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: July 13-31, 2009
Application Deadline: June 13, 2009
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
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: June 8-19, 2009
Special Application Instructions: Contact for audition requirements.
Application Deadline: May 16, 2009
Cost: $450
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]
A home study program of the history of western music from ancient times to the present, including major cultural and musical developments, contributions of composers during each significant era, their structural attributes and relationships to our contemporary culture. Included with this course are readings that bring a spiritual perspective to the study of music history. Divided into 3 units..
Dates: Begin anytime
Length: 30 weeks, 1–2 hours/day
Cost: $350 (includes all 3 units)
Credit: 12 hours (4 per unit)
Music Ministry
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: June 8-12, 2009
Application Deadline: May 16, 2009
Cost: $300
Credit: 2 hours
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: June 15-19, 2009
Application Deadline: May 9, 2009
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: June 1-5, 2009
Application Deadline: May 9, 2009
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: June 8-12, 2009
Application Deadline: May 16, 2009
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: May14-18, 2009
Application Deadline: April 25, 2009
Cost: $250
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: May 19-22
Application Deadline: April 25, 2009
Cost: $250
Credit: 2 hours
*Nationally Certified Teacher of Music: Music Teachers National Association
Piano Literature Survey [PL301]
The goal of this course is to give students a broad overview of keyboard music from the seventeenth century to the present. Students will learn the performance practices associated with each composer, and study common forms and styles from each era of music history. This course will highlight a Biblical philosophy of music and the development of critical listening through a variety of reading, listening and writing assignments.
Prerequisites:Students must have taken piano lessons for at least five
years, and studied and performed a variety of classical repertoire.
Recommended (though not required): Form and Analysis Phase I
Location: Indianapolis Training Center
Dates: Jun 15–26, 2009
Application Deadline: May 23, 2009
Cost: $450
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
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: February 2-17, 2009
Phase II: February 18-March 13, 2009
Home-study course: Begin anytime
Application Deadlines:
Phase I: January 10, 2009
Phase II: January 10, 2009
Home-study course: No deadline
Cost: $400 for live Phase I; $500 for live Phase II; $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
