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, 8:00-10:15 am
Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/25 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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: Fridays, 4:00-5:00pm
Tuition: $450/Fall Semester, $510/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/25 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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, 10:20-12:20pm
Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/25 (Fall), 1/5/26 (Spring)

Choir

Instructors: Matthew Robertson
Meets: Saturdays, 1:00-1:45pm
Tuition: $525/Fall Semester, $595/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Grade 9-12
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/24 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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, 5:00-7:00 (4 levels of 30-minute classes, depending on placement)
Tuition: $150/Fall Semester, $170/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Placement exam
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/25 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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. John T. Posadas
Meets: Saturdays, 12:20-1:00pm
Tuition: $270/Fall Semester, $306/Spring Semester
Prerequisite: Video audition (2 contrasting pieces)
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/205 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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 (except April 2026)
Tuition: $80/Fall Semester, $100/Spring Semester
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/25 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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 1:55-3:10 pm or 3:15-4:30pm (depending on placement)
Tuition: $800 for the full year (32 classes)
Prerequisite: Diagnostic exam on August 17th
Registration Deadline: 8/20/2025

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: Saturdays, 2:00-3:00pm or 3:15-4:15pm (depending on placement)
Tuition: $640 for the full year
Prerequisite: Placement exam
Registration Deadline: 8/20/2025

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: Fridays, 4:00-5:00pm or 5:00-6:00pm
Tuition: $375/Fall Semester, $425/Spring Semester
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/2025 (Fall), 1/5/26 (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, 2:30-4:00pm and 4:30-6:00pm
Tuition: Group Class: $45/90-minute group class $540/Fall Semester, $720/Spring Semester (min. 4, max. 5 students); Private Lessons: $100 per 60-minute session
Registration Deadlines: 8/20/2025 (Fall), 1/5/26 (Spring)