2025 High School Electives

The Summer Music Academy is unique in offering an extensive list of music and non-music electives. For students considering a career in music, these electives offer an array of experiences that will hone interests and provide new musical experiences typically not available in most summer music programs.

Current elective offerings are subject to minor changes.

Electives are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, in early June. Registration information will be sent via email to all parents before enrollment opens. Posted electives subject to change depending upon interest and enrollment. Students in the Performance Track must choose Practice Time for at least two (2) elective periods – all others must select one (1) Practice Time session.

Elective Schedule

Period 1 (1:30 - 2:10 PM)Period 2 (2:15 - 2:55 PM)Period 3 (3 - 3:40 PM)
African Drumming and Dance for Beginners – Baruch WhiteheadThe Sounds You See: How Music is Used in Film - John WhiteTheatre Improvisation: Serious Fun for Everyone – Marie Sirakos
Exploration in Studio Art - Julianne HunterYoga for Musicians – Jill PaceConquering Performance Anxiety - Ben Rochford 
Why is this Song Good? – Josh OxfordJazz Improvisation and Standards I – Nick WeiserIntroduction to Composition – Josh Oxford
Introduction to Sound Recording – Luke KlingensmithJazz Improvisation and Standards II – Alejandro Bernard-PapachryssanthouIntroduction to Percussion Instruments – Conrad Alexander
Introduction to String Instruments – Cassie SulbaranIntroduction to the Guitar – Zachary McDonaldJazz Tune Writing - Nick Weiser
Introduction to Conducting – Drew BenwareBroadway Tells History: A study of musicals that deal with historical events or real-life people - Drew BenwareBoard Games - Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou
Handbell Choir – Crystal PeeblesI Might Want to Prepare for a Career in the Musical Arts - Aaron Burgess The Musical Mind – Crystal Peebles
Wellness for Musicians - Jill PacePractice - one practice period required of all students. Two practice periods required for Perf Track Students Introduction to the Piano - Mary Holzhauer
Practice - one practice period required of all students. Two practice periods required for Perf Track Students Practice - one practice period required of all students. Two practice periods required for Perf Track Students 

ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

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Exploration in Studio Art

Students will have the opportunity to explore many different practices in art making for this course. Drawing, bookbinding, ceramics, cyanotype, printmaking, collage, painting, and papermaking will allow students to tap into another creative side of themselves. Each day will have a unique focus and present the opportunity to learn new skills and methods of making. No previous experience is required. Most materials will be provided, but a notebook, sketchpad, pencils, pens, or other general art supplies are helpful, if you have them available!

Instructor - Julianne Hunter

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Broadway Tells History: A study of musicals that deal with historical events or real-life people 

Long before "Hamilton," shows like "1776," "Miss Saigon," Annie Get Your Gun" and "Parade" have used real-life events and people as a basis for their subject material.  This course will explore at least one musical a day through the use of quality videos and recordings, as well as a synopsis of key plot points. 

Instructor – Drew Benware

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Why is this Song Good?

Has anyone told you why the music you like is good or bad?We will listen to and comment on either a live student performance or an audio recording. The ensuing interactive discussions will range from learning about musical theoretical concepts to compositional and production techniques— how to critically comment on and evaluate the music we hear. Instructor – Josh Oxford

Instructor - Josh Oxford

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Handbell Choir

Expand your musicianship and rhythmic skills by performing in a handbell choir. In this hands-on class, we will learn basic performance techniques, compose a processional, and learn a few songs!

Curious about this type of ensemble? Check out this link: https://youtu.be/Lg9bSbfFV1Y

Instructor – Crystal Peebles

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Introduction to the Guitar

This course is designed for students with little or no background in playing the guitar. Students will obtain a functional understanding of the guitar, as well as tools for the continued exploration of the instrument beyond the scope of the class. Emphasis will be placed on right and left hand technique, basic chord shapes, and reading skills. Guitars will be provided.

InstructorZachary McDonald

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I Might Want to Pursue a Career in the Musical Arts!

If you are contemplating a career in the musical arts, this course is for you! Join us as we explore a myriad of topics including goal-setting, career options and career diversification, how music school differs from your high school program, healthy practice strategies, selecting music schools, professional etiquette, networking, preparation for and the audition process itself, the value of private instruction on your instrument or voice, strengthening your ears, and engaging in activities that enhance your music school application. Additionally, we will address issues facing the music profession today such as mental health concerns, diversification of the repertoire and the need to promote artists from underrepresented groups, performance anxiety, time management, and the true meaning of success! Come with your questions and leave with a sound game plan! 

Instructor – Aaron Burgess

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Introduction to Composition

Students will get the opportunity to begin composing their own music!  Time will be divided every day between instruction and composing.  The participants will listen to a variety of classical music, discuss techniques for crafting a cohesive piece of music, and learn about various computer-assisted compositional techniques utilizing notation software. 

Instructor – Josh Oxford

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Beginning Conducting

This course is designed to equip the student with the fundamental skills of conducting, including baton position, left hand technique, score reading and preparation, transposition and rehearsal procedure. Members of the class will also function as the ensemble and each person will have the opportunity to conduct the ensemble. 

Instructor – Drew Benware

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Introduction to Percussion Instruments

Open to all SMA students, this class will explore the basic techniques involved in playing the major percussion instruments which include snare drum, mallets, timpani and drum set.  Everyone will have the opportunity to play each instrument and explore what each area of percussion has to offer for everyone’s enjoyment.  No previous experience with percussion is required.  Instruments will be provided. 

Instructor – Conrad Alexander

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Introduction to Sound Recording

Students will learn basic recording concepts that will include cable and connector identification, interconnecting of audio equipment, microphone technology, live sound, and remote recording techniques.

Instructor – Luke Klingensmith

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Introduction to String Instruments

Open to all SMA students, this class will cover the basics of how to play the violin, viola, and cello. Topics will include posture, plucking, bow hold, left hand position, and tone production. Students will have the opportunity to try out each instrument and will perform a simple song at the end of the two weeks. No previous experience required.  Instruments will be provided.

Instructor – Cassandra Sulbarán

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Introduction to the Piano

Students who have limited experience playing the piano will have the opportunity to learn the basics.

Instructor - Mary Holzhauer

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Jazz Improvisation and Standards I

Students will learn the basic elements of how to improvise and compose an effective jazz solo. No previous experience in jazz or improvisation required.  

Instructor – Nick Weiser

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Jazz Improvisation and Standards II

Students will learn more advanced techniques of how to improvise and compose an effective jazz solo, such as playing over more challenging harmonies and more difficult songs. For students with previous jazz and/or improvisation experience. 

Instructor – Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou

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Theater Improvisation: Serious fun for Everyone

From the dramatic to the hilarious, and everything in between. Level-up yourtheatre and performance skills, getin the flow of group performance work, and create scene, character, and story out of thin air. Wear clothes to move, bring along your hard-working attitude, and let’s have some fun.

Instructor - Marie Sirakos

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African Drumming and Dance for Beginners

Students will have the opportunity to explore first-hand the exciting traditions of West African drumming and dance on authentic instruments.  No prior experience in drumming or dancing required.  Click on this link to see a recent performance by the Ithaca College West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble:

https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music/live/2019-2020-archive/10242019-african-drumming-and-dance

Instructor - Baruch Whitehead

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Conquering Performance Anxiety

This course will examine the various factors that contribute to music performance anxiety. In addition, students will be introduced to techniques used to cope with this problem and will practice them in class.

Instructor - Benjamin Rochford

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Jazz Tune Writing

Basic techniques of tune writing will be presented and explored in relation to the works of specific jazz composers whose works are rooted in the creative use of tonal harmonic relationships.  Students will analyze  tunes by representative jazz composers and compose tunes using the musical vocabulary and techniques utilized by those composers.

Instructor: Nick Weiser

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The Musical Mind

In this class students will participate in a variety of activities to explore the musical mind. We will consider how music shapes the brain and how the brain shapes music. Topics include perfect pitch, earworms, musical prodigies, and music therapies. 

Instructor – Crystal Peebles

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The Sounds You See:  How Music is Used in Film

This elective examines various ways music is used in movies. Using a variety of short movie clips, we’ll look at how music is used to set a mood or provide atmosphere, reflect emotion or project underlying psychological aspects, reinforce or contrast with the action on the screen, suggest new story dimensions or provide a composer’s comment, build a sense of continuity throughout the story, and otherwise help make a film memorable and marketable. Other uses will be covered as time permits. (Due to the time of day, popcorn will not be provided---sorry!)

Instructor - John White

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Yoga for Musicians

This course is designed with two aims.  The first is to help students unwind, relieve tensions, refresh the mind and body, and leave with a sense of renewal.  The second is to set the foundation for a regenerative yoga practice that students can build upon at any time beyond the course.  Expect to learn sequencing, technique, and posture modifications while nurturing seeds for lifelong self-care.  

Instructor - Jill Pace

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Board Games

Instructor - Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou

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Wellness for Musicians

Musicians are discovering and expanding their creativity while regulating and expressing their emotions and self-talk.  It is important to have a sense of belonging and positive social bonds while dealing with the physical, mental, social pressure, and emotional issues during adolescence.  Activities may include but are not limited to vision boarding, journaling, visualization/mediation, and mindful movement to empower musicians in confidence.

Instructor - Jill Pace