Electives

Electives

Beginning Piano

Students will explore basic piano techniques and learn how to perform simple pieces on the piano. The class is taught in our Piano Lab with a specialist in beginning piano pedagogy. No prior piano experience is necessary.

Instructors: Fenella Theodore and Ivan Jiang

Conducting

Students will familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of interpreting a musical score in a way which reflects the specific indications in that score, and communicate the composer’s intentions to the performers. Led by experienced music conductors, students will learn basic conducing patterns and observe the conducting technique of other well-known conductors. This elective is designed for students with no prior experience in conducting.

Instructor: Tamra Gingold

Dance – House Cyphering

In house dance cyphering we will explore the concept of dance circles in social and club settings in the context of house dance. Students can expect to learn fundamental house dance movements including footwork and jacking. Additionally, this class will heavily focus on improvisation and “playing” to explore each person’s individual style and build community among fellow students. Each class will have time to cypher and share with each other in a low stakes no judgment zone.

Offered: Sessions 2 & 3
Instructor: Jaymes Crowder-Acres

Electric Strings

Open to string players only, students study electric ensemble playing, effects and loopers, recording techniques, improvisation, stage presence, career building, composition, arranging, and notation.

Instructor: Rudolf Haken

Learn more about Electric Strings at Illinois.

Guitar

All Sessions

Beginning guitar offers students the opportunity to explore basic guitar skills. You’ll learn hand positions, basic chords, and strumming patterns. By the end of the week, you’ll be able to perform simple tunes. Guitars will be provided and no previous experience is necessary.

Instructor: Beto Rodriques.

Intro to Acting

Session 2 only

Intro to Acting with Laney Rodriguez and Jimmy Cone: Join our class for a week filled of introductions to the world of acting! From improv to monologues, Shakespeare to ensemble games – we will cover all things acting! We’ll explore how to build team work, character expression, dialogue, and stage presence to take the performer to the next level.

Songwriting

The Songwriting elective offers budding composers a chance to explore their creativity and develop their craft. Participants will learn the fundamentals of writing lyrics and melodies, along with techniques for structuring songs and expressing emotions through music. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring songwriter, this elective will help you start the journey to find your unique voice and bring your musical ideas to life.

Tango

Sessions 1 & 2

The Argentine Tango elective introduces participants to tango music and tango dance. Participants will bring their instruments to play for a portion of each class (piano is provided). We will explore stylistic elements of tango music and characteristic (and somewhat unusual) instrumental techniques used in tango. Musical activities may include learning a tango music ensemble piece, learning about how tango music is put together, and arranging a tango piece. Part of each class will be devoted to learning tango dance steps and dancing both individually and in partners.

Instructors: Amanda Ramey and Joe Grohens.

Ukulele

All Sessions

Ukulele is quickly becoming a popular “jam” instruments for students. Learn how to perform basic skills and songs in this course designed for beginners. No previous experience necessary, and ukuleles will be provided by ISYM!

Instructor: Ryan Gardner

Yoga

Yoga for musicians will use the practice of yoga to support and create important skills for musicians. We will work on mobility, muscle relaxation, lung capacity, and emotional regulation. Through the daily hour-long practice, students will learn meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle movement flows that they can apply to their playing in the future.

Instructor: Tessa Olson.