Programs and Courses

Private Lessons

Private lessons are offered to students of all ages on Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano and Voice. Each student is matched with a compatible teacher. The needs and desires of the individual student are given full consideration in the assignment of a private teacher.

Master Classes

Members of the faculty hold master classes in all instruments and areas. Students are invited to attend any and all master classes. All are open to the public. Those students interested in performing in master classes should consult with their teachers upon arrival in North Bay.

Performance Opportunities

All students are encouraged to perform in a series of concerts and recitals held in the evening after dinner. Students and faculty perform in usually 3 or 4 concerts, with extra performances on parent's visiting days. These concerts are open format, so each performance will usually include a mix of solos, duets, trios, ensembles and orchestras. Solo performance on concerts is not obligatory, although it is encouraged when a student is deemed ready to perform by his/her teacher. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a featured solo with an orchestra. Through these regular concerts, students are exposed to a wide range of musical repertoire in many different genres.

Orchestras

Playing in an orchestra is a key part of the JVL SSPA Experience for many students. There are three distinct orchestras: String Orchestra for beginning to intermediate string players; Chamber Orchestra for intermediate to advanced string players and Festival Orchestra for advanced string players that perform major orchestral repertoire alongside their teachers. This side-by-side integration of student and professional musicians is a distinctive element of the JVl SSPA Experience.

Introduction to Orchestra Repertoire

An ensemble experience for the younger or less-experienced string student with emphasis on sight-reading, listening within an ensemble, and musicianship.

Orchestral Repertoire for Strings

Study of the orchestral excerpts most often required in professional auditions for both titled and sectioned positions.

Chamber Music Studies

The JVL SSPA's chamber music program includes concerts, master classes, and coaching by the faculty members, and myriad student ensembles presenting a wide range of performances.

Advanced Keyboard Studies

Application at the keyboard of the fundamentals of music, with emphasis on sight-reading and technique.

Piano Pedagogy

An introduction to materials available to the piano teacher. This course will provide examination and understanding of technical problems of piano playing using the standard repertoire. Various schools of piano technique will be studied.

Chamber Music for Pianists

A class in which pianists learn some of the major chamber music works for piano and strings and perform movements with string players. Works covered range from duos through quintets. Basic chamber music techniques for pianists are covered.

Duos for Pianists

A class devoted to piano duo literature. Repertoire covered ranges from four-hand piano works and two-piano works.

Theory of Music, Ear Training and History of Music Courses

All students are encouraged to participate in the music related courses offered by the JVL SSPA faculty. RCM examination preparation.

Suzuki Program

The Suzuki Program offers a unique opportunity for students and teachers to collaborate in a joyful yet disciplined environment.

Sing Out! / Music Theatre (No singing experience required) / Opera Programs

Do you love to sing? Do you sometimes imagine yourself on stage in a music theatre production? In this class you will learn some of the basics of singing technique to develop the power and range of your voice and improve your breath control and sound quality. You will also be taught how to prepare a song for performance. At the end of the session you will apply what you learn by participating in a music theatre and opera productions. If you would like to take this class please fill out the questionnaire on the Registration Form page. This will assist the instructor in choosing appropriate music that you enjoy for the class.

For more programs please read:

• Music Theatre / Opera
• Piano Teacher Professional Development (2012 Season)
• «Music Through the Ages» Presentation (2012 Season)
• Seminars and Competitions