The Holy Names University Preparatory Music Department was founded over thirty years ago by Sister Terese-Cecile Murphy, one of the first proponents of the Suzuki Method for violin in the West. Since then it has grown to approximately 400 children and adults from the community studying piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, recorder, classical guitar, electrical guitar, harp and voice. Although the department offers both traditional and the Suzuki approaches to instrumental study, the school continues to be one of the main centers for Suzuki Piano Method study in the Bay Area. In addition to private lessons, there are various programs of classes, ensembles and performances.
Suzuki Method Approach
This philosophy provides a logical, developmentally sound approach to instrumental learning. Based on how children learn their language, it begins with training the ear and with fostering ability in a nurturing environment. Music reading proceeds once a sense of musicality and fluency are achieved.
Private Lessons
Students register through Holy Names University Preparatory Music Department. Most lessons are given on the Holy Names University campus, although some instructors teach locally in their home studios.
Instrument requirements:
Piano Lessons: An acoustic piano is required in the home for practice.
Other instrumental lessons: Your teacher will refer you to local businesses for rental or purchase of an instrument.
CLASSES:
String Enrichment Classes and Ensembles
These classes meet weekly throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students from beginner to advanced gain the experience of group playing various repertoire and standard chamber music that compliments their private study. There are semester-end concerts both in January/February and May/June.
Divertimento Chamber Players
The art of the ensemble will be explored with this group which is designed for more advanced players. Standard chamber music repertoire will be studied and performed. Musical style and the fine points of communicating through music will be introduced and practiced. Participation in this group is through an audition by invitation with teacher recommendation and consent of instructor. There will be at least two performance opportunities and the possibility of more in a year.
Da Capo Youth Orchestra
is designed for the intermediate-level string player to provide a stimulating, high quality ensemble experience with instruction in orchestral technique and ensemble playing. DCYO offers young string players the opportunity to improve their technique and develop their ensemble skills while performing more advanced literature with others in an enjoyable and supportive setting. DCYO is slated to perform two concerts a year.
Divisi String Orchestra
is a beginning level ensemble for violinists and violists with no required prior ensemble experience. This ensemble group will focus on beginning notes reading, along with basic instrumental and orchestral performance skills through a repertoire built around the Suzuki Method and popular and classical excerpts. This ensemble will also prepare much of it's repertoire in conjunction with the Divisi Cello Orchestra. At least two performances are slated each year with the possibility of more.
Divisi Cello Ensemble
is a early intermediate level ensemble experience, solely for cellists. This ensemble experience is designed to teach cellists the skills of ensemble playing, basic cello technique, and notes reading. Open to cellists in Suzuki Method late book 1 to Book 3, or the equivalent, this group will prepare repertoire to be performed with DSO.
DoReMi - Suzuki Violin Book 1 & 2 Class
Book 1 & 2 repertoire and technique will be emphasized, along with theory, note-reading, and ensemble playing skills. Weekly sessions will include individual and group performance opportunities.
Beginning Cello Group Class
is a beginning level ensemble experience, solely for cellists. Open to cellists in Suzuki Method very beginning level to middle of Book 1.
Suzuki Violin Twinkle Class
Participate in regular group lessons andPerformance! Children learn from and are motivated by each other. Learn while you are having fun! Our group includes students who are just learning how to hold the violin to students who are just starting the twinkle variations. This class will focus on Pre-Twinkle to Twinkle repertoire, and up to Go Tell Aunt Rhody violin technique, and musicianship skills. Student must be studying with a private teacher.
These classes are specially designed for children aged 2 & ˝ to 5 years, to
prepare them for private music instruction and instill a love of music. Using song,
dance, large and small motor skill movement, and a variety of percussion
instruments, children develop beat, rhythm, and pitch.
Suzuki Parent Seminar
This two-hour seminar is offered to parents interested in learning more about the
Suzuki philosophy and method, and/or are ready to begin Suzuki study with their
children. The class gives an overview of Suzuki-style teaching, how it differs from
traditional styles, parents’ roles in lessons and in home practice, and what to
expect from Suzuki study. It is open to all parents, and is a pre-requisite for Prep
to Twinkle Classes.
Prep to Twinkle Classes
Offered twice per year, four Saturdays each, to children ( 3-7 years of age) and
their parents who are ready to start Suzuki study. In these special music &
movement classes, instructor Christina Berg will familiarize families with the
Suzuki repertoire through singing, clapping, moving, and dancing. She also offers
tips on home practice and motivation once the lessons have started. Open to
prospective piano and string Suzuki students. Parents must attend and
participate with their children. The Parent Seminar is a pre-requisite for this class.
Piano Ensemble Classes
Using a 9-piano and a 5-piano labs, the beginning, intermediate and advanced piano students engage in an intensive 12-week ensemble program to study multiple piano repertoires.
There are four different levels of Classes:
- Beginning Piano Ensemble
- Early Intermediate Piano Ensemble
- Late Intermediate Piano Ensemble
- Advanced Piano Ensemble
Adult Chamber Ensemble
This is a chamber music class for adult beginning musicians.
Parent Education Class
For parents of prospective and continuing students. It is usually held in September at the beginning of the school year.
Master Classes
Renowned Musicians are invited to give presentations and master classes for String and Piano Students.
PERFORMANCES:
Monthly Student Playthroughs/Recitals
Students perform in informal and formal concerts that are scheduled 3-4 times per semester by each teacher throughout the year.
Ensemble Concert
Group classes, youth orchestras, and string and wind
ensembles present a concert of their work at the end of each semester.
4Hands to 48 Hands Piano Ensemble Concert
Piano ensemble classes present a concert of their work at the
end of each semester.
Pop Concert
In one of our most popular events of the year,
students audition any non-Classical piece on a videotape. The concert features
costumes, stage props, and special lighting. A very fun, family concert.
Concerto Festival Competition and Concert
All students at PMD are eligible to compete in this intense competition in January. Winners will have the opportunity to perform with the PMD Festival Orchestra in May each year.
Piano Festival Concert
Piano students submit video or audiotapes for evaluation and perform in different levels of requirement in a formal recital.
East Bay Suzuki String Play-In
PMD hosts a large concert at the Oakland Interstake Center Auditorium (Mormon Temple). String students and teachers come from all over the Bay Area, gathering together to perform various Suzuki repertoires from Twinkle Variations to advanced pieces in a large group setting.
Honors Auditions and Recitals
Outstanding students, upon recommendation of their instructor, audition for this
special concert. In addition to the opportunity to perform, winners are awarded a
medallion.
Concert Appreciation
PMD students are given free admission to Holy Names Orchestra Concerts, Chamber Singers Concerts and TheMaster Guild Chamber Music Series.
REGISTRATION/ENROLLMENT
Registration Enrollment
Each year is divided into fall, spring, and summer
semesters. Students register by semester but may begin lessons at any time.
Rates vary among individual instructors.
Registration Fee
This fee is charged per student per semester.
Tuition
Tuition per semester covers private lessons and
playthroughs/recitals.
Installment Plan
Students may pay for the semester by making one full payment or three monthly installments with an additional service charge per student.
To register, or for more information, contact the director, Katherine Baird, at
510-436-1224 or email email Baird@hnu.edu, or write to:
Holy Names University
Preparatory Music Department
Brennan Hall 78
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
Phones:
Main Office: (510) 436-1224
Accounting Office: (510) 436-1225
PMD Fax: (510) 436-1523
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Links
Prep Music Events
Prep Music Images
Downloads
Spring 2008 Class Brochure
Piano Ensemble Flyer
Faculty
Piano
Marc Bolander
Gloria Yim Burke, M.M.
Leonora Gillard, M.M.
Jeanne Honore, M.M.
Daphanie Lin, M.M.
Moira Little
Amy C.H. Martin, M.M.
Josephine Sanchez, M.M.
Kent Tchii, M.M.
Mei-Ling Tchii, M.M.
Violin
Dorothy Lee
Wendy Reid, M.A.
Robin Revelli
Rebecca Rogot
Lucille Van der Wyk, M.M.
Celia Vollov
Viola
Dorothy Lee
Lucille Van der Wyk, M.M.
Cello
Katherine Baird, Director
Rebecca Rogot
Oboe/Recorder
Moira Little
Flute
Robin DeMartini
Cathy Devos, Mus. Ed., M.M.
Guitar
Steve Wilkinson (Electric)
Harp
Daphanie Lin, M.M.
Voice
Gayle Marie, M.M.
Music and Movement
Christina Berg
Fran Smith, M.Mus. Ed.
Orchestras and Ensembles:
Leonora Gillard, M.M. (Da Capo Youth Orchestra)
Robin Revelli
(Divisi String Orchestra, Da Capo Youth Orchestra)
Dorothy Lee (Divertimento Chamber Players, Do Re Mi)
Katherine Baird
(Divisi Cello Ensemble, Beginning Cello Ensemble)
Kent Tchii, M.M. (Advanced Piano Ensemble)
Mei-Ling Tchii, M.M. (Beginning and Intermediate Piano Ensemble)
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