CYM's Performance Training is founded upon Suzuki method principles. This highly acclaimed method of talent training is designed for children who have had a minimum of two years experience in the ECM Program. Parents participate fully in their child's education by attending each technique lesson and learning to play the instrument along with their child. Additionally, parents are taught how to reinforce the skills they learn at school so that they can make the most of their practice time at home. These students share a long-term learning relationship with their parents which positively affects many areas of the child's development.
Classical students have three formal recitals each year, as well as numerous opportunities to perform in Community and Outreach Concerts. All students may perform at Community and Outreach Concerts. CYM's Outreach Concert program introduces CYM's vision for its students to a wide audience and contributes to the greater community. Young performers build confidence by performing polished pieces, and develop concentration by playing in new settings with a wide range of variables. The audience hears music presented by young people and enjoys a refreshing exchange in their accustomed environment. CYM Community Concert performance opportunities are held at various times throughout the year. Faculty members perform and arrange their student performances individually. These performances are held at CYM facilities, at local churches or centers, and in CYM families' homes.
A CYM Classical student participates in a Group Class and Technique Class each week. The Group Class teaches listening and collaborative skills and provides important music theory instruction. Students learn to support one another and have fun while making music.
The Suzuki Method relies on a sequential series of pieces. The Suzuki Literature is consistent throughout the world, affording students the advantages of a shared repertoire and experience. A unique attribute, studying the same literature and philosophy allows Classical students to easily create music together at Suzuki summer institutes held across the globe.
The performance skills of a Classical student will likely grow so quickly that they outpace the student's music comprehension and reading skills. Our faculty is attentive to cognitive musical development, and sensitive to the process in which these skills catch up to the student's physical prowess. Motivated CYM Classical students become advanced performers at a very early age and excellent readers soon afterward.
This program is designed for families who want a more "child-driven" approach to their music education, as opposed to the Classical Program's emphasis on parent leadership and role modeling. Students use written materials to structure their progress, however, a heavy emphasis on aural mastery of the material is an important feature of our Legends Program. For these reasons, Music Literacy training is fundamental to the Legends Program.
Throughout their studies, American Legends students visit the four pillars of the American music tradition: Movies and Musicals; American folk and blues; Rock and Country; and Jazz. Each year a different genre is used to introduce the student to the unique characteristics and styles.
Students may choose from a wide range of literature under the guidance of their teacher. Repertoire choices are tailored to suit the student's preference. Students in the Legends Program are welcome to incorporate the Suzuki Literature and Philosophy, but they are not limited to it. The Legends Program student participates in an Ensemble Class with other Legends students.
Students age 9 and up may join the Connections Program wherein they take a private technique lesson and a Music Literacy/Group class each week. This program is open to beginners as well as students transferring from other programs or private instructors. Concerts and special events provide additional performance opportunities for students in this program. Connections class gives older beginners an introductory course in Music Literacy and Instrument Set-up and facilitates their joining either the Legends or Classical Section with their peers.
Connections class gives older beginners an introductory course in Music Literacy and Instrument Set-up, and facilitates their joining either the Legends or Classical Section with their peers.
Connections provides learning materials for a cognitive and appreciative understanding of American styles, while making allowances for various performance abilities. Students learn to read, identify, and work with the unique, stylistic components of historically significant genres.
