Mission:
To inspire and educate students on a broad range of musical subjects.
To discuss the applications of these subjects in the "real world", including
an overview of career options in the music industry.
To demonstrate the importance of education, living a healthy, balanced
life and staying drug-free.
Teachers can choose a curriculum from the following programs*, all of which conclude with an anti-drug segment (please keep in mind that we are flexible and can tailor a residency to meet your specific age group, time and curriculum needs):
"Be Your Own Rock Star" - An introduction to Songwriting
(Middle and High School)
A fun, highly interactive program that introduces songwriting as a creative outlet for young adults. Topics include: song structure, writing toward a "hook", how and where to rhyme, what makes a great melody, elements of rhythm and more. During the program, participants will, as a group, write and perform an original song which will be recorded and later e-mailed to attendees.
***The workshop will be adjusted to the musical knowledge of the group, i.e. musical concepts will be explored in more detail to an upper level jazz band than to that of a first-year choir or music appreciation class, and the workshop can also be tailored to students with little or no musical knowledge.
"Dr. Seuss and Hannah Montana"
(Preschool — 5th Grade)
A fun, highly interactive program that explores the basic concepts of songwriting, including song structure, rhyme scheme, melody and rhythm. As a group, participants will turn their favorite book into a song as well as compose a short, original song which will be recorded and later emailed to attendees or their teacher. No instruments or musical knowledge needed.
"Nashville, NY and LA"
The Ins and Outs of the Music Biz
(Middle and High School)
An informal, interactive program that explores the modern music industry, including an overview of record labels, publishing companies, careers in the music business, songwriting royalties, music pirating, "indie" musicians and much more. The format for this program is a combination of live music selections, lecture, and Q & A.
"The Language of Modern Music"
(K-12)
"The Language of Modern Music" is a fun, interactive program that explores literary techniques, styles and concepts and their role in modern music and songwriting. Topics include: the difference between poetry and lyrics, the creative process, rhyming techniques, similes and metaphors, meter, literary tools for songwriters, literary careers in the music industry, press and marketing, outlets for creative thinkers and more!
"The Math of Music"
Applications of Math in Music, the Entertainment Industry and Beyond
(K-12)
What is the formula for a hit song? What is it, mathematically speaking, that makes a song catchy? What do sine waves or the Pythagorean Theorem have to do with music? What is the mathematical language of music notation? What is the "Nashville Number System"? Are session players musical geniuses?
These are all questions that are answered in, "The Math of Music", an interactive program that explores the undeniable link between mathematics and music. More importantly, we discuss how having a fundamental knowledge of mathematics puts you at a tremendous advantage in the music industry, whether you are a musician, manager, recording engineer, entertainment lawyer or record label executive!
"Dr. Hendrix and the Science of Music"
(K-12)
Jimi Hendrix was famous for creating 'feedback' that he could control and manipulate. Pink Floyd created sounds in the studio no one had ever heard before. Over time, technology has become the backbone of the music industry. "Dr. Hendrix and the Science of Music" is a fun, interactive program that explores the physics of music, from the basics of sound, including waves, vibration, frequency, overtones, resonance etc., to post modern applications and the technology of the New Music Industry. More importantly, we discuss how having a fundamental knowledge of science puts you at a tremendous advantage in the music industry, whether you are a musician, recording engineer, studio designer or guitar builder!
"Music, Theoretically Speaking..."
Applications of Music Theory in the Modern World
(Music Classes Only)
A fun, interactive look at the theory of modern music, including that of Top 40 radio, rock, jazz, blues, folk, country and bluegrass. Students will explore structural, melodic, rhythmic, and chordal traits of each style of music. Musical examples are taken from popular, current songs, i.e. Taylor Swift, Brittany Spears, Brad Paisley, Jason Mraz, etc.
"From Granados to Garth - Guitar Through the Ages"
Exploring the Rich History and Versatility of the Guitar!
(K-12)
A lecture recital that explores the guitar's role in major American music genres, including classical, bluegrass, jazz, rock, pop, folk and country. Before performing a selection from each genre, Andy discusses and demonstrates stylistic techniques, compositional characteristics as well as how religion, politics, literature and pop culture influenced the instrument. Fun, casual and highly informative!
* K-12 workshops are adjusted to an age-appropriate level.