Page 8 - 2017-2018-CCMS-catalog

(Performance opportunities continued)
Student recitals occur frequently, providing both musicians and audience members an
informal, enjoyable performance experience of limited length. Family and friends are
encouraged to attend.
The annual Performathon and Community Open House is a celebratory day when hundreds
of students take turns performing to benefit the Music School’s Financial Aid Fund.
Community performances by students take place at retirement communities, public schools,
community festivals, hospitals, and other sites across the state.
Ensembles perform regularly and contribute to a strong sense of musical community. The
Music School offers ensembles in a range of musical styles, and encourages participation
with a 50% discount for Music School private lesson students. Ensemble playing strengthens
improvisational skills, sight-reading, and musical communication for students of all ages.
Open jam sessions (acoustic and electric), led by David Tonkin, October through June, welcome players who want to improvise and jam on
jazz, pop, and rock tunes. Participation assumes reasonable ease playing your instrument. Jazz alumni and faculty will back you up for a fun
and rousing session.

MUSIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Music School is a founding partner of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP). All levels of the program require
discipline and skills that students can use to pursue, achieve, and uphold excellence in every area of their lives. The program features
a well-designed, internationally recognized multi-level curriculum. The MDP provides a national standard for assessment of student
progress through a network of assessment centers throughout the country. The Music School is one of the few New England sites for those
assessments, making it very convenient for our students to participate in the program.
Assessments begin at the earliest stages of instruction, and students receive grades and comments from trained adjudicators who travel all
over the country to ensure a uniform standard of excellence. Students are assessed through performance of repertoire and demonstration of
various scales, technical studies, and etudes. In addition, challenging ear training exercises and sight-reading exercises ensure that students
who participate in this program are especially well-prepared for any future musical endeavors.

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