Conservatory Programs

The Birmingham-Southern College Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2005. The Conservatory has a long tradition of excellence and makes available to students of all ages the same opportunities in the arts that are available to college students at Birmingham-Southern.

The Conservatory has earned an outstanding reputation through the years because of the quality of its faculty. The dedication of our faculty helps make the Conservatory a special place for students. If you or your child are not currently enrolled, we invite you to join us this year. You can become a part of the proud tradition at the Birmingham-Southern College Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts.

 

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Fall 2008

Term begins August 18th

Kindermusik

For children newborn up to 4 years. Children are exposed to what comes naturally to them - music and movement - in an environment that fosters creative growth at an individual pace. Children meet once per week for a class of singing, moving, listening, and playing simple instruments.
Tuition: For Kindermusik costs and locations of classes, please call the Conservatory office or see Kindermusik brochure.

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Moppets Music Time

A general musicianship class designed for girls and boys ages 4 and 5, Moppets Music Time emphasizes pre-piano skills in listening, ear training, and rhythm, through the use of games, body movement, improvisation, and singing. Instruction utilizes rhythm instruments, Orff instruments, and piano, with piano forming the core of this program. Learning music together in a small group is fun for the young child and serves as a great motivator. When students complete this class, they may, upon the teacher’s recommendation, enroll in lessons in piano.

Tuition: $225.00 for 45-minute weekly class per 16-week fall and spring term

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Piano

Our program offers private lessons of 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Students are required to have access to a piano for daily practice.

Students perform regularly at Conservatory recitals which are held throughout the semester. Repertoire classes also meet to give students the opportunity to perform in an informal atmosphere. Recital pieces should be performed in repertoire class before being presented in a recital.

An Honors Recital is given at the end of the year. Participants in this recital must audition for the opportunity to compete for Hugh Thomas Scholarships. Also awarded is the William H. Baxter Theory Scholarship. Gold medals are presented at the Honors Recital for students who have earned enough points in the Gold Medal game.

FIn addition to on-campus instruction, the Conservatory offers piano lessons in the following communities: Cahaba Heights, Hueytown, Mt. Olive, Trussville, Hoover, and Cullman.

Tuition:

$416.00 for 30-minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term
$496.00 for 45-minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term
$592.00 for 60-minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term

New! Payment Plan (Pay in full or in three installments)

	30-Minute lesson ($416)	45-Minute lesson ($496)	60-Minute lesson ($592)
Installment 1	$200	$200	$200
Installment 2	$108	$148	$196
Installment 3	$108	$148	$196

 

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Musicianship Class

This 60 minute class meets once per week. Classes will cover theoretical material (scales, key signatures, rhythm and meter, sight singing, ear training, etc.), music history, and literature. Students will have performing opportunities in both solo and ensemble settings. Student placement depends upon age and knowledge. Students must be currently enrolled in private Conservatory lessons.

Tuition: $40.00 per term

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Program for Gifted Musicians

The Conservatory Program for Gifted Musicians is open to students from age 10 to 18. Entrance into the program is by audition. Students should prepare two pieces of contrasting style and also be prepared to play scales (a minimum of two octaves). The program will be supervised by Professor William DeVan, who is Artistin- Residence at the College.

DeVan is the fi rst prize winner of the international piano competition “Vianna Da Motta,” a Steinway Artist and Presenter and the co-author of Schumann Solo Piano Literature. He is also a contributing author of A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers: Strategies to Develop the Mind and Body for Optimal Performance, published in 2002 by Heritage Music Press. He is on the Board of Directors of the World Piano Pedagogy Conference and has given presentations at the WPPC conventions in Nashville, Las Vegas, Anaheim and Atlanta. In 2004 he was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Alabama Music Teachers Association. He has performed three times in the last three years in China and has been invited to perform there again during the summer of 2008.

The Program for Gifted Musicians will include private lessons given by DeVan, Musicianship Class, and Monthly Master classes given by DeVan during which all Conservatory students will have an opportunity to perform. For audition dates/times contact Lucy Victory at 226-4960.

Tuition:$780.00 for a 60-minute private lesson weekly per 12-week term

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Organ

Designed for students who already play piano, organ instruction is available. Birmingham-Southern College has a new recital organ in Hill Hall. There are fi ve additional organs in the Hill Building, including a 17 stop mechanical-action studio organ which is available for regular use for lesson and classes. Organ students learn service playing, improvisation, and transposition in addition to basic organ repertoire. We encourage the study of organ for older students who already have some background in piano. There are many churches in the Birmingham area who do not have organists and who are looking for talented young people with knowledge of organ playing.

Tuition: Beginning at $496.00 for 45-minute weekly lesson per 16-week term

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Voice

Students ages 12 and older may enroll in private voice lessons. The primary goal of voice lessons is the development of a basic vocal technique that will serve the student well in any singing situation. This basic study includes correct posture, breathing, vowel placement, and consonant articulation. This technique is developed through the study of styles of music. Students may also receive valuable guidance for performance in school, church, and pageant events. Voice lessons are offered on the BSC campus and at the Hoover campus. Ms. Constance Moore serves as Coordinator.

Tuition: $416.00 for a 30 minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term
$496.00 for a 45 minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term

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Band Instruments

The Conservatory offers private lessons in woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Many elementary, junior high, and high school students find their experience in band is enriched by private study in their instrument. Adults may wish to brush up on an instrument they learned in youth or take lessons because they wish to learn to play an instrument. Dr. Ron Hooten is the instructor.

Tuition: $416.00 for 30-minute private lesson weekly per 16-week term

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Guitar

The guitar is a very popular, relatively easy to learn instrument. Students can learn open chording, reading music and chord theory Bar chording and improvisation are included for more advanced students. Instruction is available for age 8 to adult.

Tuition: $416.00 for a 30 minute lesson per 16 week term
$496.00 for a 45 minute lesson per 16 week term
$592.00 for a 60 minute lesson per 16 week term

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Violin (Suzuki and Traditional)

Violin instruction is offered with the traditional method of teaching and the Suzuki method is also offered. Students must provide their own instrument. Lessons are 30 or 45 minutes.

Tuition: $416.00 for a thirty-minute lesson weekly per 16-week term
$496.00 for a forty-five minute lesson weekly per 16-week term

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String Ensemble

A class aimed at supplementing private violin and viola lessons through a more in-depth study of music theory specific to string playing. The focus would include note-reading, rhythm, articulation, dynamics and musical expression, bowing techniques, sight-reading, key signatures, and left hand strengthening exercises. In addition, a variety of “fiddling” styles will be incorporated such as Bluegrass, Celtic, along with activities and games that encourage musical improvisation useful in playing Blues or Rock-n-Roll styles. The class will be based upon the Suzuki group style experience where the Suzuki literature will be reviewed and played as a group. Lots of fun and friendship comes from learning along with your peers!! Students must be currently enrolled in private Conservatory lessons.

Tuition: $40.00 per term

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Drama Class

Interested in acting? Learn improvisation and other elements of acting including concentration, listening skills, learning to take direction, ensemble work, vocal and physical variety and fun! Classes offered at the Hoover Campus.

Days/Times/Tuition to be announced. Call Conservatory Office at 226-4960.

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How to Apply:

Print the application, fill it out, and return it, along with a $35 registration fee, to:

Conservatory, Birmingham-Southern College
Box 549033
Birmingham, Alabama 35254