Gifted Music School Young Community Artists
Gifted Music School Young Community Artists
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest initiative—the Young Community Artists (YCA) program, created in partnership with the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. Starting in Fall 2024, this program is open to all students across the community who wish to participate in our wide range of Conservatory class offerings. Whether you’re pursuing advanced ensemble work or taking your first steps in a new discipline, YCA invites you to explore the full breadth of our music education programs.
Classes include ensemble and performance-based opportunities, and some may require a video audition or placement exam upon registration. To ensure accessibility, we offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships through our financial aid application, available here. Students already taking private lessons at Gifted Music School will receive priority consideration for scholarships for their YCA classes.
We are especially excited to announce that Jessica Rivero Altarriba, the esteemed Assistant Conductor of the Utah Symphony, will collaborate with YCA students in Spring 2025. Her leadership will culminate in a special concert where YCA and Conservatory students will come together to form the inaugural “GMS Orchestra,” showcasing the incredible talent nurtured through this program.
This partnership with the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is a significant step forward in our mission to provide deep educational opportunities for young musicians in our community, and we look forward to the transformative experiences it will create.
Explore the course offerings below and register today to secure your spot in this exciting new program!
Ensembles and Performance Classes
Orchestra
Our orchestra program offers students the unique opportunity to participate in weekly rehearsals where they engage with a broad repertoire, preparing for 3-4 performances each year. With focused sectionals led by our expert faculty, string players receive specialized training to refine their ensemble skills. In an exciting collaboration with the Utah Symphony, students will prepare for the spring concert under the guidance of Associate Conductor Jessica Altarriba, making this an unparalleled experience for young musicians aiming to reach their highest potential.
- Instructors: Eugene Watanabe and Shenae Akagi
- Meets: Saturdays, 10:30 AM–12:15 PM (Lunch break, followed by sectionals from 12:45–1:35 PM)
- Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Guitar Ensemble
Join our Guitar Ensemble and explore an expansive repertoire for classical guitar while developing advanced ensemble skills. This group provides a unique opportunity to hone musicianship and artistry in a collaborative setting. Students will perform in a variety of venues throughout the year, showcasing their growth and dedication.
- Instructor: Sophie Stanley
- Meets: Saturdays, 10:30 AM–12:15 PM
- Tuition: $450/Fall Semester, $510/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Chamber Music
Chamber music is a cornerstone of any serious musician’s education. At Gifted Music School, we place students in chamber groups based on playing level, style, and experience. Each group benefits from weekly rehearsals and coaching sessions with our esteemed faculty. In addition, students participate in guest masterclasses and have frequent performance opportunities, allowing them to refine their collaborative skills while deepening their musical understanding.
- Instructors: Faculty coaches assigned by Chamber Music Chair, Dr. LeeAnn Morgan
- Meets: Saturdays, 1:45 PM–3:45 PM (1 hour rehearsal, 1 hour coaching)
- Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
- Registration Deadlines: 8/3/24 (Fall), 1/2/25 (Spring)
Choir
Chamber music is a cornerstone of any serious musician’s education. At Gifted Music School, we place students in chamber groups based on playing level, style, and experience. Each group benefits from weekly rehearsals and coaching sessions with our esteemed faculty. In addition, students participate in guest masterclasses and have frequent performance opportunities, allowing them to refine their collaborative skills while deepening their musical understanding.
- Instructors: Faculty coaches assigned by Chamber Music Chair, Dr. LeeAnn Morgan
- Meets: Saturdays, 1:45 PM–3:45 PM (1 hour rehearsal, 1 hour coaching)
- Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
- Registration Deadlines: 8/3/24 (Fall), 1/2/25 (Spring)
Supplemental and Academic Classes
Supplemental Piano Group Classes
Mastering basic keyboard skills is a crucial element for every musician. Our Supplemental Piano Program ensures that students develop a strong foundation in reading both treble and bass clefs, identifying chords, and analyzing multi-part scores. Whether you’re a beginner or building on existing knowledge, these classes provide essential tools for musicianship. Upon registration and a placement audition, students are assigned to one of the four semester levels of the program.
- Instructor: Mark Rau
- Meets: Fridays, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM (Each level is a 30-minute class)
- Tuition: $150/Fall Semester, $170/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Placement exam
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Viola for Violinists
Interested in expanding your skills to the viola? This class is perfect for violinists ready to take their first steps in learning the viola. With a focus on developing proper technique, learning to read alto clef, and studying viola-specific repertoire, this course is an exciting introduction to a new instrument.
- Instructor: Dr. LeeAnn Morgan
- Meets: Saturdays, 3:45 PM–4:30 PM
- Tuition: $270/Fall Semester, $306/Spring Semester
- Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Performance Classes
These monthly performance classes provide students with the opportunity to perform for their peers and receive valuable feedback from Gifted Music School faculty. Students will refine their repertoire in a supportive environment while gaining confidence in preparation for upcoming performances.
- Instructors: Eugene Watanabe and Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe
- Meets: First Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM (September 2024–May 2025)
- Tuition: $80/Fall Semester, $100/Spring Semester
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Academic Classes
Music Theory
Our comprehensive Music Theory curriculum guides students through every stage of theory mastery. From foundational concepts to advanced chromatic harmony and form analysis, students are placed in the appropriate level based on a diagnostic exam. This multi-year sequence ensures that students gain the theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in their musical endeavors.
- Instructors: Assigned based on placement exam
- Meets: Saturdays, 7:45 AM–9:00 AM (Advanced/Intermediate Theory) or 9:10 AM–10:25 AM (Beginning Theory/Theory Basics); Mondays, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM via Zoom (Form & Analysis)
- Tuition: $800 for the full year (32 classes)
- Prerequisite: Diagnostic exam on August 17th
- Registration Deadline: 8/16/2024
Music History
Explore the breadth of Western music history through our engaging Music History curriculum. Students will be placed in the appropriate level based on their background and experience, starting with Music History I and progressing into specialized studies such as Orchestral History or Piano History.
- Instructor: Dr. Koji Attwood
- Meets: Fridays, 2:20 PM–3:20 PM or 5:00 PM–6:00 PM (Orchestral History); Fridays, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM (Music History I); Saturdays, 12:45 PM–1:45 PM (Piano History)
- Tuition: $640 for the full year
- Prerequisite: Placement exam
- Registration Deadline: 8/16/2024
Music Listening Contest
Unlock your inner music detective in this exciting class based on the renowned Minnesota Music Listening Contest. Designed to sharpen students’ active listening and critical analysis skills, this program challenges students to identify composers, musical styles, and historical periods with precision. Through engaging training sessions, students will develop a deeper understanding of music’s subtleties and context.
This class also provides high school students with the unique opportunity to compete in the Music Listening Contest at the national level, where they can put their newfound skills to the test alongside peers from across the country.
- Instructor: Dr. Lauren Posey
- Meets: Fridays, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Tuition: $640 for the full year
- Registration Deadline: 8/16/2024
Movement and Wellness Classes
Forum
Led by ballet dancer Jennifer Beaumont, these classes focus on the mind-body connection and the role of movement in musical performance. Guest speakers throughout the year will cover a variety of topics, including performance preparation, music careers, and improvisation.
- Instructor: Jennifer Beaumont and guest speakers
- Meets: Saturdays, 8:00 AM–9:00 AM or 9:15 AM–10:15 AM
- Tuition: $375/Fall Semester, $425/Spring Semester
- Registration Deadlines: 9/3/24 (Fall), 1/6/25 (Spring)
Table Tennis
Explore how the physicality of table tennis complements musicianship by improving timing, rhythm, and focus. Under the guidance of internationally-certified coach Wesley Guan, students of all skill levels will benefit from this unique and engaging wellness class.
- Instructor: Wesley Guan
- Meets: Saturdays, 12:30 PM–2:00 PM, 2:15 PM–3:45 PM, or 4:00 PM–5:30 PM
- Tuition: Group Class: $487/Fall Semester, $637/Spring Semester (min. 4, max. 5 students); Private Lessons: $100 per 60-minute session
- Registration Deadlines: 9/6/24 (Fall), 1/9/25 (Spring)