For fluent technical skill levels only.
The FASA commercial piano track is unique in its goal: to take pianists beyond the printed page with classes that will teach the basics of ‘comping’ (accompanying in modern styles, i.e. pop, jazz, country) and improvising, as well as, chord and number chart reading.
Led by jazz pianist and arranger Bill Wolaver this course gives students the technical and improvisational skills to perform a diverse array of styles. Students participating in the commercial piano track must also choose a secondary track of study as a vocalist or instrumentalist (orchestral instruments only).
Students are offered the choice of participating in either a one or two week commercial piano program.
For students participating in the two week program, week one they will devote their efforts to the piano track performance, which takes place Sunday July 19. As week two ensues, piano track students will move into their secondary tracks in the FASA choir or instrumental tracks to prepare for the final show.For the details of all the required courses as well as additional elective courses read the descriptions below.
Required Study:
All piano students will participate in the following.
Piano Primary:
Commercial piano students will spend class time in a rotation of focuses. Jazz theory along with chord and number chart reading will be at the heart of the program, while the performance focus will be learning how to translate charts into any given style by improvising in both an accompaniment or (comping) style as well as soloistically.
Commercial piano students put these new skills to use in the Rhythm Section course, described below, which gives valuable experience performing in the modern band formation.Practice rooms are available for personal practice time in addition to the piano lab facilities.
Rhythm Section:
Week one: For piano, guitar, drums, and bass, this daily course is designed to give rhythm section players experience playing in a modern configuration. Pop, country, blues, jazz and rock styles all utilize this core group of players. Rhythm section classes will give students coaching in ‘comping’ in multiple styles. Students will be placed in groups based upon their skill and previous experience.
Week two: Students of all tracks will assemble to prepare for the final performance.
Elective Courses of Study:
The following classes are available for an additional fee.
Songwriting:
Are you interested in writing your own music and lyrics? Here’s your chance to get started. Songwriting classes will guide students who are just beginning, while developing experienced writers who are already hooked, blending the study of both lyric writing and musical composition. This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.
Composition and Arranging:
Taught by Bill Wolaver, master arranger and composer, the composition and arranging class is designed for students interested in composing and arranging. It will focus on techniques for melodic and harmonic development, as well as orchstration.This elective will be offered daily for one hour during week one only. $75 additional fee.
Click the names below for a complete bio.
Bill Wolaver: Piano Director, improvisation and FASA arranger and composer.
David Winkler: Comping, rhythm section, and theory.
Dr. Jerome Reed: Piano private lessons, theory and performance class.
Secondary Tracks
Piano, guitar, bass, drums, and drama offer a one week option not requiring a secondary track.
Students participating for the entirety of FASA in the drama, dance, piano, bass, drum or guitar tracks are required to choose a secondary track, as either a vocalist or as an orchestral instrumentalist.
The purpose of this configuration is to provide students an opportunity to hone their skills and perform individually in their primary track’s performance, while still allowing corporate participation in the final show, as a part of the choir or orchestra.
Week 1 students spend the majority of their time in their primary track preparing for week one’s track performances. For one hour each day students will participate in classes with their secondary track where they will finalize the parts they will be performing during week two.
Week 2 students spend the entirety of their time preparing for the final show in their secondary track in the choir or orchestra.