International Academy of Music
preparation for effective music ministry
Course Listing
We offer courses in a variety of areas:
- Foundational Training in Music
- Home-Study Courses
- Instrument Training
- Music History
- Music Ministry
- Piano Training
- Theory and Composition Courses
- Vocal Training
Important Note: All of our music classes (except for home-study courses) are available on a rotational schedule. Not all classes are available each year, though some are offered as often as twice each year. For scheduling details on courses that do not have a date listed below, please contact us.
Foundational Training in Music
Basic Materials in Music Theory (home-study) [H-BT101]
This beginning theory course provides students with an easy-to-understand format for learning the basics of music theory. A Proficiency Exam is available for advanced students desiring to bypass this course.
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: self-paced (approximately 12 weeks)
Cost: $100
Credit: 3 hours
Sound Foundations [SF101]
The Sound Foundations program is a three-week course of study in basic musical concepts. It is designed to provide young musicians with practical tools that will enhance their home-based music studies and their church music ministries. Students participate in 128 classroom hours in addition to out-of-class assignments. The course culminates in a one-hour concert presentation of choral and instrumental selections for the enjoyment of guests.
Prerequisites: 14 and older; at least two years of music training with basic
knowledge of piano; also recommended, the home-study course
Basic Materials of Music Theory.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: August 18–September 5, 2008
Application Deadline: July 19, 2008
Cost: $750
Credit: 3 hours
Home-Study Courses
A New Approach to Ear Training (home-study) [H-ET201]
Listed under Theory & Composition Courses.
A Survey of Christian Hymnology [H-HY101]
Listed under Music History.
Basic Materials of Music Theory [H-BT101]
Listed under Foundational Training in Music.
Basic Piano Tuning and Repair [H-PT101]
Listed under Piano Training.
Form and Analysis Phases I, II, & III [H-FA301, H-FA302, H-FA303]
Listed under Theory & Composition Courses.
Studies in Counterpoint [H-CP301]
Listed under Theory & Composition Courses.
A History of Western Music [H-HWM301, H-HWM302, H-HWM303, H-HWM304]
Listed under Music History.
Principles of Harmony Phases I & II [H-PH201, H-PH202]
Listed under Theory & Composition Courses.
Music Ministry and Worship [H-MM301]
Listed under Music Ministry.
Instrument Training
Handbell Workshop [HB201]
This workshop, designed for both beginners and experienced ringers, includes techniques for playing both handbells and choir chimes. Taught by Mrs. Yullie Stancil.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations,
Basic Materials in Music Theory
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Length: 1 week
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
String Workshop [SW201]
Throughout this course for intermediate and advanced string musicians, instruction is given in theory, rhythm skills, proper posture, bowing and fingering techniques, intonation, proper practice methods, ensemble techniques, sight-reading skills, string arranging, string pedagogy, and studying chamber and string orchestra literature.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Length: 2 weeks
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Special Application Instructions: Contact for audition requirements.
Cost: $500
Credit: 3 hours
Symphonic Band Workshop (for Brass & Woodwinds) [SB201]
Intermediate and advanced instrumentalists will have the opportunity to study the various aspects of performance on brass and woodwind instruments, such as embouchure, breathing, tone production, finger technique, intonation, tonguing, transposition, articulation, expression, and styling using representative solo, ensemble, and symphonic band literature.
Prerequisites: A list of pieces you are presently studying and an
audition tape.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $400
Credit: 3 hours
Music History
A Survey of Christian Hymnology (home-study) [H-HY101]
This home-study program highlights the historical development of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” from Biblical times to the present. The lives and musical works of each of the major hymn writers are skillfully presented. Appropriate for individual or family study.
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 8 weeks; about 1 hour daily
Cost: $75
Credit: 3 hours
Highlights in Music History: A Biblical Perspective [MH201]
A study of the major eras of music history from the dawn of creation through our modern era. Presented from a balanced Biblical worldview, this study focuses on cultural trends, principle composers, musical forms, genres, and styles of each major historical period.
Prerequisite: Sound Foundations
Instructors: Dennis and Jane Baldridge
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Length: 1 week
Cost: $300 (includes room and board)
Credit: 2 hours (or 3 hours upon completion of home-study projects)
The History of Western Music (home-study) [H-HWM301, H-HWM302, H-HWM303, H-HWM304]
This three-unit course studies the development of western music from ancient times to the present. The text is supplemented by additional material to bring a Biblical perspective to this study.
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 30 weeks, 1–2 hours/day
Cost: $350 (includes all 3 units)
Credit: 12 hours (4 per unit)
Music Ministry
Children’s Music Ministries
This course is presently in development.
Conducting Techniques [CT301]
Refine basic conducting skills in all standard meters, including compound meters, develop independence between the right and left hands, acquire fundamentally sound baton and hand techniques and proper posture, develop basic analytical skills and non-verbal communication techniques for more effective rehearsals and performances, discern similarities and differences between choral and instrumental conducting, understand relationships between text and music as applied to conducting, prepare and interpret scores in actual conducting experiences.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Family Ministry Workshop [FM101]
Learn how to begin a dynamic ministry that involves your entire family! Whether your family is young or old, large or small, musical or not, you’ll gain insights into the areas of gifting the Lord has given you to advance His kingdom together. Through classroom lectures, hands-on workshops, individual projects, group presentations, and more, each family will leave with practical, customized tools and skills to enhance their ministry to others.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Instructors: George and Claudia Vogrin and family
Prerequisites: Bring a heart for ministry! Musical training is
helpful, but not necessary. This workshop is for parents, families
(children aged 12 and older are welcome to attend with parents), and students
aged 14 and older.
Cost: $250 for the first family member; $150 for each additional family member
Credit: 2 hours
For additional information, visit familiesofdestiny.org.
If you cannot attend this workshop but are interested in information on family ministry, e-mail the Vogrin family at .
A Biblical View of Music Ministry and Worship [MM301]
Home-study course [H-MM301]
This course will discuss the meaning of true worship and its Biblical relationship to music. It will include a study of church music history and instruction on planning and preparing a meaningful worship service. Taught by Mr. Dennis Baldridge.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations
Location: Indianapolis Training Center or Home-study course
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Home-study course begins anytime
Cost: $300; home-study course, $75
Credit: 2 hours
Piano Training
Basic Piano Tuning and Repair (home-study) [H-PT101]
This study program will train you to tune pianos professionally. Comprehensive lessons include detailed illustrations and diagrams to help you see and comprehend what you are learning. A complete set of tools (tuning lever, mutes, felt strip, and electronic tuner) is provided with the course.
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: Self-paced (ranging from 3–12+ months)
Cost: $350 (does not include Audio Interactive Program)
Credit: 3 hours
Hymn Improvisation Workshop Phase I [HI201]
Provides church pianists with numerous techniques for playing congregational hymns, including runs and fill-ins, song introductions, modulation between keys, and transposition by sight. Other topics include understanding the responsibilities of a local church pianist, preparation of piano solos to enhance the message of the text, and skills for accompanying special music.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations,
Basic Materials in Music Theory. Also
recommended: Principles of Harmony Phases I & II,
A New Approach to Ear Training
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: October 20–24, 2008
Application Deadline: September 27, 2008
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Hymn Improvisation Workshop Phase II [HI202]
Review and continued study of piano improvisational styles. Topics include advanced fill-ins and endings, learning to play and harmonize melodies by ear, and use of chord substitution for creative harmonization.
Recommended: Hymn Improvisation Phase I; Principles of
Harmony Phase I
Dates: October 27–31, 2008
Application Deadline: October 4, 2008
Length: 1 week
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Piano Arranging Workshop—Phase I [PA301]
This workshop will teach advanced pianists many classical techniques for developing their own piano solos. Includes review of harmonic principles and terminology, motive development, analysis of classical arrangements, arranging with creative elements and alternate harmonies, adding interest with new melodic material, and modulation techniques.
Prerequisites: Principles of
Harmony Phase I (Phase II, though not required, is strongly recommended)
Instructors: Douglas Briley, Ruth Mardirosian
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $400
Credit: 3 hours
Piano Arranging Workshop—Phase II [PA302]
This course will explore classical piano repertoire with application to writing compositions for the piano based on hymn tunes. Emphasis will be given to analysis/study of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century time periods. Students will complete composition assignments in the individual styles of each period and write a complete arrangement in one of these styles.
Note: Students will have the option to complete an additional arrangement under the instructor’s direction within two weeks of the course for additional credit hour.
Prerequisites: Piano Arranging Workshop Phase I;
Principles of Harmony Phases I & II
Instructor: Ruth Mardirosian
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Piano Performance Workshop [PF301]
This course will give students the opportuniy to explore advanced techniques for piano practice and performance at the college level. Emphasis will be given to breathing, posture, how to approach scales and exercises, sight reading, and practicing with purpose. Each student will attend lecture/master classes where concepts will be presented and applied during their practice time (approx. 5 hours per day). The course will culminate in a final performance of pieces demonstrating skills developed during the course. Students will be graded in terms of both application of concepts and prior preparation.
Prerequisites: Come prepared to perform one selection from each of the following categories:
- J. S. Bach—may select a 2- or 3-part invention, Prelude, Fugue, French Suite, English Suite, or Partita
- Mozart or Beethoven—Sonata (one movement)
- Chopin—Prelude or Etude
Instructor: Ruth Mardirosian
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Special Application Instructions: Submit a list of Classical pieces recently studied
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Piano Pedagogy (Teaching) Workshop I [PP301]
This workshop is designed for advanced pianists desiring to teach piano with a Biblical emphasis. Students will gain a broad perspective on the requirements, responsibilities and rewards of a professional Christian piano teacher. Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy I will be setting up a professional studio, teaching beginning students and understanding differences in learning styles. Studies will include forming a philosophy of teaching, developing a studio policy and conducting interviews, evaluation of piano instruction methods, and teaching correct piano techniques.
Instructor: Jane Baldridge, NCTM*
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations,
Basic Materials of Music Theory (or a grade of 85% or higher a on proficiency exam),
intermediate to advanced level piano skills.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Schedule: 25 classroom hours, 15 study/project hours
Format: Classroom lectures and discussion, individual
instruction and practice, master classes, role-play of interview and
teaching situations, project assignments, compilation of reference notebook,
student presentations.
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
*Nationally Certified Teacher of Music: Music Teachers National Association
Piano Pedagogy Workshop II [PP302]
The second week of Piano Pedagogy builds on the foundation established in Phase I. Instruction will include teaching intermediate and adult students (emphasis on repertoire selection, technique and style), and an overview of major eras of music history. In depth instruction will also be given on teaching individual learning styles and motivating students. Ample time will be allowed to peruse a wide variety of music at the intermediate level.
Instructor: Jane Baldridge, NCTM*
Prerequisites: Piano Pedagogy I (students enrolled in the previous one-week Pedagogy
course are encouraged to enroll in Pedagogy II)
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Schedule: 25 classroom hours, 15 study/project hours
Format: Classroom lectures and discussion, individual
instruction and practice, master classes, project assignments, compilation of reference notebook,
student presentations.
Text: Practical Piano Pedagogy by Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan; Notes and resources
compiled by the instructor.
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
*Nationally Certified Teacher of Music: Music Teachers National Association
Theory and Composition Courses
Basic Materials in Music Theory
Listed under Foundational Training in Music.
A New Approach to Ear Training (home-study) [H-ET201]
This course is designed to teach students to aurally recognize and recreate melodic and harmonic progressions. The text comes with a set of four listening CDs.
Prerequisites: Basic Materials in Music Theory
Recommended: Prior completion of Principles of Harmony Phases
I & II
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 15 weeks
Cost: $125
Credit: 3 hours
Introduction to Musical Form and Analysis [FA201]
Instructor David Jones helps students gain an overview of how musical compositions are organized and developed.
Prerequisites: Principles of Harmony Phase I
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced
Length: 1 week
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Form and Analysis Phases I, II, & III (home-study) [H-FA301, H-FA302, H-FA303]
The three phases of this study program provide the student with detailed analysis of both smaller and larger classical music forms. In addition to the materials provided, specified study scores and listening materials will need to be obtained by the student. Dr. M. Dean Kincaid will serve as tutor for this course.
Prerequisites: Principles of Harmony Phases I & II
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 24 assignments, each requiring 1–3 hours to complete
Cost: $300 per phase
Credit: 2 hours per phase
Orchestration Techniques [OT301]
Tips and techniques of orchestral arranging for a variety of instrument groups. Professional musicians will demonstrate the capabilities of each orchestral instrument and give insights into correctly preparing a score and parts for various orchestral combinations.
Prerequisites: Principles of Harmony Phases I & II
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Cost: $350
Credit: 2 hours
Piano Arranging Workshop [PA301]
Listed under Piano Training.
Principles of Harmony Phases I & II [PH201, PH202]
Principles of Harmony Phases I & II (home-study) [H-PH201, H-PH202]
Phase I covers harmonic vocabulary of the common practice era, including inversions, cadences, non-chord tones, modulations, interchangeable harmonies, dominant seventh chords, and figured bass. Phase II covers more advanced traditional common-practice diatonic harmony topics.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations,
Basic Materials of Music Theory (available as
a home-study course); A New Approach to Ear
Training is recommended for parallel study with Phase II.
Location: Indianapolis Training Center or Home-study course
Dates: Phase I: September 8–23, 2008
Phase II—September 24: October 17, 2008
Home-study course: Begin anytime
Application Deadlines: Phase I: August 20, 2008
Phase II: September 7, 2008
Home-study course: No deadline
Cost: $400 for live Phase 1; $500 for live Phase 2; $300 per phase for home-study
Credit: 4 hours per phase
Studies in Counterpoint (home-study) [H-CP301]
This course will study the essential forms and devices of 18th century counterpoint (e.g., invention, canon, chorale, fugue) and enable students to incorporate these forms in their own compositions. Special concentration is given to the compositional techniques of J.S. Bach and his colleagues.
Prerequisites: Principles of Harmony Phases I & II
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 30 2-hour lessons
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
Vocal Training
Choral Workshop [CW101]
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” In this workshop, singers will enjoy choral music that speaks of God’s strength made manifest in and through His creation. Learn techniques of breath control, articulation, intonation, and expression through focused choral rehearsals, sectionals, master classes, and a final concert performance.
Repertoire: Handel’s Messiah
Prerequisites: Must be able to read and sing parts in choral music
(prior choral experience is desired); ages 16 and up (Parents are
welcome!)
Instructor: J. Marty Cope
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Future dates to be announced
Cost: $300 (includes room and board)
Credit: 2 credit hours
Weekend Voice Workshops [VW101]
Learn to implement proven techniques for correct posture, breathing, tone production, and articulation when singing. Improve your site-reading ability and discuss the ministry of serving the Lord as a vocal soloist.
Prerequisites: Sound Foundations,
and you must be able to sing both a melody line and a harmony part.
Instructor: Dr. Leon Anderson
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Length: 2 days
Dates: Future dates to be announced.
Cost: $150
Credit: 2 hours after 3 sessions
