Instrumental
The extensive instrumental music program at SSM offers courses in orchestral music, winds and percussion. Students of all skill levels are welcome, from beginning musicians to pre-conservatory level players. Private lessons, rehearsal rooms, numerous performance opportunities and daily practice times give student musicians the resources to develop into serious artists. Visiting instructors and master classes at the annual Arts Alive festival give students access to a wide range of teaching styles, methods and skills. Both individual and small group instruction guide the development of proper technique. The fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, tone, balance and blend are stressed from the start. Students perform solo, duet and ensemble works each term, and every participant is strengthened by the collaborative experience.
The Pre-Conservatory Music program has been designed for students interested in pursuing their passion for music while engaging in our college-preparatory academic program. This program is designed to offer serious piano and string musicians ample practice time, weekly lessons with a private instructor, ensemble work, competitions and performing opportunities as a soloist and ensemble musician. This program includes the top private teachers from the greater Twin Cities area as well as a rich and essential potpourri of musical exposure through attendance of performances by the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Annual trips to Chicago and New York will be offered to hear great soloists, orchestras and Chamber music groups of the world.
Performance opportunities are varied and frequent with three formal concerts and additional ceremonial functions for the full ensembles, as well as countless student recitals for chamber groups and soloists. Chamber groups represent SSM in tours that have included Los Angeles, New York, Denver and Chicago.
These non-auditioned string ensembles serve as a foundation for greater achievement in proficient performance. Instruction is focused on good position, posture, tone and technique. Members of the groups have opportunities to perform and attend master classes.
The orchestral ensemble, Counterpoints, is an auditioned group that challenges the finest young players with the finest instrumental compositions. Frequently, the players are featured in solos in public venues.
Private instruction is offered on the following instruments:
- Voice
- Organ
- Trombone
- Piano
- Flute
- Euphonium
- Classical Guitar
- Oboe
- Tuba
- Violin
- Clarinet
- Percussion
- Viola
- Saxophone
- Cello
- Bassoon
- Bass
- Trumpet
- Harp
- French horn
