A Musical Journey

Discipline is the art of remembering what is most important to us every day and taking action on those dreams.  Having clear and inspiring goals is the best way to focus our minds to achieve more than we ever imagined possible.

The Musical Journey is a flexible achievement system that helps students stay focused on their highest musical aspirations, while stimulating their creativity and developing their independence.  As students pass each level, they will find their skills have reached new heights and their interest will be drawn to new and fascinating aspects of music.  Each level provides clear goals and skill sets that all musicians must master, while still allowing plenty of room for personal creativity:  Some students may focus entirely on classical music, others may wish to include more of their own compositions, improvisations, different styles of music or anything else.

Each student will receive a trophy that changes with each goal completed.  The Musical Journey Trophy should be kept in a prominent place for the student to refer to on a regular basis so that they can see their goals every day.

Final Projects:

Level 1 A “home concert” for friends and family.

Level 2 A recording for friends and family.

Level 3 A public recital with one or more original compositions, variations or improvisations.

Level 4 A recital with at least one chamber music piece.

Level 5 A recording with at least one multi-movement work.

Level 6 A recital with chamber music and original compositions or arrangements.

Level 7 A set of recordings, video and website materials for the purpose of attracting work as a professional musician.

Level 8 A full length public benefit concert to support a favorite charity, including one chamber work and one original composition.

“Musical Journey has given my students very specific goals, creating very specific and focused practice.  It has also given then a great sense of accomplishment as they look to future levels.  Their musicianship has improved greatly as the students listen and focus on their pieces, to give the best performance possible.  I look forward to watching them grow as they pursue future levels.”

~Skye McManus, Musicianship, Voice, and Piano Instructor, Orpheus Academy of Music