The Pre-College Program

QUICKLINKS: Policies | Certificate Program | Certificate Program at a Glance
Instruction | Ensemble Instruction | Scholarships

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Instructional Opportunities

• Blair offers individual instruction in all orchestral instruments and in piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo, steel drum, recorder, viola da gamba, saxophone, euphonium, and voice.

• KinderMusik is a program offered to young children (infants to age 6) with their caregivers.

• New Horizons, based on Kodaly and Orff teaching concepts, is open to children ages 4 – 6.

• Suzuki instruction is available in violin and cello.

• Group performance instruction is available in piano, recorder, fiddle, dulcimer, and mandolin.

• Group instruction is offered in any instrument, contingent upon the formation of a compatible group of adequate size.

• Class instruction includes music theory, music history and literature, and accompanying.

• Ensemble training is provided through the Blair Children’s Chorus Program, the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program, and the Blair Suzuki Program. Other ensembles, including steel drum and African drumming, are sometimes open to pre-college students. Ensemble training is also available in chamber music, contingent upon establishment of a compatible group of adequate size.

Policies

AUDITIONS AND PLACEMENT

All new private lesson students must schedule an interview with faculty prior to their first registration. Current information on interviews, including interview dates, is available in the Blair main office. Call 322-7651 for information.

Requests for specific private teachers are honored whenever feasible. If a change is desired, this must be discussed with the current teacher. Lessons on two instruments concurrently should be discussed with both teachers to determine if there is sufficient time and motivation to sustain study at appropriate levels in both areas. Students enrolling for theory classes are tested for placement. Students enrolling for music history classes should contact the instructor.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

Students must register each term before receiving instruction. Fees are due at the time of registration, but may be paid over the entire semester if a signed deferment form is completed. Fee adjustments may be made for students entering late in the semester. Refunds are not made after the first week of classes.

See the current PC&A Schedule of Courses for tuition information. Current schedule is available online at www.vanderbilt.edu/blair/precoll.

BLAIR ID. CARD, LIBRARY CARD, AND PRIVILEGES

A Blair identification card, issued at the beginning of each semester, provides access to the Anne Potter Wilson Music Library and free admission to Blair Series concerts. Students must pay a one-time fee of $5 to obtain a Music Library card. Students must obtain a current Blair identification card each semester for renewal of the library card with no fee. Free tickets to all Blair Series concerts, subject to availability, will be available at the main front desk upon presentation of a current Blair ID

ABSENCES

If a student must miss a lesson, the teacher must be notified as far in advance as possible. Faculty members are not required to reschedule lessons cancelled by students; however, lessons or classes cancelled by faculty members will be rescheduled.

As a general policy, the school is not closed for inclement weather. A faculty member who is unable to travel will notify students and reschedule lessons or classes.

REPORTS

Examinations are given at the end of each semester, excluding summer session. Performance examinations are an important part of the Blair program. Students perform for a faculty committee; exam critiques and semester written reports provide a written evaluation of progress and suggestions for improvement.

DEFICIENCIES AND PROBATION

A pre-college student whose progress is not satisfactory may be placed on probation for half a semester. If at the end of this period the quality of work has not improved to the satisfaction of the teacher, the student may not continue at the school. In the event of a dismissal, no refund will be given. Written notification is made in each case.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

Students in many high schools can earn enrichment credit for instruction taken at Blair. Students must fulfill all requirements to the satisfaction of the teacher. Blair instruction for high school credit is coordinated through the associate registrar’s office. The student is responsible for determining his/her eligibility with the individual high school’s guidance counselor.

PARKING AT BLAIR

Blair School visitor lots (lots 103 and 104) located at the east and west ends of the building require a valid permit and are reserved for our youngest students. Permits for families with enrolled children, ages 10 and under ONLY, may be obtained in the Blair main office at the time of registration. Limit ONE per family.

Parking is limited and is NOT guaranteed.

Pre-college and adult student parking is also available AFTER 3:30 P.M. DAILY at Harris Hillman School (across Blakemore Avenue).

Vehicles parked in Blair lots without valid permits will be ticketed and/or towed. Any vehicle parked in the Fire Lane or in an area not marked as a parking space will be ticketed and towed.

Parking is also available for a nominal fee in the Children’s Hospital South Garage on Children’s Way, one half-block east of the corner of 24th and Children’s Way.

PARKING POLICY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE EACH SEMESTER. SEE THE CURRENT SEMESTER BROCHURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Certificate Program

Blair School of Music awards two certificates to select high school seniors who have completed formal programs that encourage excellence in performance and knowledge of music theory and history—all essential elements for development of mature musicianship in advanced students. Myra Jackson Blair Scholarship students are expected to participate in the program, and all students are encouraged to participate.

Formal admission to the program is contingent upon a performance audition that meets departmental standards for the “Intermediate” or “Advanced” level. The private teacher’s recommendation is required for the student to audition. Auditions are held during the performance examination periods in December and April and are adjudicated by members of the Certificate Program Council.

Responsibilities. Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling all requirements. The student should keep a personal record of study and accomplishment to supplement similar records being maintained by the private teacher and the Certificate Program staff. The student’s private teacher is the primary adviser throughout the program, selecting repertoire suitable for study, ensuring that all major periods and styles are covered, and determining when a student is qualified for the intermediate and/or advanced audition. The Certificate Program Council determines policies and standards, working closely with the entire faculty in matters affecting the program.

Financial cost. There is no additional fee for participation. Total cost to the student will be the regular tuition for lessons, classes, and other regular fees.

Requirements. An overview of each Certificate is outlined below. More detailed information (including departmental standards; faculty, student, and council responsibilities; progress record forms; and current dates) is available from the Certificate Coordinator and in the main office.

Certificate Program at a Glance

Instruction

For a current listing of pre-college faculty, please visit the website at www.vanderbilt.edu/blair/faculty/faculty_precoll.html

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTION

The Blair School of Music provides a programmed course of study in individual instruction. Students must register for a full semester of study. Individual instruction focuses on the art and practice of an instrument or voice, with emphasis on tone quality, technique, rhythm, interpretation, and literature.

GROUP INSTRUCTION/CLASSES

Designed primarily for beginning and intermediate students, group instruction emphasizes basic technique, rhythm, tone, and musical interpretation. By arrangement with the teacher, group instruction is available in any instrument if a compatible group can be established.

KinderMusik (Ages 0–6). This nationally acclaimed music program is designed for children from infancy to six years of age and their caregivers. Participants enjoy singing, listening, dancing, interacting socially, and playing simple instruments. The program offers a variety of classes and summer camp classes, which focus on the child’s emotional development as confidence, curiosity, self-control, and communication begin to take shape. See the KinderMusik information on the Blair Web site for complete schedules of classes.

New Horizons (Ages 4–6). This class, for children ages four to six, is based on Kodaly and Orff teaching concepts, which begin a child’s musical education with his or her own natural instrument—the voice. Through the use of solfege, movement, ear training, and art, children experience very important steps toward musical literacy. In addition, emphasis is placed on the recognition, both visual and aural, of orchestral instruments and on the music and lives of major composers. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Class meets in one 50-minute session weekly, in groups of 10–14 students, without their parents.

SUZUKI INSTRUCTION
(Ages 4 and up). Instruction using the Suzuki method is available in violin and cello for children from the age of four. Children develop musical ability and sensitivity, using the same process of listening and imitation by which they learn their native language. Suzuki students gain the poise necessary for performance and learn to read music notation as they progress. It is essential that parents attend each lesson and supervise home practice.

Suzuki Strings I. Beginning students receive one 30-minute private lesson and one 30-minute weekly group lesson.

Suzuki Strings II. One 30-minute private lesson weekly and one 60-minute bi-weekly group lesson.

Suzuki Strings III. One 45-minute private lesson weekly and one 60-minute bi-weekly group lesson. .

Suzuki Strings IV. One 60-minute private lesson weekly and one 60-minute bi-weekly group lesson.

Nashville Suzuki Reading Orchestra. The Suzuki Reading Orchestra focuses on strengthening music-reading skills of Suzuki students. This class also introduces fundamentals of orchestral playing and music theory. This ensemble gives two or three performances each season and meets for one 60-minute session weekly. It is open to Suzuki and traditional students in Nashville and surrounding areas by audition and recommendation of the private instructor.

Cello Choir. The Blair Children’s Cello Choir is a select group of advanced students from the Blair Suzuki Cello Program. Rehearsals are held weekly to learn a variety of works for cello ensemble and to polish Suzuki repertoire to a high level of performance. Students who are studying at the Suzuki Book 4 level are eligible to audition for the Cello Choir.

GROUP PIANO
(Ages 6 and up). The Blair School offers several introductory piano classes geared to different age levels. The Group Piano Program combines small peer group lessons with one-on-one instruction. Children have the opportunity to share successes and to assist each other with the learning process. Throughout the program, parents attend lessons and supervise home practice.

Partner Piano I (First Year Beginners Only). Includes 20-minute private lesson and 20-minute weekly group and 20-minute observation (or, at teacher discretion, 30-minute private and 30-minute weekly group).

Students begin with a variety of singing and pre-reading activities. Parental involvement is essential to beginner lessons; parents normally attend all lessons and practice sessions. At the conclusion of the first year, students should progress to Partner Piano II, III, or IV.

Partner Piano II. Includes 30-minute private and 30-minute weekly group (or 60-minute bi-weekly group).

Partner Piano III. Includes 45-minute private and 30-minute weekly group (or 60-minute bi-weekly group).

Partner Piano IV. Includes 60-minute private and 30-minute weekly group (or 60-minute bi-weekly group).

Elementary to intermediate students will develop a conceptual understanding of the fundamentals of music: ear training, improvisation, reading, singing, and technical training. Students will be invited to participate in formal recitals at the conclusion of each term.

More advanced students will continue to learn solo repertoire and to develop performance skills, including technique, sight-reading, keyboard improvisation, theory, and composition.

Group-only piano lessons are also available to young students.

NON-ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS

All offerings are contingent upon establishment of a compatible group of adequate size.

Basic Fiddle (Ages 5 and up). Private lessons for all levels of players. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Instruction includes an introduction to various styles, such as Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic and Texas Swing. Students also have opportunities to play and learn in a group setting with others at a similar level. Ear training and work with harmonization is included.

Advanced Fiddle. Designed for advanced players. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Various styles of fiddle, from traditional Texas style to the recording session experience are presented. Emphasis is placed on ear training and improvisation, as well as on developing versatility and one’s own style.

Mountain Dulcimer. Individual instruction for all levels. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Historical styles and a firm foundation in the basics of this unique zither are included with ear training and harmonization emphasized. Students are involved in the selection of music to be studied.

Beginning Mandolin. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Individual instruction includes learning to read music and studying the basics of mandolin technique. Emphasis is placed on playing together and developing a repertoire of old-time fiddle tunes.

Advanced Mandolin. The appropriate age and skill level of the student is determined by the instructor. Individual instruction expands on fiddle tunes as a repertoire base and develops other styles of mandolin including bluegrass, Celtic, and original music. Prerequisite: A minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience on the instrument.

Other Classes

Pre-College Accompanying. This course introduces high school students to the art of accompanying and to chamber music. Students study piano ensemble literature and participate in weekly master classes with instrumentalists and singers. All forms of piano ensemble literature are explored, including sonatas, lieder, operatic repertoire, reductions, symphonic transcriptions, and four-hand and two-piano works. Open to all high school pianists. Classes meet 45 minutes weekly, Fall and Spring semesters.

Pre-College Music History. Music History is designed to introduce high school students to the historical development of music, with emphasis on socio-cultural influences on music, the function of music, style and performance practice, musical genre, and composers. The study consists of two year-long, successive courses, offered beginning each Fall.

Pre-College Music Theory. The Blair Pre-College Music Theory Program is a unique, integrated theory experience, offering students an exciting range and depth of theory options. Total beginners are welcome, as are advanced students who are already working at college level.

Six self-paced theory courses are available, covering fundamental theory knowledge and skills to college level harmony. Personal interaction with faculty and university student assistants and regular assessment through testing are integral to each student’s individual development, knowledge, and understanding of course material.

Children and adults of all ages are welcome after completing the required initial placement test. Call the main Blair office at 322-7651 for placement test dates and faculty contact information.

Ensemble Instruction

For a listing of ensemble directors, please visit the Web site at
www.vanderbilt.edu/blair/ensembles/ensembles_pre.html

BLAIR CHILDREN'S CHORUS PROGRAM

This tiered choral program is designed for children grades one through twelve. The program develops vocal, listening, reading, and ensemble skills. Admission to a higher-level choir is determined by audition. Auditions are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each May and also during fall and spring registration periods.

Children’s Concert Choir. This advanced touring choir of girls in grades 7–12 performs twelve to fourteen concerts per year, attends a fall music camp, and tours for a week each summer. They have performed with the Nashville Symphony multiple times. A high level of musicianship and commitment is required.

Blair Choristers. This intermediate-level choir for girls in grades 5–8 performs regularly in the Nashville area. This choir stresses vocal development, music reading, and ensemble and performing skills.

Young Men’s Chorus. Boys whose voices have changed or are changing are eligible for this chorus. Vocal fundamentals and healthy singing through vocal change are stressed, and the group performs several times each semester.

Nashville Boychoir at Blair. Boys in this dynamic group enjoy exploring their vocal talents and learning how to read music together. They perform several times each semester in collaboration with other arts organizations, for community and civic events, and at Blair. A pleasant, unforced vocal quality and a love of singing are the most important attributes we seek in new singers.

Young Singers of Blair. This beginning choral ensemble is open to girls in grades three and above. This choir stresses singing fundamentals, music reading, and musicianship and has several performance opportunities during the year.

Preparatory Chorus. This beginning choral ensemble is open to boys and girls in grades 1–3. This choir stresses the healthy use of young voices. The basics of music reading are taught through games and activities and a short concert presented for parents at the end of the semester.

NASHVILLE YOUTH ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

The Nashville Youth Orchestra Program encompasses seven student orchestras at five different levels of skill: the Curb Youth Symphony, the Nashville Youth Repertory Orchestra, the Nashville Youth Strings Orchestra (three sections), the Suzuki Reading Orchestra, and the Beginning Reading Orchestra. All orchestras are open by audition to students in Nashville and surrounding communities. Auditions are scheduled during the last two weeks of August. Students accepted for membership are encouraged to be in good standing in their own school music organizations. Designed to reward and enhance the efforts of music students, the program provides unique opportunities for contact with orchestral literature and for performance with professional coaches and conductors. Audition schedule is online at www.vanderbilt.edu/blair/ensembles/ensembles_pre.html#youthorchprog.

Curb Youth Symphony. The CurbYouth Symphony is the most advanced ensemble in the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program. It performs standard orchestral literature in a three or four-concert season. Monday evenings.

Nashville Youth Repertory Orchestra. The Repertory Orchestra is a training orchestra that performs arrangements of standard literature. The orchestra presents several concerts each season. Tuesday evenings.

Nashville Youth Strings Orchestra (three sections). The Youth Strings Orchestra provides training for young string students who are able to read at least level one music and prepares them for admittance into the Repertory Orchestra. This group gives two or three concerts each season and meets for one 60-minute session weekly. It is open to any string student in Nashville and the surrounding area by audition and recommendation of the private instructor. Tuesday evenings.

Suzuki Reading Orchestra. The Suzuki Reading Orchestra focuses on strengthening music-reading skills of Suzuki students studying violin, viola, and cello. This class continues to develop music-reading skill and expangd knowledge of scales and music theory. This ensemble gives two or three concerts each season and meets for one 60-minute session weekly. It is open to Suzuki and traditional students in Nashville and the surrounding area by audition and recommendation of the private instructor. Thursday evenings.

Beginning Reading Orchestra. The Beginning Reading Orchestra introduces fundamentals of orchestral playing, music theory, and develops music-reading skills. Thursday evenings.

OTHER ENSEMBLES

Chamber Music. The study and performance of chamber music is open to students by audition or upon recommendation of their private instructors. Woodwind, brass, percussion, string, and mixed ensembles are available. Admission is based on interview with ensemble director and contingent upon available space in the ensemble. Formation of a chamber music ensemble is contingent upon establishment of a compatible group of adequate size.

Blair Suzuki Players. Suzuki students recommended by their private teachers are selected by audition for participation in this group. The Blair Suzuki Players perform at Blair and also for functions outside the school. Admission is based on interview with ensemble director and contingent upon room in the ensemble. One 90-minute rehearsal weekly.

Scholarships

Scholarship auditions are held each spring and are adjudicated by faculty committees. Honor and need-based scholarships are available, covering full and partial tuition for private instruction and, in some cases, classes in music history and/or music theory during the academic year. Scholarship applications are available in the main office at Blair and on the Blair Web site at www.vanderbilt.edu/blair. Please check the current application for deadline dates.

Myra Jackson Blair Scholarships. These honor scholarships are awarded annually by Blair School of Music to outstanding high school students who have been recommended by their teachers and who plan careers in music. Auditions, held each spring, are adjudicated by faculty committees. Scholarships cover academic-year tuition for private instruction and, in some cases, classes in music theory and ear training and in music history and literature. Students must maintain at least a “B” average in each subject, perform in recital, and attend at least two faculty concerts each semester. Scholarship students are also expected to participate in the Certificate Program. Pianists are expected to take an accompanying class each semester, and eligible instrumentalists are required to audition for the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program.

Blair Guild Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded annually to pre-college students who show a strong interest and ability in music, who have been recommended by their teachers, and who need financial assistance. Scholarships cover partial tuition for private instruction and class instruction in music theory and ear training during the academic year. Students must maintain a “B” average in each subject, perform in recital each year, and attend at least two faculty concerts each semester. Eligible instrumentalists are encouraged to participate in the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program and the Certificate Program.

The Blair Guild Fiddle Scholarships. Established in 1995 by the Blair Guild, in appreciation of Mark O’Connor’s generous involvement with Faux Gras, the Guild’s annual benefit concert.

Potter Pre-College Scholarship. Established in 1994 by the Potter Foundation, these scholarships are based upon demonstrated financial need and significant talent and accomplishment. They provide partial tuition for private instruction and may be awarded on the basis of an audition with Blair faculty or, in some cases, upon the recommendation of an outside teacher. Some Potter awards are made to members of the Blair Children’s Chorus and of the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program, at the recommendation of the faculty.

Nashville Youth Orchestra Scholarships. Full and partial scholarships for private instruction are available to members of the Nashville Youth Orchestra Program. Scholarships are based on the need for financial assistance and/or the needs of the program. Auditions are held in the fall concurrently with orchestra auditions.

Double Reed Scholarships. Awarded in the fall semester to students of oboe or bassoon, these need-based scholarships provide one-half tuition for private instruction.

Gilbert Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1998 in memory of Douglas A. Gilbert, former Blair clarinet student, and his father, Robert J. Gilbert, a lifetime clarinet player and Blair supporter, this scholarship provides partial tuition for a clarinet student with at least one year of study at the Blair School.

Mary McClure Hotchkiss Scholarship. Established in 1987 by the will of Coleman A. Harwell in memory of his aunt, a distinguished pianist and teacher and a native of Lewisburg, Tennessee, this scholarship provides a partial tuition award each semester. Preference is given to a piano student.

David Mazanec Memorial Scholarship. Established in memory of David Mazanec, former Suzuki student, this need-based scholarship provides partial tuition for Suzuki violin and cello students in Book 4 or above. Students are eligible to apply after one year of participation in the Suzuki program at Blair.

William H. Moennig Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1986 by the family and friends of Mr. Moennig, this scholarship provides partial tuition for private instruction to talented pre-college string students.

Samuel E. Stumpf, Sr. Trumpet Scholarship. Established in 1998 in memory of Dr. Samuel E. Stumpf, Sr., by his family and friends, this endowed scholarship provides tuition for students who are serious about their musical endeavors.

Amelie Throne Scholarship. Established in 1989 through a bequest from Elizabeth Binford Bergner, this scholarship provides partial tuition each semester for a piano student.

Jacqueline and Morris Wachs Scholarship for Piano and Strings. Established in 2001 by Morris Wachs and family, this scholarship is awarded annually to deserving piano and string students for study at Blair. Scholarships cover partial tuition for private instruction during the academic year.