Course Catalog

(Adults)

Follow in the footsteps of Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton and more as you learn how to play both rhythm guitar and improvised solos over the blues form.  In this semester-long class, participants learn and experiment with musical devices such as the pentatonic/blues scale, the 12-bar blues form, movable 7th chord shapes, picking/slurring techniques, and swing/syncopated rhythms. Transcriptions, recordings, and original etudes are used to develop each student’s ability and awareness, with the ultimate goal that students feel comfortable attending and participating in a typical blues jam session.

Please note:  The ability to read musical notation is not expected for this class, but students should have a working familiarity with open position chords and at least 6-12 months of experience playing the guitar.  Students must provide their own steel-string (non-classical) acoustic or electric guitar, guitar picks, and instrument cable. Amplifiers will be provided.

For more information, please contact Risa Carlson, Guitar Department Chair, at (202) 686-8000, ext. 1104 or rcarlson@levineschool.org.

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(Teens and Adults)

This semester long course is a general introduction to the guitar. Students learn to play melodies and chords, read standard musical notation and learn right-hand fingerstyle technique. Repertoire includes solo and ensemble pieces from around the world. Students must provide their own guitars. No previous experience is required. Interested students can continue on to a second semester upon arrangement with the instructor and department chair. 

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Master Teacher Franco Platino works with small groups arranged by level and age to perfect right- and left-hand technique, as well as sightreading skills. Appropriate for intermediate to advanced school-aged and adult students. Groups meet weekly or bi-weekly. Day and time are arranged by placement audition.

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(Ages 10 - 16)

This fully underwritten class is a continuation of the Beginning Guitar Zanar Class for six select Levine Guitar students who have successfully demonstrated a high level of dedication and ability for at least one year in the beginning class. Students must maintain a high level of commitment and near-perfect attendance. New students must audition to be considered. Thanks to the Louise P. Zanar Fund for generously underwriting this class. 

(Ages 8 - 14)

This fully underwritten class is for six select Levine guitar students who have demonstrated a high level of dedication and ability for at least one year in Beginning Guitar Class or private lessons. Students are expected to maintain a high level of commitment and near-perfect attendance. New students must audition to be considered. Thanks to the Louise P. Zanar Fund for generously underwriting this class.

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(Ages 8 - 12)

Start your guitar study by learning to play great songs from around the world with confidence and competence. Learn the fundamental habits of great guitar players while mastering note reading, basic melodies, right-hand fingerpicking technique, arpeggio patterns, chords, and strums. This course will prepare you for further study in classical or contemporary guitar styles. Absolutely no previous musical experience is required.

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(Ages 14 - Adult)

This class is continuation of Beginning Guitar Class for Adults, with a focus on reading in upper positions, right-hand techniques, ensemble music, and solo pieces. Pre-requisite: Beginning Guitar Class or permission of instructor.

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(Ages 14 - 18)

Designed to help serious music students deepen their knowledge of structure and repertory, this course includes sightsinging, ear training, study of chords, four-part writing, and other traditional theory. Students also compose pieces in historical styles.
 
The syllabus of the instructor of this course has been authorized by the College Board. Students have permission to use the “AP” designation on their transcripts sent with college applications only for courses whose syllabus has been authorized by the College Board and grants. This is a graded course and students may be able to obtain high school credit or college credit based on their performance in this course.

Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor is required. AP Music Theory Placement tests are given during the Fall and Spring semesters at the NWDC Campus.  

(Ages 14 - 18)

In this course, students acquire an understanding of historical styles and the history of Western classical music through guided listening, reading, and learning skills of musical and stylistic analysis. Repertory ranges from Gregorian chant to the present.    

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(Ages 10 - 18)

This course covers the basics of music fundamentals, ear training, harmony and analysis at an accelerated pace. Basic composition exercises are integrated into the course and support student learning. This is a gateway class for students who wish to gain the requisite skills to begin Levine’s AP Music Theory classes to prep for the Advanced Placement examination.

The Advanced Placement (AP) courses help students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam given by the Educational Testing Service of the College Board.  At Levine, AP courses are taught over a two-year period because they meet only once a week. The AP Music Theory Placement tests are given during the Fall and Spring semesters at the NWDC Campus.  

No longer available for Fall 2012.

(Age 14 to Adult)

This course is a study of topics in music theory and historical styles through the examination of a variety of compositions. Some reading knowledge of music is required, preferably in both treble and bass clefs. Qualified high school students (prerequisite: Theory Level 3 or the equivalent) are also welcome.

(Ages 14 to Adult)

This course is a review of music theory topics – scales, keys, meter, intervals, and chords – for those who have a solid knowledge of music notation using at least one clef (e.g. treble or bass). The specific needs and interests of enrolled students will be considered in determining class activities. Adults and high school students are welcome.
 
Please note: This course meets six times throughout the Spring semester on non-consecutive Saturday mornings, beginning January 26.  The class calendar is subject to adjustment to accommodate those participating.  Please bring personal calendars to the initial session, and consult with the instructor in advance regarding any conflicts.  For more information, please contact Carl Yaffe at (202) 686-8000 ext. 1659 or cyaffe@levineschool.org.

No longer available for Spring 2013

(Teens and Adults)

Like to play, but hate to practice? Learn some valuable tips on how to create effective and efficient practice strategies to maximize your progress. Applicable to all instruments and voice.

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(Adults)

This course is designed for students who have never studied music theory or are coming back to it after many years. Whether you play an instrument, sing or just want to learn how to read music, you will enjoy this basic course. It’s easier than you think! Students learn how to read basic rhythms, sightreading tricks and tips, and more. 

No longer available for Fall 2012.

(Adults)

This course is designed for students who have completed ABCs of Music for Beginners, or have basic reading knowledge in treble and bass clefs. Concepts include circle-of-fifths, intervals, triads, seventh chords and an introduction to inversions. Ear training, sightsinging and rhythmic training exercises are explored.

No longer available for Fall 2012.

(Adults)

This course is for adult musicians or music lovers who have a basic fluency in the grammar of music, but would like to learn more about the organization of music, such as harmony and form. Four-part chorale style composition, analysis and score reading are covered. Ear training and sightsinging are also explored. 

No longer available for Fall 2012.

(Ages 8 - 11)

A continuation of Drums Around the World I, this yearlong class expands the drumming spectrum to include new cultures and contemporary drumming styles. Through the teamwork approach to learning West African and Caribbean drum ensembles with songs and movement, students explore the endless world of rhythm and sounds. 

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(Teens and Adults)

This course is designed for teens and adults who are beginners or who have limited experience. Students explore a variety of percussion instruments and rhythms from around the world. 

No longer available for Fall 2012.

(Ages 7 - 10)

This class is an excellent way to get started with percussion and is an appropriate next step for recent graduates of Early Childhood and Elementary Music classes. Students explore percussion instruments from around the world in a relaxed and encouraging setting.

No longer available for Fall 2012.