Conservatory of Music.
INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL DEPARTMENTS.
To give music a place among other branches of instruction, it is necessary to have a systematic course of study.
The course in pianoforte has recently been revised, specifying the particular work required in the different grades. It can be obtainnd on application by any one interested in this department.
The system of daily lessons in music has been tested here for many years with the most satisfactory results. Its advantages over other systems are clearly apparent.
The regular course is such as to enable students of average musical ability and industrious habits to complete the same in three years.
It is divided into six grades. Students may enter any grade for which they are found qualified on examination. Some previous knowledge of the rudiments of music are expected of pupils entering the regular course. Superior advantages, however, are provided for pupils beginning music.
The following is an outline of the Piano Course in the Conservatory:
GRADE I.—Is devoted to notation and technique, easy exercises, studies and pieces.
GRADE II. —Exercises, studies and pieces of moderate difficulty.
GRADES III. and IV.—Exercises, studies and pieces of more difficulty according to revised course of study above mentioned.
GRADES V. and VI.—Exercises, studies and pieces of greater difficulty for developing a higher degree of technique, interpretation and musical intelligence.
Requirements for graduation include the following selections memorized:
FIRST COURSE.
One concerto. Mendelssohn G minor concerto, or equivalent.
Two Beethoven sonatas. Two Bach fugues. Two groups of smaller solos.
ADVANCED COURSE.
Two Chopin Etudes. Two Bach Fugues.
Three Beethoven Sonatas. Two groups of smaller solos. One concerto of the classic school. One concerto of the modern school.
MEDAL COURSE.
Four Chopin Etudes from op. 25. One Bach Fantasie. Chopin Sonata, or Beethoven sonata op. 110. Two groups of four solos each. Four concertos.
A demonstrative examination or recital given before the Conservatory pupils is required of each graduate in the advanced course, and the program as far as possible memorized.
For developing touch, phrasing and musical interpretation, the Sherwood method is used, combined with Mason's Touch and Technique.
Careful attention is given to the use of pedals according to Schmidt.
THE TECHNIPHONE.
Practice for developing strength and freedom of the fingers, wrists and arms by use of the techniphone is recommended to all piano students.
None but students of unusual musical ability are encouraged to complete the Medal Course.
A knowledge of harmony is as essential to the musician as a knowledge of grammar is to the writer of books.
HARMONY COURSE.
FIRST TERM.
Intervals:--
Fundamental chords and derived chords.
Primary Triads of Minor Scale.
Collateral Triads of Minor Scale.
Triads of Minor Scale.
Inversion of Triads.--Derived chords.
SECOND TERM.
Chords of the Seventh.
Sept. chords. Dominant Sept. chords.
Inversion of Sept. chords.
Collateral Sept. chords.
Collateral Sept. chords of the major scale.
Collateral Sept. chords of the Minor scale.
Inversion of the collateral Sept. chords.
Deceptive Cadences.
Irregular resolution of the Dominant Sept. chord.
Irregular resolution of the Collateral Sept. chords.
Chords of the ninth, eleventh, etc.
Altered chords.
THIRD TERM.
Tones foreign to the Harmony.
Accidental Tone combinations.
Passing Tones.
Alternating Tones, appoggiatures.
Organ Point (Pedal Tones.)
Stationary Tones.
Each term of Harmony is concluded by a written examination.
ADVANCED HARMONY.
Elements of Composition.
Modulation in its different forms.
Harmonization of the Major, Minor and Chromatic Scales.
Melodie Progression of the Bass.
Harmonization of the Melody in the Soprano.
" " " " Alto.
" " " " Tenor.
" " " " Bass.
Three Part Harmony.
Two Part Harmony.
Two chords to one note in the Melody.
Several notes against one in the Melody.
Application of the Cadences—Half Cadence.
Modulation in the Melody.
Primary Musical Form and Analysis.
