on the international stage. Students will interact with the musicians during a live

in-depth look at one of America’s own art forms. They will learn about America’s cultural and social history as it is reflected in the music of ragtime, swing, bebop, and cool jazz.

Grades: 3–8 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250

WORLD MUSIC

SINGING LEGENDS, DANCING LIONS: AN EXPLORATION OF CHINESE MUSIC TRADITIONS

In an exciting exploration of Chinese music and dance traditions, teaching artist Jing Yang reveals the secrets behind Beijing Opera and the Lion Dance with live music, engaging videos, interactive movement and more. Students will learn Chinese words and characters. A perfect program for classes looking for an enriching cultural journey.

Grades: 2–4 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

TALKING TABLA: DRUMS OF INDIA AND BEYOND

Explore tabla drums from India and take a journey through the world of percussion instruments. A mini-concert is followed by an interactive learning discussion by master percussionist, Rohin Khemani, who has played percussion for over 30 years. Learn about how the tabla is played, where it comes from, the legend of how it was invented, and the unique language used to share its sounds. Discover the three main ways percussion instruments are played. Develop an understanding of how different percussion instruments can play together even though they may come from different countries.

Grades: K-8 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $200

FEET GOT THE BEAT

Rhythm: It's the groove that makes you move; it's the beat that moves your feet! Students will embark on a cultural journey through music and dance. A movement-based experience that gets students up on their feet, Feet Got the Beat helps students solidify geography knowledge while growing awareness about other culture. A pair of MSM Teaching Artists will introduce different musical styles and instruments, while guiding students through native dance moves from West Africa, Ireland, Haiti, and the United States. A wonderful way to build class community and enrichment!

Grades: 1-5 Length of Program: 45 minutes or one regular class period Cost: $250