Comprehensive Music Certificate Program

The Comprehensive Music Certificate Program (CMCP) at the Peabody Preparatory is designed to develop highly motivated students with a curriculum that emphasizes performance. Building on the strength of our well-established and popular Music Certificate Program, the CMCP provides students the opportunity to perform more often and learn from a larger number of our distinguished faculty.

The CMCP uses our traditional Music Certificate Program as its foundation, then adds additional courses and performance opportunities to further enhance the learning experience. The additional requirements vary according to the level of certificate and include:

  • Group String or Piano Classes
  • Chamber Music
  • Large Ensembles
  • Recitals
  • Repertoire Classes

We believe this program fills a need for both new students looking for a demanding performance intensive curriculum and current students already involved in many activities within the Preparatory.

Getting Started

The decision to enter the Comprehensive Music Certificate Program requires careful consideration. Only serious music students who can devote considerable time to their music studies should enroll.

Since the CMCP is so closely tied to the original Music Certificate Program, prospective students should be familiar with both programs. Further information on each program is available on our website or by contacting Gavin Farrell, Students Services Coordinator by email at gavinf@peabody.jhu.edu or by phone at 410-234-4637.

Prior to enrollment, students and parents should discuss their desire to participate in either one of the Certificate Programs with their teacher. Participation in each program requires teacher approval.

Program Structure

The CMCP is divided into three levels of study that correspond to the levels of the Music Certificate Program:

  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced/Pre-Conservatory

Participants in the CMCP take the same music theory classes and Certificate exams as students in the Music Certificate Program. Students from both programs are recognized at the completion of each level at the Preparatory’s annual Awards Ceremony. The CMCP differs from the Music Certificate Program in that there are additional elective, ensemble, and concert attendance requirements. It is also required that students have a minimum of two years of study at each level. There is also an annual fee to participate.

The Curriculum

Each of the three levels in the Comprehensive Music Certificate Program requires a minimum of two years to complete. Specific information on electives and concert attendance is covered in subsequent sections. Detailed information about Certificate exams and music theory classes can be found in the original Music Certificate Program brochure.

Requirements for the three CMCP levels are as follows:

Level One

  • Private lessons (individual instruction) each year
  • Score of 80% or above on the Elementary 3 Certifi cate exam
  • Minimum grade of B– in Comprehensive Theory 1 or Accelerated Teen Theory 1
  • Studio recital performance each semester
  • One additional recital performance each year
  • Participation in two (2) departmental repertoire or master classes per year
  • One elective (see page 5 for options)
  • Attendance at four (4) concerts

Level Two

  • Private lessons (individual instruction) each year
  • Score of 80% or above on the Intermediate 3 Certifi cate exam
  • Minimum grade of B– in Comprehensive Theory 2 and 3 or Accelerated Teen Theory 2
  • Studio recital performance each semester
  • Two (2) additional recital performances each year
  • Participation in four (4) departmental repertoire or master classes per year
  • One elective (see page 5 for options)
  • Two (2) years participation in chamber music or large ensemble
  • Attendance at six (6) concerts

Level Three

  • Private lessons (individual instruction) each year
  • Score of 80% or above on the Advanced/Pre-Conservatory Certifi cate exam
  • Minimum grade of B– in Comprehensive Theory 4 and 5 or Accelerated Teen Theory 3
  • Studio recital performance each semester
  • Four (4) additional recital performances each year
  • Participation in four (4) departmental repertoire or master classes per year
  • One elective (see page 5 for options)
  • Two (2) years participation in chamber music or large ensemble
  • Advanced Performance Class
  • Attendance at eight (8) concerts

Please Note: The requirements listed above are for the String and Piano departments. Requirements for other departments may vary. Also note that Certificates are not offered in all instrumental disciplines.

Electives

Elective requirements may be fulfilled by virtually any course offered at the Preparatory. Keep in mind that some classes and ensembles require a minimum level of proficiency and may require an audition. Also note that not all classes are offered each year. Classes used to fulfill elective requirements may not be used to fulfill other requirements. In other words, participating in an orchestra can fulfill either the ensemble require OR the elective requirement, but NOT both. The following is a partial list of electives offered:

  • Chamber Camp (Strings)
  • Chamber Music (Brass, Woodwinds, Strings and Piano)
  • Composition Group Classes or Private Lessons
  • Dance Group Classes
  • Classical Guitar Workshop or Guitar Group Classes
  • Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Theory and Arranging Group Class
  • Orchestra — Preparatory String Ensemble (PSE), Young Artists Orchestra (YAO), or Peabody Youth Orchestra (PYO)
  • Peabody Children’s Chorus
  • Piano for Young People Program (PYP-Suzuki based) Enrichment Classes
  • Peabody Violin Choir
  • Pre-Conservatory Violin Program (PCVP)
  • Vocal Basics of Singing 1-3 Group Classes
  • Young People’s String Program (YPSP) Group Classes and Ensembles

Concert Attendance

A vital component to music education is listening to others perform. As such, the Comprehensive Music Certifi cate Program requires participants to attend concerts regularly.

Students may attend concerts of any type of music (not just classical) as long as they are not a performer for the concert. Proof of attendance in the form of a program or ticket stub signed by your teacher is required for credit. Teachers may also require students to discuss the concert with them or write a short report on what they heard.

Repertoire and Master Classes

The Preparatory off ers a wide variety of repertoire and master classes each year. Most are coordinated through individual departments while a few are crossdiscipline events hosted by the school. Performing in these classes is free and mandatory for CMCP students.

Students must submit proof of performance forms (available from the Student Services Coordinator) signed by the teacher conducting the class.

Students are free to perform in classes outside the Preparatory as well.

Please Note: Performances in outside activities must be approved by the student’s teacher to be accepted for credit.

Recital Participation

All CMCP students are required to participate in their instructor’s studio recital as well as events beyond those held by their teacher. The Preparatory offers dozens of opportunities each year ranging from special departmental recitals to the schoolwide Signature Recital Series.

Students are also heartily encouraged to take full advantage of opportunities outside Peabody (with the teacher’s approval). Once again, proof of performance in the form of a program is required to be accepted for credit.

Annual Registration in CMCP

Participants must enroll and pay an annual fee of $55.00 to help defray administrative costs of the program. The fee is due with the registration form. In subsequent years, the Student Services Coordinator will contact CMCP participants with information about renewing their enrollment for additional years.

 

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