Music Classes at Fusion

Music courses allow students to discover and build knowledge based on experience, individualized participation, research, and creative learning analysis. Project-based learning is at the core, emphasized by real-world projects and real-world applications. Our approach and philosophy to teaching and learning is constructive in nature. Learning is student-centered, therefore the learning environment will be created to foster the development of skills and the application of active-learning, self-discipline, and time management.

Music 7 will build on the skills learned in Music 6.

Music 8 will build on the skills learned in Music 7.

Students spend the semester in guided practice and study of the bass guitar. New students to the instrument are introduced to the fundamentals of how to play, and practice applying those skills to play songs they enjoy. More experienced students are given the opportunity to continue building their skills and technique under the guidance of the instructor. The course covers standard notation, tablature, and chart reading as well as the identification of note names, key signatures, time signatures, and rhythms. Ear training will include recognizing intervals and chords, sight singing, and rhythmic and melodic dictation, by way of interactive software. While building these important fundamentals, courses of study are always focused on the individual musical interests of each student.

The Bass II course is designed to give the bass student a more in-depth grasp of the concepts of music relating to playing the bass. Additionally, the course will continue to familiarize students with the fundamentals of sight reading and ear training for the application of the bass guitar. The course covers standard notation, tablature, and chart reading as well as the identification of note names, key signatures, time signatures, and rhythms.

This course is designed to give a beginning drum student a solid grasp of the basic concepts of music relating to drums. A complete overview of the instrument will be taught. The student will be given the opportunity to read standard and tablature notation, learning rudiments and essential drum set rhythms. Rhythm patterns will be taught covering a wide variety of music styles. A study of music composition, both historical and cultural, is also covered.

This is a second-level drum course designed to give a drum student a more in-depth grasp of the concepts of music relating to drums. A complete overview of the instrument will be taught. The student will be given the opportunity to read standard and tablature notation, learning rudiments and essential drum set rhythms. Rhythm patterns will be taught covering a wide variety of music styles. A study of music composition, both historical and cultural, is also covered.

This course is designed to give a beginning guitar student a solid grasp of the basic concepts of music relating to guitar. A complete overview of the instrument will be taught, including care and maintenance. The student will be given the opportunity to read both standard and tablature notation, learning both chord and scale formulas. Rhythm patterns will be taught covering a wide variety of music styles. A study of music composition, both historical and cultural, is also covered.

This course is designed to give an advanced guitar student a solid grasp of the basic concepts of music relating to guitar. A complete overview of the instrument will be taught, including care and maintenance. The student will be given the opportunity to read both standard and tablature notation, learning both chord and scale formulas. Rhythm patterns will be taught covering a wide variety of music styles. A study of music composition, both historical and cultural, is also covered.

This course will take the student into the theoretical concepts of harmony. Coursework includes a complete study of intervals, chord construction, chord voicing, harmonized scales, and modes of the major, melodic minor, harmonic minor, and diminished scales emphasizing instrumental application. A deep study of Gregorian Chants and 1st_4th species counterpoint is included. This class will rely on composition and interactive software. Atonal and impressionist music will be addressed, as well as contemporary.

Music Theory Honors includes all of the features of the standard level course, but studies the material at a deeper level.

Students of this course study the science and mechanics of digital recording. This course lays theoretical groundwork in acoustics and the relationship to electronic equipment used in the recording industry. Students learn basic recording and editing techniques while developing critical listening and viewing skills. This application class provides the student with an in-depth introduction to audio equipment and techniques. The course equips students with the fundamental concepts and terminology necessary to pursue a career in the recording arts, and to establish a foundation for higher-level courses in the audio programs. Topics include basic studio procedures, equipment design, and proper use, in addition to multi-track recording techniques and working creatively with digital audio workstations like ProTools.

Students continue a deeper study of the science and mechanics of digital recording. Acoustics and the micing of acoustic instruments will be studied along with their relationships to electronic equipment. The course will continue to equip students with the fundamental concepts and terminology necessary to pursue a career in the recording arts, and to establish a foundation for higher-level courses in the audio programs. Topics include intermediate studio procedures, equipment design, and proper use, in addition to multi-track recording techniques and working creatively with digital audio workstations like ProTools.

This course covers the elements of singing, addressing the specific needs of singers of popular music. It is intended for singers of all levels who want to improve their stamina, increase their range, develop a better sound, and enhance their overall vocal health. In this course, students will study techniques to help them understand and develop their voice by describing the basic elements of their instrument and teaching how to practice. The course helps students to understand the physical aspects of singing, master them, and expand this mastery of the details to a more holistic technical and musical whole.