​Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy​​​

The Music Academies           Fall 2019

Teacher and Director: Valerie Rumpf, MM Teacher Phone Number: 269-362-5780 Email: valerie@themusicacademies.com

The Music Academies - Independent and Group Lessons

Teacher Bio: Valerie Rumpf, MM- (piano, violin, viola, cello, acoustic guitar, voice)- Valerie Rumpf earned her Bachelors (with high honors) and Masters degrees in Music and Composition from Indiana University (SB), having studied under the Toradze Studio instructors in piano, Eric Kus, David Machavariani, and Earle Perez on cello, and Delores Wilson on violin and viola. She is also an accomplished composer and member of ASCAP, ASTA, and MTNA, having had works performed in the US and in Europe. She was also recently awarded the Outstanding Music Teacher Award for 2017 by Steinway & Sons Piano. Valerie is also an enthusiastic orchestra conductor, having studied conducting under Dr. Michael Esselstrom and Dr. Robert Colt at Indiana University, and Bruce Uchimura at Western Michigan University. She currently conducts the New Apostolic Church Orchestra - South Bend District, and the Niles Area Community Orchestra in Niles, MI. Valerie also continues to compose and arrange music for the various groups she works with, is primary organist/pianist and choir leader at the New Apostolic Church in Niles, and plays cello in the Rumpf Village String Quartet. She also performs privately as pianist in Style, a local professional piano/violin duet.


Independent Lessons

The Music Academies offers Independent lessons in the following instruments: piano, violin, viola, cello, ukulele, acoustic guitar, chincello, voice,  and recorder.

Course Description: Students will receive musical training for the instruments of their choice. Each student will be taught traditional note reading and chord progressions, musical symbols, correct rhythm identification and counting procedures. Music theory assignments are taught at each lesson and they will learn the history behind the pieces they are learning and will perform. Students will also learn how to compose short pieces to go with their assignments which will help with note recognition. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of musical styles, Classical, Blues, Ragtime, Sacred and modern. Instruction materials used consists of The Alfred series, Baistien, Suzuki and ABC's for strings, Hal Leonard and Mel Bay for guitars.
Each lesson is 30 minutes in length and will meet once a week for full semester. For times please contact Valerie Rumpf at The Music Academies.

Course Outline: Days and times vary depending on each individual student. Each week students will be given assignments based on their individual level of performance. Each student will be given assignments to be practiced at home on at least 5 days of the week. On a weekly basis the instructor will have the student play his or her pieces and correct any errors, give examples of how to play their pieces correctly to encourage progress and learning in both physical skills and musical concepts. Students will review with the instructor on a weekly basis musical notation, rhythm patterns and theory assignments to ensure they are making progress. Students will perform in a fall or spring recital, dates to be determined.

Final Project: Recital Virtual links: http://www.musicards.net/music_flash_cards/music_note_flashcards.html

Pre/Post Evaluation details: At the beginning of the semester each student will be given a short song to sight read with a grade between 1 and 10, with 1 the least proficient and 10 the highest score. At the end of the semester they will replay the same piece to show advancement in their abilities and playing skills. This will not be the final grade. Grading scale will consist of the following 1-4 scale.
4- above target/expectations
3- on target/expectations
2-below target/expectations
1-off target/expectations
Grades are determined in the following way.

Instructor Input: Teacher will assign a recommended grade based on the scale above. This accounts for 90% of the overall grade.

Attendance: Students are required to attend at least 80% of their scheduled times. This accounts for 10% of their overall grade


​Group Classes

​Additional registration at location is NOT required


Monday begins September 9 - January 20    (no class on December 23 and 30)

String/Symphonic Orchestra: Monday 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Ages 7+ (Early / Intermediate Level)
This course is designed to offer a study into both classical, patriotic and popular music, bringing together all the different parts of an orchestra to perform various styles of music. The class will learn about the composers who wrote the performance pieces. There will be two concerts for the semester, the first concert will consist of classical music and the second will be a holiday performance. Students will learn proper performance technique, increase their sight reading skills, how and what to listen for when playing with a group and perfecting rhythm skills. Students must have at least one year experience playing their instrument and will have to perform an audition to determine level of proficiency. All students will have the opportunity to perform with the group.
* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.

Theory Club: Monday 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. Ages 8+
Does your child love to: Play music or sing? Compose their own songs? Sight read popular music? Play familiar tunes by ear? Perform in recitals or concerts? Then your child needs Ultimate Music Theory Club classes!
Theory club classes teach your child music theory by learning the fundamental building blocks of music for sight reading and ear training, how to speak, write and read the universal language of music. They will receive the knowledge to improvise and compose. To be creative and learn a new way to communicate through music and develop the skill to play by memory and technique to study the elements of music.
* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.



Tuesday begins September 3 - January 21    (no class on December 24 and 31)

Group Keyboard Class:
Tuesday 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Ages 7-12 (Beginning Level)
Tuesday 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.  Ages 5-6 (Beginning Level)
​
This course is aimed for students with no previous experience in piano tuition. The focus primarily is to teach the piano as the practical instrument, whilst simultaneously developing strong aural and theoretical skills. Teaching in a group environment for this age is particularly beneficial from the learning perspective, as the students enjoy learning together and aspire to reach standards set by one another. With regular home practice, the students fly through this curriculum and can feel progress from the early stages, which in turn encourages them to continue through to more advanced levels.
The course includes:
•Aural – to develop a musical ear both melodically and rhythmically.
•Finger Gym – to develop technically.
•Repertoire – graded pieces covering all musical styles.
•Harmony – practical understanding of harmonic processes.
•Ensembles – to enjoy playing different parts as a group.
•Theory – consolidation theoretically of music and rhythmic notation and additional music elements.
•Music Appreciation – to analyze popular musical classics.
•Musical Games – to enjoy testing learnt skills through fun activities.

A comprehensive musical education developing not just the technician but also the musician!
​* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.


Pianorama Junior Level 2: Tuesday 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Ages 6-7 
Pianorama Junior Music Course comprises all the elements required to develop musical and technical skills for the young beginner. The curriculum is specifically written to encompass a wide range of musical activity, which enables concentration levels to be kept at the optimum during the lesson. A focus on developing a musical ear accelerates the process of achievement. Our classrooms are equipped with a digital piano for each student in the classroom, as well as a full range of percussion instruments. Magnetic music boards for all students simplify theoretical work and all piano pieces are learnt with the additional support of speed variable backing tracks. Our teachers are qualified both musically and in teaching young students.
In each 45 minute weekly lesson, the students experience the following:
•Piano tuition – technical development, with solo and ensemble experience;
• Aural (Ear) – to train the musical ear for faster comprehension;
•Singing – pitch and vocal expression through original, contemporary songs;
•Percussion – practical experience of learnt rhythmic patterning;
•Theory – intellectual confirmation of music notation and theoretical elements;
•Music Appreciation – to develop listening skills and through actions understand musical structure;
•Musical Games – Fun activities involving learnt skills​
​* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.



Thursday  begin September 5th - January 23   (no classes on November 28, December 26, and January 2)

KiddyKeys:  Thursday 9:00 - 9:45 am      Ages 5-7  (Beginning Level 1A)
KiddyKeys is a multi-faceted approach to learning music at a young age. This course emphasizes creativity and self-worth to introduce music appreciation and understanding to young children. Students will learn basic note reading, rt hymn notation, musical symbols. This class teaches the young child hand-eye coordination through use of rhythm instruments and piano technique, with a dedicated music time focusing on composers and listening skills. 
​* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.
​
Drum Circles:  Thursday 11:00 - 11:45 am      Ages 6+  (Open to all Levels)
This course is designed to teach students what a steady pulse is. Students will learn to keep a steady beat, how to use synchronicity and learn to be aware of others, listening and tempo. They will learn leadership abilities and how to instruct others. Learn to be a composer of different styles of music with the help of a steady beat. Drums will be used in classes and students will be responsible to bring their own drum sticks
​* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.
​


Saturday  begin September 7 - January 18   (no classes on November 30, December 28, and January 4)

Symphonic Youth Orchestra:  Saturday 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.      Ages 10+  (Intermediate Level / Early Advanced)
This course is designed to offer a study into both classical, patriotic and popular music, bringing together all the different parts of an orchestra to perform various styles of music. We will learn about the composers who wrote our performance pieces. There will be two concerts for the semester, the first concert will consist of classical music and the second will be a holiday performance. Students will learn proper performance technique, increase their sight reading skills, how and what to listen for when playing with a group and perfecting rhythm skills. Students must have at least one year experience playing their instrument and will have to perform an audition to determine level of proficiency. All students will have the opportunity to perform with the group. 
* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.
​
Drum Circles:  Saturday 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.      Ages 6+  (Open to all Levels)
This course is designed to teach students what a steady pulse is. Students will learn to keep a steady beat, how to use synchronicity and learn to be aware of others, listening and tempo. They will learn leadership abilities and how to instruct others. Learn to be a composer of different styles of music with the help of a steady beat. Drums will be used in classes and students will be responsible to bring their own drum sticks
​* For additional details and dates see Syllabus below.


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Sunday  begin August 4 - January 19   (see syllabus below for actual dates)

Niles Area Community Orchestra:  2:00 - 3:30 p.m.   ages 12 and up (If a student shows advanced skills at the audition, age exceptions will be made to the age requirement).
This course is designed to offer a study into both classical, patriot and popular music, bringing together all the different parts of an orchestra to perform various styles of music. We will learn about the composers who wrote our performance pieces. There will be three concerts for the year, the concerts will consist of musical selections from Musicals, classical music and holiday performances. Students will learn proper performance technique, increase their sight reading skills, how and what to listen for when playing with a group and perfecting rhythm skills. Students must have at least three years experience playing their instrument and will have to perform an audition to determine level of proficiency. All students will have the opportunity to perform with the group.
​The Niles Area Community Orchestra will hold rehearsals on the following Sundays, from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. unless other wise stated. Rehearsals are held at the New Apostolic Church in Niles, 1451 East Broadway Niles, Michigan with the exception of the dress rehearsal which will be held at the concert location, Niles District Library. Players attend weekly rehearsals, and practice their parts individually. 
Auditions will be during the week of July 22nd. Call to set appointment time.

*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.

Syllabus
Teacher of Record: Mandy Jankoviak