Music Curriculum

Students are introduced to the cultural foundations of Western and Chinese classical music and develop musical competencies through a balanced curriculum of performance training, theoretical study, ear training (solfège), vocal training, and orchestra experience.

Music Appreciation

Students increase their appreciation for music by learning its basic elements such as sound, rhythm, music notation, melody, harmony, key, musical texture, musical form, and musical style. Music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods will be highlighted in discussions, and composers representative of each of those periods (J. S. Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Debussy, Stravinsky, etc.) will be introduced. By the end of the course students will have developed the vocabulary to discuss these musical elements, styles, and periods.

Music Theory

This course introduces the basic language of music. Common terminology, pitch notation, rhythm notation, note names, keyboard communication, chromatic scales, key signatures, scales, etc., will be discussed. Students will learn to recognize and draw clefs, notes, rests, and sharp, flat, and natural signs and develop other written music skills.

Solfège

The course focuses on developing students’ skills in sight-singing, singing and recognition of intervals and triads, basic dictation, rhythmic dictation, and score-reading. Students will work on singing exercises in major and minor keys and in different rhythms.

Orchestra

Students in the music program are eligible to join one of the two Divine Performing Arts (DPA) Orchestras, which are large-scale ensembles with string, woodwind, brass, percussion, as well as Chinese traditional instrument sections. The DPA Orchestras are among the largest orchestras outside of China to have this unique combination of Western and Chinese instrumentation. Orchestra members consist of Fei Tian Academy of the Arts faculty as well as non-Fei Tian professional musicians.

Students are exposed to an extensive repertoire of outstanding works of traditional Chinese styles, and have the opportunity to participate in a large number of performances produced by Divine Performing Arts. These valuable experiences further the students’ development of their musical potential and aesthetic understanding. Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, teamwork, and responsible rehearsal habits. Students will strengthen their listening skills and their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. They will also have a chance to experience first-hand the creative process of composition.

Sectionals will be occasionally scheduled during the regular rehearsal time. Students will be coached by the conductor, the section leader, or a guest artist.

Appreciation of Chinese Music

This course offers an introduction to the characteristics, styles and genres of Chinese music and also develops students’ appreciation for and artistic sense in Chinese music. The course will also include a study of Chinese traditional instrumental music, folk songs, narrative music, and local operas through the use of selected videos and audio samples. Students will gain an understanding of the richness and diversity of Chinese music as well as how traditional Chinese music has always been strongly related to the intellectual history and culture of the Middle Kingdom.

Vocal Coaching

The vocal performance coaching is designed to prepare young singers for the rigors of conservatory training. The coursework introduces students to the various concepts, techniques, and exercises that equip singers with a strong command over their vocal resources. Basic breathing techniques are taught and practiced to strengthen the diaphragm and enhance a singer’s note-holding capability and vocal strength. And students will work through various vocal exercises to improve pitch and sound quality. Students also learn how they should present themselves and their songs before a live audience. The goal is for students to build confidence in their own unique voice and strengthen their singing.