Music Courses

Private Musical Instrument Lessons

Piano | Guitar | Drums | Strings | Mandolin | Banjo |Band Instuments

Suggested Age

5-19 (as determined by instructor)

Prerequisites

As determined by instructor

Process/Purpose

One Day Academy strives to provide diverse and excellent instruction in musical training. Lesson instruction varies by instrument and instructor. Please meet with instructor for times, dates and details.

Curriculum/Materials

• As determined by instructor.

Voice Lessons

Suggested Age:

13-18 (or as determined by instructor)

Prerequisites

By audition with instructor

Purpose

To teach proper vocal technique, posture, breathing, interpretation and performance skills and encourage the student to explore the world of vocal music from various genres.

Process

In addition to outside individual rehearsal, students participate in a weekly 30- or 60-minute private lesson during which essential techniques are introduced and rehearsed using the agreed-upon literature. End-of-semester(s) performance opportunities are available and encouraged but not required.

Curriculum/Materials

• Determined by instructor

Voice Master Class

Suggested Age:

13-18

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Prerequisites

Recommendation per instructor

Purpose

To gain instruction on vocal technique, vocal performance, and stage presence in a small group setting, while at the same time learning by observing the performances and critiques of others.

Process

THIS CLASS WILL BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN SIX (6) STUDENTS, with at least 3 students to make the class. This class is not an ensemble, rather each student will prepare three (3) songs per semester (one in English, one in another language, and one of the student's choosing), each to be performed as a solo in front of the class, wherein the instructor will assist the student with vocal and performance techniques. The students not performing will benefit from observing the instructor as he/she guides the singer. Students will be encouraged to give positive peer input (when appropriate) as well. All students will work on vocal technique and various musical concepts together on a weekly basis. At the end of each semester, students will choose their best song and perform it for an audience. Students will be required to purchase their own music after the literature has
been chosen.

Curriculum/Materials

• Song literature is determined on a per-semester basis by the instructor
  · Occasional supplemental materials may be used and will be supplied by
  the instructor

Beginner Group Guitar

Suggested Age

11-18

Prerequisites

No previous experience necessary.

Process

Group guitar classes are a great way to get started on guitar. Classes are designed to make the most of playing with other guitarists. Students are often assigned different parts (i.e. melody, bass lines or chords) to learn support each other; this makes playing fun too. It’s a guitar orchestra some days!

We will cover reading music using Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1, and reading TAB and strumming notation. Song styles range from Rock, Praise & Worship, Hymns, Classics and Blues.

We’ll begin with the fundamentals of reading music, switching and strumming chords, and single note melodies. Will also be learning praise & worship and rock/pop songs. Class is flexible depending on the student’s progress!

Curriculum/Materials

• Song literature is determined on a per-semester basis by the instructor.

• Occasional supplemental materials may be used.

Intermediate Group Guitar

Suggested Age

11-18

Prerequisites

Beginner Group Guitar or Pretest

Purpose/Process

This is the second year class of the Beginner Group Guitar course. We shall continue moving thru the Hal Leonard Book 1 and entering into book 2. This course takes advantage of having multiple guitars to play ensemble music in addition to playing individual parts. We’ll be having great fun playing rock songs by Green Day, Weezer and more in addition to Praise & Worship music, Hymns and Blues!

Curriculum/Materials

• Song literature is determined on a per-semester basis by the instructor.

• Occasional supplemental materials may be used

Girls Choir

Suggested Age

9-12

Prerequisite

none

Purpose

Develop a love of music and proper singing technique while cultivating performance skills and confidence in front of peers and others.

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Process

Weekly instructions include vocal technique exercises, sight singing, ear training, and group performance skills in a group setting. Every 8 weeks students' progress will be evaluation individually. Group performance at the end of each semester.

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Curriculum/Materials

• Workbook: Full Voice Level 1

• Additional song literature and materials provided by instructor. 

Show Choir

Suggested Age

13-18 (or as determined by instructor)

Prerequisite

Previous or current enrollment in a theater class and/or experience in the theatrical arts is strongly recommended.

Purpose

To develop theatrical and musical skills (singing, dancing, makeup, costuming, etc.) as well as practical singing techniques and working within a group.

Process

In addition to independent rehearsal outside the classroom, students will learn and perform scenes from various musical shows and/or choral pieces, employing solos as well as ensembles, with an emphasis on team participation. Students will then have an opportunity to perform in an end-of-semester(s) showcase production using the pieces they have studied during the year.

Curriculum/Materials

• To be determined by instructor.

   

Choir

Suggested Age

10-18

Prerequisite

None, but a placement audition will be conducted at the beginning of the semester

Purpose

Develop a love of music, sight-singing skills, and proper singing technique while cultivating performance skills and confidence.

Process

One weekly group rehearsal with individual practice done by students during the subsequent week. Materials are provided. Class culminates with a performance at the end of each semester, and the potential for other performances as opportunities arise.

Curriculum/Materials

• Workbook: A Young Singer's Journey – An Integrated Approach To Musical Literacy

• Song literature as determined by the instructor

   

Interlude Choir

Suggested Age

10 & up

Prerequisite

None, but auditioned for vocal placement. Musical background preferred, but not required.

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Purpose

Develop basic singing technique including but not limited to listening, breathing, intonation,
reading music, articulation, and rehearsal and performance skills.

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Process

One weekly group rehearsal with individual rehearsals done by students during the subsequent week. Materials are provided.
Class culminates into one performance at the end of each semester.

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Curriculum/Materials

• Song literature is determined by the
  instructor.

Encore Choir

Note: Possible for returning ODA members or by approval from instructor

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Suggested Age

13-18 yrs old

Prerequisite

Auditioned, this is a select group. Returning students or by approval from instructor. Musical
background preferred, but not required.

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Purpose

Develop advanced singing technique including but not limited to listening, breathing, intonation, reading music, articulation, and
artistry. Challenging repertoire suitable for concert performance and choir competition and includes solo opportunities.

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Process

One weekly group rehearsal with individual rehearsals done by students during the subsequent week. Materials are provided. Class culminates into one performance at the end of each semester, community performances, choir tours, and/or competition.

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Curriculum/Materials

• Advanced song literature is determined by the instructor.

Small Group Voice Lessons

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Suggested Age

13-18 yrs old

Prerequisite

Vocal performance experience preferred, but not required.

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Purpose

Develop advanced singing and performance technique including but not limited to breathing, intonation, sight reading,  articulation, and artistry.

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Process

In addition to independent rehearsal outside of class, students will learn and perform
solos in groups of 2-3 students or alone depending on skill level. One performance per semester is expected.

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Curriculum/Materials

• Song literature is determined by the instructor.

School of Worship

Suggested Age

Minimum skill requirements:

• Guitar players should be able to play basic open chords as well as E and A form bar chords and be able to strum in time.

• Bass Players should know the names of the notes on the fret board and be able to play in time.

• Vocalists should be able to sing in tune.

• Drummers should be able to play a basic rock beat and fill out of a phrase in time.

• Keyboardists should be able to play basic chords, understand chord inversions and read basic chord charts.

• Other instrumentalists should be able to play at least 6 major scales and read simple parts.

Purpose

The concept of School of Worship was born several years ago out of an apparent need for young musicians in the church to learn how to develop and use their gifts in worship, and in wider Christian music ministries. For this reason a small group of Christian musicians started a worship/music school aimed at teaching young musicians how to play together in a band and lead in a corporate worship setting. After the students develop their skills in class, an opportunity to lead worship at a local church is provided.

What does School of Worship teach?

School of Worship teaches a wide variety of subjects including; Basic music theory, rhythm and groove, stage performance, studio recording, spiritual expression, musical expression and dynamics, songwriting, use of sound equipment, worship in the Bible, and many more topics. Guitar and Bass players will have some focused instruction on their instrument, as well as keyboardists, drummers, and vocalists. After sectionals the band is put back together to play through what they have learned.

Curriculum/Materials

String Orchestra

Suggested Age

11-18

Prerequisites

Must already play a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass)

Process/Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide ensemble experience and performing opportunity to students who are pursuing private instruction on their particular instrument. The students are challenged to honor God by pursuing excellence in their skills and sharing them unselfishly in the community. The students learn personal discipline, faithfulness, commitment to the group, working in harmony with others, attention to detail, and the personal satisfaction that comes from seeing how their skill development fits into the community at large. The performing aspect includes ministry at local nursing homes.

A parent interview by phone or in person with the instructor and a short “low intimidation level” audition are required in order to assess the current level of the student’s playing ability.

Curriculum/Materials

• Most of the materials are loaned to the students concert by concert. Music is chosen from a variety of styles and time periods. This includes classical music from all the major composers as well as folk music and standard hymns of the church.

Beginning Band

Suggested Age

At least 10 years of age (Students under ten may participate depending on the student’s hand/finger size and facial muscular control)

Prerequisites

none

Purpose

Beginning Band is for students with no experience on their instrument. Beginners are taught all of the techniques essential to making music. First-year students do not need to know how to read music. Our complete curriculum ranges from choosing the best instrument to interpreting music notation to playing the instrument in performance. Students completing the beginning band course will be qualified to participate in an advanced concert band class to be offered next year.

Instruction in a class setting is available for flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone and concert percussion. Students who are just beginning their band experience are given an extensive evaluation by the instructor so that they and their parents can choose the best instrument for them. Please see the registration form for contact information to set up an instrument screening session during the summer. Each student is responsible for providing their own instrument. Mr. Waller has access to several fine stores in the Austin area who provide rental/purchase plans for beginners.

Students will perform in two concerts per year. Both performances will be in combination with beginning band students at other ODA sites. The first performance will be in December and the second in May. Beginning students may elect to participate in the TPSMEA solo competition with the director’s approval.

CurriculumMaterials

• The basic text is Essential Elements for Band published by Hal Leonard. The price of the book is included in most rental/purchase plans. Performance music for concerts is provided by the instructor.

• Each student should provide their own instrument as well as a sturdy, portable music stand, portable metronome and supplies necessary for their particular instrument (reeds, valve oil, etc.)

Musical Beginnings

Suggested Age

5-9

Prerequisites

none

Purpose

9-month long course
Introduction to music as a language and how it is communicated, with basic theory, vocabulary, and history. Rhythm instruments, composer studies, hymn of the month, recognition of orchestra and band instruments, music maps, interpretive listening and movement, and hands on activities will be utilized to enhance the understanding that music is a gift from God that we can explore and enjoy.

Curriculum/Materials

Beginning String Class

Suggested Age

9-18

Prerequisites

none

Purpose

Students are introduced to the stringed instrument of their choice in a group setting.  Rudimentary techniques including instrument hold, bowing and fingering are introduced along with rhythm, counting, listening and note reading to give students a solid foundation.  Regular practice is expected for good progress.  Students work toward a group performance playing a variety of musical styles.  Class is flexible depending on group progress.

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Curriculum/Materials

String Ensemble

Suggested Age

9-18

Prerequisites

none

Purpose

This course provides the opportunity for students to learn ensemble skills while playing with other string players.  Instruction outside of the String Orchestra is required - either private instruction or Beginning String Class.  The group will play a variety of musical styles including fiddle, worship songs, pop, mariachi, classical and others.  Students learn to listen, match styles of playing and share the joy of music with others.  The group will work toward performances on the ODA Fine Arts Concerts and other off campus opportunities, also collaborative concerts with other ODA campuses.  Attendance to String Orchestra rehearsals at other campuses is permitted at no additional charge. 

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Curriculum/Materials