The Preparatory Center offers a wide range of programs for all ages. In addition to traditional music studies, the Center offers Suzuki programs for violin, piano and viola; music therapy (including private and group sessions, a cancer support group and music therapy for pain management); jazz, orchestra and chamber ensemble groups; musicianship and theory classes (including beginning classes in musicianship, beginning through advanced theory, jazz theory and improvisation); college preparatory classes (including preparation for auditions, beginning piano for high school students, and piano duos); and the opportunity for advanced study with MSU faculty.

 See below for general information. For more detailed information see the Preparatory Center catalog (PDF format). Registration Form (PDF)

PROGRAM STUDY AND FEES

 I - TRADITIONAL MUSIC STUDY

 Preparatory Center students ages 4 through adult who are interested in traditional instrumental, vocal, or composition study have several program options to choose from. These are as follows:

 Private Instruction:

    14 30-minute lessons: $500 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $625 per semester
    14 60-minute lessons: $820 per semester

  Basic Musicianship:

 This Traditional Study option consists of two components: a 30, 45, or 60 minute private lesson and the choice of an ensemble or musicianship class. The fees listed are based on the length of the private lessons.

    14 30-minute lessons: $535 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $735 per semester
    14 60-minute lessons: $935 per semester

  Comprehensive Musicianship:

 This Traditional Study option consists of three components: a 30, 45, or 60 minute private lesson, ensemble and musicianship class. The fees listed are based on the length of the    14 30-minute lessons: $635 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $815 per semester
    14 60-minute lessons: $995 per semester

 II - SUZUKI MUSIC STUDY

 The Suzuki Method evolved from Dr. Suzuki's approach in teaching the violin. The musical accomplishments of the child are a result of a team effort involving parent, child and teacher. Note reading is integrated as the readiness becomes apparent while the student develops imitative, listening and memory skills. A positive atmosphere is essential to the success of the method. A parent must accompany the child to the lessons, and serves as a surrogate teacher at home supervising practice.

  Suzuki Piano Study
  Basic Suzuki Piano Study

 This Suzuki Piano study option consists of two components: a 15, 30 or 45 minute private lesson and a Suzuki Piano Book Class. The fees listed are based on the length of the private lessons and include the cost of the book class.

    Basic Suzuki Piano Study Fees
    14 15-minute lessons: $485 per semester
    14 30-minute lessons: $585 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $705 per semester

  Comprehensive Suzuki Piano Study
 This Suzuki Piano study option consists of three components: a 30 or 45 minute private lesson, a Suzuki Piano Book Class, and the choice of an ensemble or theory class. The fees listed are based on the length of the private lessons and include the cost of the book class and ensemble or theory class.

    Comprehensive Suzuki Piano Study Fees
    14 30-minute lessons: $685 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $795 per semester

  Suzuki Piano Book Classes - Fees for 14 classes - $225
    Book I
    Ages 7 and up
    14 Saturdays, 10:00 - 10:30  
    Ages 3 - 4
    14 Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:00  
    Ages 5 - 6
    14 Saturdays, 11:15 - 11:45  
    Book II
    Ages 6 and up
    14 Saturdays, 11:45 - 12:15 

  Suzuki Violin Study
  Basic Suzuki Violin Study

 This Suzuki Violin study option consists of two components: a 15, 30 or 45 minute private lesson and a 30 minute Suzuki Violin Book Class. The fees listed are based on the length of the private lessons and include the cost of the book class.

    Basic Suzuki Violin Study Fees
    14 15-minute lessons: $560 per semester
    14 30-minute lessons: $660 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $825 per semester

  Comprehensive Suzuki Violin Study
 This Suzuki Violin study option is recommended for students who are ready to expand their music studies. This program option consists of three components: a 30 or 45 minute private lesson, a 30 minute book class and the choice of an Ensemble or Musicianship class. The fees listed are based on the length of the private lesson and include the cost of the Book Class and Ensemble or Musicianship class. (There is an additional charge for materials for the Book Classes.)

    Comprehensive Suzuki Violin Study Fees
    14 30-minute lessons: $745 per semester
    14 45-minute lessons: $910 per semester

  Suzuki Violin Book Classes - Fees 14 classes - $225

    New Beginners
    14 Saturdays, 9:15 - 9:45
    Book I
    14 Saturdays, 10:15 - 10:45 
    Book II-III
    14 Saturdays, 9:45 - 10:15
    Book IV and Up
    14 Saturdays, 11:15 - 11:45
 
    Viola Group
    14 Saturdays, 10:45 - 11:15 
 
    Weekday
    Suzuki Group Class
    14 Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:00 

 III - MUSIC THERAPY

   1. Individual and Group Music Therapy
 Individual and small group music therapy sessions will be designed to address the individualized interests and needs of children with disabilities. The music therapist will work with the child's parents to determine the desired focus for sessions. Music therapy sessions may take the form of an adapted music lesson, which is specially structured to meet the child's needs and abilities. Music therapy sessions may also be a place through which vocal, instrumental and movement experiences are used to aid the development of speech/language, cognitive, motor, and/or social-emotional skills.

    Individual and Group Music Therapy

    Private Sessions
    14 30-minute sessions: $585 
    14 45-minute sessions: $835

    Group Classes
    14 30-minute sessions: $335 
    14 45-minute sessions: $460
    Limited to 5 participants with a minimum enrollment of 3

ENSEMBLE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

   1. Choir I (First Steps)
    Ages 6 (must be in first grade) and 7

 First Steps exposes the young child to a basic foundation of musical elements through singing games, movement and listening activities. This interactive musical experience leads the child to the exploration of their singing voice, the understanding of beat and basic rhythm, and the rise and fall of musical sounds to produce melody.

    14 Saturdays, 10:30-11:15

   2. Choir Class
    Ages 8 - 12

 Older children continue to develop the singing voice as a musical instrument. Students develop skills in matching pitch, creating a unified vocal sound, sight reading and singing in simple 2 parts.

    14 Saturdays, 11:30-12:15

PLEASE NOTE:
		The Choir classes are run by the New Jersey Children's Choir. Fourteen classes meet per semester. However, the dates may not always coincide with Saturday Preparatory for the Arts classes.
		Choir participants must purchase a choir shirt at the cost of $15.
		Choir class participants perform a Holiday and Spring concert in Memorial Auditorium. Parents are asked to purchase tickets to these concerts.

   3. Jazz Ensembles
    Ages 8 - 12

 The Jazz Ensembles are designed to give instrumentalists and vocalists an opportunity to learn and perform representative pieces of Jazz literature. Students are taught techniques of improvisation through theoretical understanding and a progressive refinement of improvisational performance skills.

    Beginning Jazz Ensemble
    14 Saturdays, 9:45 - 10:30: $275
    Introduction to jazz rhythms, blues progression and improvisation.
    Minimum one year individual study on instrument. (The Beginning Jazz     Ensemble may be taken as an ensemble component in the
    Traditional or Suzuki Program package at no additional cost.)

    Jazz Combo
    14 Saturdays, 11:15 - 12:15: $275
    Develop performance repertoire. Emphasis on arrangements and
    group interaction. Can be taken simultaneously with jazz improvisation. 
    (The Jazz Combo class may be taken as an ensemble component
    in the Basic Musicianship Program package at no additional cost.)
   
    High School Jazz Ensemble
    14 Saturdays, 1:00 - 3:00: $400
    By audition. Advanced playing level. Performance oriented.

Students enrolled in the Basic or Comprehensive Musicianship Program may participate in the Chamber Ensembles for an additional cost of $150.

   4. String, Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensembles

  Cadette Strings

  This ensemble is designed for beginning string students. It encourages note and rhythm reading in an ensemble setting preparing students for participation in traditional string ensemble environments.

    14 Saturdays, 11:45 - 12:30: $275

  Montclair State University Youth Orchestra
  The Montclair State University Youth Orchestra is an ensemble comprised of advanced Music Division students and MSU students. It offers performing opportunities, and is not limited to string students; woodwind, brass, and percussion players may also participate. By audition only.

    14 Saturdays, 11:45 - 1:15: $375
    Placement auditions are held the first Saturday of each semester.

  Chamber Ensembles

  Chamber music groups are small ensembles with mixed instruments consisting usually of three to four students per group. Because each player has a separate, individual part, it is essential that students attend coachings regularly and practice their parts outside of class. Below are some guidelines to help chamber groups have the best possible experiences. Agreeing to these guidelines is a requirement for participation in the chamber program.

    14 Saturdays, 12:00 - 1:30: $400
    Placement auditions are held the first Saturday of each semester.  

MUSICIANSHIP AND THEORY CLASSES 

* Please note: Classes with less than six students may have a surcharge added to tuition in order to run. Parents will be contacted with this option before a class is canceled.

NOTICE: Parents are not to remain in the classroom unless otherwise instructed by the classroom teacher. Violation of this policy may result in dismissal of student

 Foundational Musicianship Ages 5 - 9

  This class incorporates listening games, movement, music history composer studies, note reading, and rhythm reading as a way of introducing students to fundamental aspects of music and music history.

    14 Saturdays, 9:00 - 9:45: $250

  Theory Ages 10 and up

  The theory curriculum is designed as a comprehensive sequential foundation for the musician. Students are exposed to the fundamental principles and practices of music construction. Through reading, analysis, composing, and progressive refinement of aural skills the student is given a broad understanding of music.

    Theory I - Advanced
    14 Saturdays, 9:00 - 9:45: $250 

  Jazz Theory

  Basic chord construction and terminology, analysis of simple chord progressions, and theory of improvisation. Prerequisite: Theory I  (Jazz Theory may be taken as a theory component in the Traditional or Suzuki Program packages at no additional cost.)

    14 Saturdays, 9:00 - 9:45: $250

  Jazz Improvisation

  Improvising over blues and standard chord progressions. Prerequisite: Beginning Jazz or permission of instructor. (Jazz Improvisation may be taken as a musicianship component in the Traditional or Suzuki Study Program packages at no additional cost.)

    14 Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:15: $250

NOTE: Placement in Theory I through Advanced and Jazz Theory is by placement exam. The placement exam is given the first day of classes. For students entering after the first week of classes the exam will be given at the time of individual registration.