Popular Music for Piano!
Lennon and McCartney, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, John Mayer – Have you always dreamed of adding your name to the list of great songwriters? If you already play piano then this camp is for you!
Students will learn the basic techniques and skills used in composing music and writing popular songs as well as learning to play current radio hits. Students will have the opportunity to record their original songs and make a CD to take home at the end of the week. All students must be able to play piano proficiently (including basic chords), with 3 years of previous study recommended.
Registration is limited to the first ten students per session. This program is open to students who have finished grades 4-9.
Camp Dates:
Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21
Students may enroll for the:
Morning Session: 9 a.m. - Noon
Or the
Afternoon Session: 1 - 4 p.m.
Camp takes place in Kretzmann Hall on the campus of Concordia University Chicago, located at 7400 Augusta Street in River Forest, IL. Kretzmann Hall offers the use of a 10-keyboard piano lab, soundproof practice rooms, computer lab and private piano studios equipped with both Steinway grand pianos and Yamaha upright pianos.
SampleDay:
9 - 9:30 a.m.: Rockin’ finger warmup and pop theory
9:30 - 10 a.m.: Listening and learning pop songs
10 - 10:30 a.m.: Rhythms of rock music
Break
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.: Composing chord progressions
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.: Private and group practice with mentor
11:45 a.m. - Noon: End of day group and solo performances
Faculty
Billie Howard joined Concordia’s Preparatory and Community Piano Program full-time faculty in 2004. She holds a M. Mus. degree in piano and piano pedagogy from Northwestern University. Howard received the honor of Outstanding Performance while completing a bachelor of arts degree in piano and violin at Montana State University. She has won several competitions and awards including a semifinalist standing in the MTNA Baldwin Piano Competition. She is a member of Music Teachers National Association, Illinois State Music Teachers Association and Chicago Area Music Teachers Association.
Ms. Howard appears regularly as a soloist and collaborative performer in the Chicago area, performing with NbN Trio, Chicago Composer's Orchestra,a.pe.ri.od.ic, Classical Revolution and Palomar. In addition to classical performances, Howard plays electric violin, synthesizer and sings for several rock and pop bands including the 20 piece all-female Girl Group Chicago. An active session musician, she has been featured on studio recordings by American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, Grammy-nominated children’s artist Justin Roberts and many other recording artists.
Enrollment & Tuition
Enrollment form and tuition must be received by June 7, 2013
Tuition rates:
If paid before May 20, 2013, -- $250
If paid after May 20, 2013 -- $275
Tuition includes workbook and CD with a recording of the song you will write at camp. Camp tuition is payable to Concordia University. For more information, contact Billie Howard: billie.howard@cuchicago.edu, 708-209-3141.
Refunds
If a student withdraws prior to the beginning of the session for which tuition has been paid, a full refund will be made; withdrawal after June 16 will result in no refund. Should a full class size fail to materialize, the session will be canceled and a full refund will be made.
Missed class
No refunds will be given for any missed classes.
Concordia Universty admits students without regard to age, sex,creed, race, color, national or ethnic originan, or handicap.