Programs Offered

This program offers assistance to those aspiring to be (or already are) gospel musicians, with studies in chord progressions, gospel improvisation technique, and a repertoire consisting primarily of traditional and contemporary gospel.

This program focuses primarily on the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, chord construction, scale construction, analytical listening, and their application to performance.

Classical music is used as a foundational technique for all of the above programs.

Computer-based and traditional music theory is included as part of the above programs to further the students’ ability to understand and communicate full musical meaning in performance. With sufficient theory background, students learn and memorize faster, and generally sight read better than students without theory knowledge. To develop the ability to hear and manipulate sound mentally, vital for effective musical performance, ear training is strongly emphasized. Well-developed theory skills also form the basis for student composition, jazz and other styles of improvisation.

The types of music education software programs that the students will have access to during computer time are as follows:

• Music Ace 1 & 2
• Alfred’s Theory Games 1 – 5
• Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory 1, 2, & 3
• Sibelius Student Edition Version 5 – Educational

This program is designed to train currently enrolled piano students in the fundamentals of breathing, diaphragm control, correct posture, good vocal support, tone production and diction in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. In addition, students receive training in pitch, tone, agility, projection, timing and phrasing. Bryant’s Music strives to give voice students the best training possible to prevent injury and to increase range, flexibility, and control. Students gain confidence as they learn to use their voices properly and expressively while reducing strain and physical tension.

Repertoire includes classical (opera/oratorio), folk, jazz, pop, gospel and Broadway selections. These lessons can also help students prepare for future auditions through vocal coaching, staging instruction and selecting appropriate repertoire. Students learn vocal and physical warm-ups and how to work with an accompanist as well as accompany themselves on the piano. Our piano/voice combination lessons emphasize a dual focus on both vocal technique and playing the piano combined into one lesson. Part of the lesson will often be focused on teaching students how to sing and play with piano accompaniment at the same time.

Classical voice involves the study and application of vocal technique using repertoire from folk songs to English, French, German and Italian music in the original languages. Emphasis on voice production may include clarity of speech, economy of breath and proper articulation. The student should ultimately be able to sing with ease confidence and enjoyment.

For children younger than 10, we recommend a preliminary assessment in order to assess vocal development and capability. Early instruction in voice focuses on simple songs and pitch exercises to aid in developing a musically tuned ear in a fun, relaxed environment.