Music theory enriches and strengthens a student’s study of their individual instrument by providing a firm understanding of the underlying musical grammar. Solfege connects theoretical concepts through active participation. It develops and internalizes correct pitch and sense of rhythm through various activities, recitation and dictation. In music appreciation, through directed listening assignments and projects, students study musical form from selected repertoire of the classical Western tradition. Classical Music Studies Department Co-Chairs - Margaret Li & Edwina Li

CMS Department Co-Chairs - Margaret Li & Edwina Li

Margaret Li received her diploma from the Juilliard School, traveling twice to the Hindemith Foundation in Switzerland for master classes and public performances. She attended Wellesley College, where she studied with Lois Shapiro. She and her sister, Edwina Li, were awarded the Billings Performance Award upon graduation. She pursued both her MM and DMA degrees in Piano Performance at Michigan State University, where she studied with Yong Hi Moon. During her time at Michigan, she and her sister were invited to perform as a duo team with the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra as well as the Michigan State Philharmonic.

Edwina Li received her diploma from the Juilliard School, traveling twice during her course of studies to the Hindemith Foundation in Switzerland for master classes and public performances. She attended Wellesley College where she studied with Jean Alderman. Upon graduation, she and her sister, Margaret Li, were both awarded the Billings Performance Award. She pursued her MM degree in Piano Performance at Michigan State University, where she studied with Dai Uk Lee. While there, Edwina and her sister continued their studies in duet and duo piano literature, studying with Yong Hi Moon as well. They were invited to perform as a duo team with the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra as well as the Michigan State Philharmonic.

Classical Music Studies - Class Offerings

Classical Music Studies
Sponsored by Jane Carr
Edwina Li, Margaret Li
(formerly called Certificate Program)
The required classes of classical music theory, solfege (ear training and sight singing), music appreciation and chamber music provide the necessary skills needed for students to develop as musicians, and enhances the students’ musical performance and enjoyment. The Classical Music Studies curriculum is particularly beneficial as a prerequisite for any student who is interested and/or anticipating to take the AP Music Theory exam.

Music theory enriches and strengthens the student’s study of their individual instrument by providing a firm understanding of the underlying musical grammar. Solfege connects theoretical concepts through active participation. It develops and internalizes correct pitch and sense of rhythm through various activities, recitation and dictation. In music appreciation, students study selected repertoire from the classical Western tradition through directed listenings and projects. Weekly chamber music sessions directly apply and reinforce concepts learned in class through active musical collaboration. The program runs for 28 weeks with a midterm and a final to assess the student’s progress. The year ends with a festival at which time the students present their independent projects and perform their chamber pieces.

Outside classroom listening and rehearsals are expected.
Students are placed in the appropriate class depending upon their current level of proficiency.
Students are expected to attend all classes and be responsible for the completion of all assignments at the beginning of class. Individual student absences will not be made up. If an absence is anticipated, please notify the instructor in advance.
The program runs concurrently with the Conservatory’s calendar with a few adjustments for a total of 28 weeks. Please plan the year accordingly.

Duxbury: Friday, 4 - 7 pm Starting September 12, 2008
Hingham: Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:30 pm Starting September 11, 2008
28 weeks

$1280 - Current SSC private lesson student	$1525 - Non-SSC private lesson student

AP Music Theory Prep
Margaret Li
As music theory and ear training are cumulative, it is to the advantage of the student to have been studying both to some degree as early as possible. High school students (it is recommended that students start this in their sophomore or junior year) interested in taking the AP exam in their senior year should show a demonstrated commitment to prepare for and to work at an accelerated pace. When available, practice exams will be given. South Shore Conservatory has not yet been designated as an official College Board testing center. Please contact your school’s music department for available testing centers.
Starting September 9, 2008
For more information call 781-934-2731, ext. 17
$950

Duxbury: Tuesday, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 8, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 9, 2009.

South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Download Financial Aid Form