Preparatory Studies: Young Performers Program

2011-2012 YOUNG PERFORMERS PROGRAM

The aim of Longy’s Young Performers Program is to give talented young musician sages 8–18 a comprehensive musical training and performance experience.

Founded in 1977 by eminent violinist Roman Totenberg, the Young Performers Program has attracted serious young musicians from all over New England. Young Performers have appeared as soloists with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops, the Merrimack Valley, Lowell, and Worcester Philharmonic orchestras, and the Hartford Symphony, and have won many prestigious young artist competitions. Many have continued their studies at prominent music conservatories and schools.

In 2005, the Young Performers Program was revitalized to feature an innovative music curriculum. Rooted in a longstanding tradition of musical excellence, this four-level program offers a comprehensive, sequential musical education. First, great care is taken to assign an appropriate studio instructor at Longy. The program is a combination of required and elective courses and ensembles flexible enough to fit the needs and interests of each student, while fulfilling Longy’s commitment to provide the best in musical training. The Young Performers Program also offers gifted singers from their early teens through their high school years an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge of vocal repertory through solo and ensemble performance. Our distinguished and dedicated faculty members have established a curriculum that combines a unique blend of creative offerings in Composition, Early Music, Performance Classes, Creative Music Theory, Viola for Violinists, Sight Reading for Strings, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics.

Admission to Young Performers Program
Auditions held in June and August
This program provides superb musical training and performing experience, and prepares students for a lifetime of involvement in music and the arts. Admission is by application and audition, and there is an audition fee of $15 for Longy students and $25 for new students, which covers the instrumental audition and all ensemble auditions and placements. For more information and a list of the audition requirements for the 2011-2012 Community Programs Auditions please click on the following link: Community Programs Ensemble Audition Information (PDF).

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM
The Instrumental Program is a four-level, multiyear program. Below is a description of the typical weekly program, range of elective courses, and the expectations for each level.

For all levels: Over the course of the program, students are expected to satisfactorily complete a year-end repertoire jury and mid-year technical proficiency jury (scales, etudes, and sight-reading). In general, students spend two to three years at each level and upon completion of course requirements and juries, students are awarded a certificate and promoted to the next level.
Electives currently available for fulfilling instrumental certificate requirements:

Orchestra (by audition)
Chorus
Chamber music/instrumental ensemble or vocal ensemble (by audition)
Advanced Musicianship class
Composition Seminar
Performance Classes
Teen Piano Class
Sight Reading for Strings
Viola for Violinists
Private secondary instrumental lesson (additional fee applies)

Instrumental
Level I - Preparatory Certificate
Fee: $2,595/semester
Course: PY001
Recommended Years at Level: one to three years pending initial placement and juries
Suggested age: 8 and up (3rd grade)

Ongoing School-year Activities:
Private lesson (45 or 60 minutes)
Chorus
Musicianship Class/Creative Music Theory

Technical Skills Jury
Repertoire Performance Jury
3 solo performances

Optional:
One elective (with Director’s approval)

Promotional Requirements:
All performance and technical jury requirements met and demonstrate Level II aptitude
Completion Creative Music Theory through Level II

Level II - Junior
Fee: $3,095/semester
Course: PY002
Recommended Years at Level: one to three years pending initial placement and juries
Suggested age: 11 and up

Ongoing School-year Activities:
Private lesson (60 minutes)
Musicianship Class/Creative Music Theory
Large Ensemble: Chorus or Orchestra
Small Ensemble: Chamber Music or Piano Duo
Performance Class (1 year required)
Technical Skills Jury
Repertoire Performance Jury
4 solo performances

Optional:
One elective (with Director’s approval)

Promotional Requirements:
All performance and technical jury requirements met and demonstrate Level III aptitude
Completion Creative Music Theory through Level V

Level III - Senior
Fee: $3,150/semester
Course: PY003
Recommended Years at Level: one to three years pending initial placement and juries
Suggested age: 13 and up

Ongoing School-year Activities:
Private lesson (60 minutes)
Musicianship Classes/Creative Music Theory or Elective
Large Ensemble: Chorus or Orchestra or Small Ensemble:
Chamber Music or Piano Duo
Performance Class (1 year required)
Technical Skills Jury
Repertoire Performance Jury
4 solo performances

Promotional/Graduation Requirements:
All performance and technical jury requirements met and demonstrate Level IV aptitude
Creative Music Theory (one year at Level VI or higher)
Performance Class (one year)
Elective (two years)
Half or full recital (expected)

Level IV - Young Artist
Fee: $3,150/semester
Course: PY004
Recommended Years at Level: 2 years pending initial placement and juries
Suggested age: 15 and up

Ongoing Requirements:
Private lesson (60 minutes)
Advanced Musicianship Classes (level VI or above)
Ensemble: chamber music, or instrumental ensemble
Electives: Performance Class, Large Ensemble
Preparation for College applications and auditions
Technical Skills Jury
Repertoire Performance Jury
4 solo performances

Promotional/Graduation Requirements:
In addition to all Graduation Requirements for Senior Certificate, the following must be successfully completed:
Creative Music Theory (at Level VI or higher)
Elective (two years)
Full recital
Special Project

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VOCAL PROGRAM
The Young Performers Certificate Program for Singers is a multiyear program which offers a comprehensive musical education for singers from 14 to 18 years of age. It consists of two levels. The program is tailored to fit the needs and interests of individual students, develop young singers’ skills, and broaden their musical experience.

Electives for Vocal Certificate Program:

Teen Piano
Instrumental class study
Additional Musicianship class
Instrumental ensembles
Chamber music (by audition)
Composition
Music History
Performance Class
Chorus (if not part of weekly requirements)
A Cappella

Level II—Junior
Fee: $3,095/semester
Course: PY002-V
The suggested age for entering this level is 14 and above.

Entrance requirement: Students must pass a vocal audition and take a music theory placement exam. At least one full year of study at the Junior level is required to complete this level. Students must complete four required courses and one elective.

Weekly program includes:

Private vocal lesson (45 or 60 minutes)
Musicianship class/Creative Music Theory
Performance Class
Chorus

Expectations:
In addition to successful completion of annual juries, students are required to perform at least four solo pieces per year in a variety of Preparatory assemblies, studio recitals, and performance workshops.

Level III—Senior
Fee: $3,150/semester
Course: PY003-V
Designed for highly motivated students who are interested in pre-professional training, the Young Performers Senior Certificate is an excellent credential for continuing in professional musical studies. Students must complete four required courses and at least two electives. This level is recommended for students ages 15 and above who have completed the Junior Certificate at Longy or who successfully pass a vocal audition and take a theory placement test.

Weekly program includes:

Private lesson (45 or 60 minutes)
Advanced Musicianship class (one year required)
Performance Workshop
Small vocal chamber ensemble (A Cappella or Chamber Music)
Chorus (recommended)

Expectations:
In addition to successful completion of annual juries, students are required to perform at least four solo pieces per year in a variety of recital venues available to prep students, and to demonstrate a consistently satisfactory level of vocal performance and knowledge of musicianship. Students are encouraged to present a solo recital at the completion of the level.

Level IV—Young Artist
Fee: $3,150/semester
Course: PY004-V

Admission to this program is by juried audition. The Young Artist level is designed for a select group of the most advanced and highly motivated singers who are interested in intensive pre-professional training. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the commitment and skills required to complete the program. The Young Artist Certificate is a superior credential for continuing in professional musical studies or collegiate study. At least two consecutive years of study at Longy are required. Students must complete four required courses, at least two electives, and a special project or recital.

Weekly program includes:

Private vocal lesson (60 minutes)
Performance Class
Advanced Musicianship class
Small vocal chamber ensemble
Chorus (recommended)
Special Project or Recital

Expectations:
In addition to satisfactory completion of the annual juries, students are required to perform at least four solo pieces per year at Longy in a variety of Preparatory assemblies, Musical Evenings, studio and departmental recitals, and solo recitals, and to complete the Musicianship program designed for this level. Students are expected to present a full or half solo recital at the completion of the level. Students at this level are expected to demonstrate a high level of vocal performance and sound knowledge of musicianship.

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