Phillips Exeter Academy

Music

PEA Jazz Ensemble
Music

Students in this course perform traditional and contemporary jazz repertoire. Through rehearsal and performance, students learn to perform and improvise in the style of the jazz greats. The Jazz Ensemble gives several public performances during the year,...

Becoming Musical
Music

This course is recommended for students with an interest in understanding music but who have little or no prior experience. This course examines the elements that are universal in music and develops the practical skills needed to become functioning musicians....

Popular Music in America
Music

What is American popular music? How does the rich variety of American popular music styles reflect trends in American society and the major events of American history? Through a series of readings and recordings, students will trace the history of popular...

Listening to Music
Music

This introductory course is intended for students who want to expand their knowledge of music and become informed listeners. No prior musical training is required. Students will learn to perceive the elements of music – rhythm, melody, harmony, texture,...

Musical Structure and Songwriting
Music

This course approaches contemporary songs and songwriting from both analytical and creative perspectives, engaging with music from a broad spectrum of genres, styles, influences, and eras. Until midterm, students will study the structures and practices of...

Global Rhythm Ensemble
Music

In group classes, students learn basic playing techniques of the hand-drumming traditions of West Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil. They develop their rhythmic skills and sense of ensemble, and experience the special energy and excitement of ensemble...

Modern Music Making
Music

This course is a workshop for students interested in making modern styles of music, primarily through technology. Students will develop their technique, their aesthetic and their ears by working on multiple collaborative and independent projects across a...

Instrumental Chamber Music
Music

Students are placed in trios, quartets, quintets and other small ensembles to experience the special give-and-take of playing chamber music. Instrumental combinations include strings, winds, brass, piano, percussion and harp. While working on refining...

Vocal Chamber Music
Music

Students are placed in small ensembles to sing a variety of historical and contemporary vocal styles and literature. Students learn the tenets of singing in a small ensemble and work on vocal production, diction, intonation and performance practice. Vocal...

Exeter Choral Union
Music

Faculty and community members in this mixed-voice choral ensemble perform major works of choral literature, often collaborating with the Concert Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and soloists. Through twice-weekly rehearsals, students develop their vocalism,...