Phillips Exeter Academy

Music

Jazz & Contemporary Small Ensembles
Music

Jazz Combo gives intermediate and advanced intermediate jazz musicians the opportunity to develop their ensemble and improvisational skills through the study of traditional and contemporary jazz repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on rhythmic accuracy and...

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...

Advanced Instrumental/Vocal Study I
Music

This is a performance course for qualified students who wish to devote one term to intensive study of their instrument or voice. With the guidance of their instructor, students work on technique and interpretation with the goal of developing their own musical...

Techniques of Composition & Analysis
Music

Students in this course continue their study of the language of music by creating short compositions, which are performed in class. They learn to use the elements of music in melody writing, text setting and harmonization and also explore the fundamentals of...

The Compositional Process
Music

This course continues the emphasis on original composition begun in Music 410. Increasingly complex and sophisticated works are attempted. Through the analysis of selected works, students will find guidance and inspiration for their own compositional efforts....

Advanced Music Production
Music

This course provides advanced instruction for students interested in improving their mastery of digital music production. Students will explore production techniques, project development and creative practice. Students with interests in all musical genres are...