FSMA Curriculum
Private Lessons
Each student receives two weekly lessons from their teacher. With faculty hailing from Oberlin Conservatory, DePaul University School of Music, Music Institute of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, and more, you know that your 4 weeks of study will take you far!
Performance Classes
Students have regular opportunities to gain valuable performance experience by playing in front of peers and faculty. They not only receive constructive feedback but learn how to give it themselves.
Technique Classes
Group technique classes focus on concepts that apply to all students. Topics include etudes, left-hand placement, bow technique, pedaling, and the historical trends in playing and teaching.
Journaling
After every practice hour, all students gather with faculty to journal about how their hour went and receive feedback from faculty on how to improve their next hour. At the end of each day, the whole festival meets to talk about general themes that have come up during the journaling sessions: efficiency, self-discipline, self-esteem, motivation, etc. Students benefit from the accountability and camaraderie of a practice community, and faculty can see what areas to target in each student’s lessons.
Zoom Practicing
Practicing is an art unto itself. Faculty monitor all scheduled practice hours during the festival. They help keep students focused and accountable, and are on-hand to address any questions or frustrations that come up in the moment.
Masterclasses
Through audition, students are selected to perform in public Zoom masterclasses as well as internal masterclasses. Masterclasses are an integral part of any student’s education. Both those playing and those observing gain new perspectives on technique and musicality, and our Q&A sessions allow students to ask questions about life as a musician.
Essays
We believe it is important to be a strong communicator not only musically but in writing as well. Students write several essays throughout the program. Faculty provide constructive criticism for each one, encouraging students to think more deeply about what they can relate to their own playing even while just observing.
Mentorship
At FSMA, we help foster a culture of collaboration by pairing students up for mentoring/coaching sessions. Older students gain valuable teaching experience, and younger students form closer connections with peers they look up to. After each mentoring session, students and faculty gather to share feedback. Both mentors and mentees gain valuable insights into their teaching and learning from the observing faculty as well as from each other.
Lecture Classes
We believe that it takes more than playing to make a great artist. Instrument experts and luthiers give weekly classes about instrument history and maintenance. FSMA faculty and guests also give classes on a range of topics related to their musical experiences.
Chamber Music
Students are matched into small chamber groups to gain valuable ensemble experience. Faculty rotate through each ensemble, guiding their rehearsal technique and providing helpful hints.
String Orchestra
All string students will participate in string orchestra during the full 4 weeks. The ensemble and leadership skills learned through large ensemble settings are key to a musician's education.
Aural Skills
These classes will bring both string and piano students together for a musical experience outside their primary instruments. Through aural skills, students will deepen the connections between music theory concepts and music-making.
Community Performances
We believe in the importance of music in the lives of all. Through weekly auditions, students are selected to perform in outreach concerts for the community. Not only do students gain important performance experience but they also see the joy that their music brings to others.
New: Sonata Seminar
Piano faculty Peter Takács will be leading a seminar series on sonata playing, with a focus on Beethoven sonatas. This will allow students to take a deep dive into the intricacies of sonata playing with a leading expert in the genre. Over-18 pianists will be paired with an over-18 string player to be performing participants in these classes.
Extra:
Pedagogy Institute
Students who are rising college sophomores and above may choose to add on the Pedagogy Institute program, which will take place once per week. These supplemental classes will specifically focus on the history, theory, and practice of teaching. The Pedagogy Institute is open to students who wish to pursue teaching as part of their musical career, or who are interested in the pedagogical process.
Extra:
Orchestral Institute
Students who are rising college sophomores and above may choose to add on the Orchestral Institute program, which will take place two evenings per week. These supplemental classes will specifically focus on the orchestral audition and performance process and be taught by both FSMA and guest orchestral faculty. The Orchestral Institute is open to students who wish to pursue an orchestral career, or who look forward to participating in serious community orchestras throughout their lives.
Each summer's curriculum is subject to change. Please see previous years' schedules for examples.
