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PROGRAMS
Kodaly
"Singing, independent of an instrument, is
the real and profound schooling of musical abilities." —Zoltan Kodaly
The practical realization of the teaching philosophy of the Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly was developed by several dedicated Hungarian music teachers and has been adapted in many countries. Based on the use of the unaccompanied singing voice, it develops accuracy of pitch as well as teaching, writing, and listening skills. It thus forms a solid basis for every kind of music study
At the pre-school and kindergarten levels, the emphasis is on action songs and carefully chosen games to form the foundation of musical skills. Children learn to recognize melodic and harmonic relationships between pitches through their experience with simple folk material, songs, and games. Hand signs are used as a visual aid to help establish pitch, and the use of signs with both hands helps teach intervals and independent part-singing.
Rhythmic exercises and combinations of ostinatos with melodies further strengthen the ability to think polyphonically. Musical literacy develops naturally from the skills gained in Kodaly classes, where the primary consideration is the joy of making music.
The Academy offers six levels of sequential instruction, beginning at the pre-school level.
Orff
The method of music instruction for young children developed by Carl Orff, German composer and educator, stresses as its ultimate purpose the enrichment of life through the development of inherent musicality. The spontaneous rhythms children create in their rhymes, chants, and games provide a natural starting point for this development.
The Orff program offers a sequence of classes for children 3 1/2 to 10 years old. A progressive development of musical skill, creativity, and aesthetic awareness is achieved through work with the elements of music contained in speech patterns, poetry, song, and movement. A heightened awareness of rhythm and melody is developed through playing soprano, alto, and tenor recorders, and a wide range of percussion instruments, some with and some without pitch.
The Orff program develops musicality in a natural and joyful environment, and it provides excellent preparation for other instrumental programs offered at the Academy.
Ballet
The ballet program is an integrated part of the Vancouver Academy of Music’s curriculum. Classical ballet training is offered to students 31⁄2 years and older from beginner to pre-professional level. The program is directed by Alice Gerbrecht, a former dancer with the Ballet Theatre of Boston, the Louisville Ballet and a member of Flamenco Rosario. The Vancouver Academy of Music’s ballet program offers a structured training environment with the flexibility of allowing for the individuals goals. Discipline, self confidence and artistic expression are combined with musicality and physical development in the training of each student. From the aspiring professional to the recreational dancer, students receive nurturing instruction from professional faculty.
All applicants for admission who have previous dance training will be asked to attend a placement class. Students over twelve years of age who are new to the Academy should have a minimum of two years ballet study before applying.
Performer’s Certificate Program
At their teacher’s recommendation advanced students may participate in a graded diploma program designed to prepare the students to continue their studies to a professional level. There are four grade levels in music performance and music theory, and examinations will be given at the end of each grade level.
In order to receive a Performer’s Certificate from the Vancouver Academy of Music a student must be enrolled at the Academy for no less than two years, must achieve grade four level in performance and theory, and must perform a recital to be graded by three members of the faculty.
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