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A program for high school students interested in growing their individual musicianship with non-traditional high school music-making opportunities. The concentrations offered in the ICON music major are voice, percussion and Piano, and composition.
Music students will participate in a curriculum of interdisciplinary arts education, utilizing a project-based instructional approach. They will work collaboratively with dance, design and production, and theatre students on student-led/teacher-student co-directed creative works and productions
Students receive individual and small group vocal lessons and participate in voice studio classes, build technical skills, study diction, and receive vocal coaching. Music theory, musicianship and basic piano skills are also covered.
For individuals that have background in piano or percussion that want to learn how to accompany, improvise, expand their repertoire, and improve their technique, theoretical understanding, and musicianship. Students accompany for dance classes and also have the opportunity to perform recitals curated to their interests. Piano as well as a complete instrumentarium of tuned and untuned percussion instruments are utilized.
Students focus on fundamentals of music composition with opportunities to be mentored by current composers, creating their own pieces or sections of music that can be performed by peers or others in the greater community.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Students work together in a lab environment learning about basic music theory (the art of reading and notation in music). Designed for any ICON student with little to no experience in music reading skills. Skills are achieved through a combination of independent workbook time and group instruction to sharpen fundamental concepts. This class is a prerequisite for future levels of elective Music courses and can be “tested out of” for those with more advanced theory skills.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
A course designed for music majors to continue to expand upon basic principles of music theory started in Music Theory Basics class. Further emphasis will be taken on chord analysis, proper Classical part-writing techniques, and other concepts based on pieces of literature from the Classical-late Romantic periods. This class is usually meant to be a prerequisite for Composition majors to enroll in Songwriting and Composition, but also can be taken concurrently with that course.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Students learn about the art of ear training in the field of general musicianship through use of melodic and rhythmic dictation, sight singing, moveable do solfege with Curwen hand signals, and the use of software such as EarMaster for individual practice. Classes can be a combination of both group and one-on-one instruction and focus on developing the ear’s recognition of the most basic elements of music: pitch and rhythm. Required for all music majors, to be taken after Music Theory Basics and recommended for musical theatre majors. All other majors may enroll only with Music Department Chair’s permission.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
This course offers students the opportunity to study classical repertoire in more depth by adding staging and acting elements to their performances. Students should expect a high level of expectation and independent research, focus will be given on not only learning more intense technique and knowledge of classical repertoire interpretation, but also on learning about different repertoire in English, Italian, German, and French. The class culminates in a public performance of repertoire studied. Students may only enroll with permission from the Music Department Chair.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Over the course of the semester, students will learn about digital audio workspaces, the tools and features available, how to structure a song, and how to continue expanding our knowledge of them. Students discuss different writing styles and techniques, as well as the chemistry and history of music, observing that music and its production are ever-changing. Open enrollment to all majors and required for all music composition majors.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
This course introduces students to the essential skills needed to play the drum set with confidence and control. Students learn proper setup, stick technique, and coordination exercises while developing a steady sense of beat and timing. The class covers basic grooves, fills, and reading simple drum patterns, as well as exploring how the drum set functions within different musical styles. As students progress, they practice combining hands and feet smoothly, playing with classmates, and creating short rhythmic ideas of their own. Emphasis is placed on musicality, consistency, and building the foundational techniques that support future study on the instrument.
0.25 Credit | Continual
A weekly vocal instruction class meant to supplement Private Voice Lessons, in which singers perform for each other and receive weekly critique and feedback on their artistry, discuss different aspects of vocal technique and pedagogy, and study the careers of working vocal artists.
Cannot be taken without concurrent enrollment in Private Voice Lessons.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester or More
The musical ambassador ensemble for ICON. Open by audition to all students in all grades and Gap Year, students learn how to sing together as a musical ensemble. Each year or whenever offered, the identity of the group fluctuates depending on the preferences and tastes of the singers in the group. The ensemble works together with the music department head to develop set lists and practice songs meant for both community and in-school performances at the James Theater or in the ICON Workshop Theatre Space. Discussion and instruction on “brand-building,” musical identity, and artistic choices is also included.
All Voice and Musical Theatre majors are required to take this course during their time at ICON for at least two semesters.
NA | Continual
Private weekly vocal lessons open to Musical Theatre and Voice Majors in grades 9-12 & gap year, also available to non-majors who have taken at least two semesters of Group Voice Class. Focus is tailored to developing a singer’s understanding of alignment, breath, resonance, style, and character. Each Voice/MT Major in each grade has specific repertoire requirements in each of the four vocal genres: classical, musical theatre, vocal jazz, and pop/contemporary. Non-majors must study at least 4 pieces per semester in differing genres.
ALL singers enrolled in Private Lessons are required to complete a vocal jury each semester, in which they sing a live performance of 2 pieces they’ve studied that semester for a panel of 5-6 vocal adjudicators from the Iowa City community.
Cannot be taken without Voice Studio Class.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester or More
The mandatory vocal studies class for ICON voice and musical theatre majors grades 7-8. In addition, this class is available to any NON MT or Voice major at ICON wishing to have vocal lessons in grades 9-12 + Gap Year. The class meets both in a group setting and semi-private setting for vocal lessons focusing on technique and performance practice. Repertoire is assigned based on the needs and requirements for each individual enrolled in the class and also includes individual practice room time. Each semester, students are required to perform one song for an invited audience.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
This class is exploratory for STEAM students and required for 7th and 8th grade voice and musical theatre majors. It is the precursor for Musical Theatre Lab, which is offered beginning in 9th grade. This class will introduce students to the multifaceted genre of musical theater as they explore song repertoire and scenes. Students will learn acting fundamentals and explore various vocal styles utilized in the musical theater canon. In this class students will apply acting techniques to the performance of a song, explore the collaborative nature of musical theatre, and develop vocal skills and confidence as they utilize a variety of vocal styles
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Pre-requisite: Musical Theatre Explorations I.
Students continue to develop vocal and acting skills as they explore musical theatre styles ranging from the Golden Age to the present. In this course, students will build on the confidence they gained in Musical Theatre Explorations I as they study solo, duet and trio repertoire from the musical theatre canon. Includes text analysis and study of the musical from which repertoire is assigned.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
An introductory middle school and 9th grade course, introducing students to the world of Digital Audio Workstations. Students will learn the basics of DAW music making in a lab environment.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Over the course of the semester, students will learn about digital audio workspaces, the tools and features available, how to structure a song, and how to continue expanding our knowledge of them. Students discuss different writing styles and techniques, as well as the chemistry and history of music, observing that music and its production are ever-changing. Open enrollment to all majors and required for all music composition majors.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester or More
Students work together learning basic piano skills in a lab environment, alternating between group activities and individual study with headphones. This is designed for all students at ICON with an interest in developing piano skills and is intended for those with little to no prior experience.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester or More
Students work together continuing skills begun in Group Piano I in a lab environment. Focus starts to be given on more independent practice habits with headphones, working towards a common class goal for each week. Music theory skills will begin to be assessed more thoroughly in this class. Completion of Group Piano II usually fulfills a student’s requirements for piano study at ICON, though the option to continue into a Group Piano III class is available if enough students are interested. Another option is to just switch over to a Private Piano Lesson if more instruction is desired after completion of this course.
NA | 1 Semester or More
Private piano lessons with instruction including the Suzuki, Methode Rose (for sight reading), and Alfred methods to develop musical accuracy, proper alignment at the keyboard, hand-eye coordination skills, and solid practice habits. Additional methods/literature may be added as the student progresses. Piano Majors MUST enroll in Private Piano Lessons every semester of their time at ICON. Composition majors must complete at least 4 semesters of Private Piano Lessons. All other majors may only enroll in Private Piano Lessons if they have permission from the Music Department Chair, and usually only after they have completed Group Piano I and II.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
This course builds fundamental guitar skills, including proper posture, hand position, basic chords, and beginning strumming and picking patterns. Students learn to read chord charts and tablature while developing steady rhythm and smooth chord changes. The class focuses on playing simple, familiar songs and building the technical skills needed for independent practice. Creative exploration with melody lines or personal song choices may be introduced as students progress.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
A non-performance based music class focusing on the skill of listening to and discussing music from various genres, time periods, and styles. Projects in this class include incorporation of other art forms and how they relate to music. Brief instruction and discussion on the notation system of music and also the major periods of Western Music History are covered. Required for all music majors, recommended for musical theatre majors, and open enrollment welcome for all other majors.
*This course cannot be repeated once taken.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Examine how music has shaped or reflected social issues, then create pieces that express ideas using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Pieces can range from civil rights songs to music in environmental activism and soundscape art. Skills covered include sampling, arranging, composing for message, and story-telling with sound.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Using digital music production, students choose a scene from a movie, videoclip, video game, animation/comic, or slideshow and compose/arrange music to tell the story. Learn how music develops a scene, mood, place, and foreshadowing, including the use of themes/motifs and sound effects when scoring media. Timing, sound design, looping, and composition are incorporated in projects.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
A comprehensive course introducing musical theatre students to the historical timeline of American Musical Theatre. Students build an “audition book,” comprising pieces representative of different styles and genres of musical theatre. Focus is given on learning pieces of music quickly and independently, understanding historical context of shows and songs, how to research shows and composers, and how to develop and make character choices appropriate to the style and demands of each song and show studied.
This course is one of the Prerequisites for the Theatre course “Musical Theatre Workshop.” Required for ALL Musical Theatre majors.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
A lab experience dedicated to the specific art of songwriting and composition. Depending on the student’s discipline, this may be in the form of instrumental music or vocal music. Prerequisite for this course is at least one semester in either Group Piano I or Private Piano Lessons and one semester in Music Theory Basics. For arts-only students, concurrent enrollment in their high school’s AP Music Theory course is recommended. Basic guitar skills can also be helpful, but are not required. Students will learn about the individual elements of musical composition: rhythm, melody, harmony, color/timbre, and form/structure; and will complete assignments focusing on each area. The introduction of music notation software such as BandLab and MuseScore will also be integrated in the course content. Upon completion of this course, students have the option to repeat the course, focusing more on the art of performing one’s own work in addition to creating more original material.
0.25 Credit | 1 Semester
Focus is given to identifying elements of a successful story by using classic examples of children’s literature as examples. Each student then uses Digital Audio Workstation software and has both a lecture/music theory type class with the Department Chair & lab time with the Music Production instructor to compose original musical “moments”/motifs to accompany each story element, using GarageBand software or any other DAW of the students’ choice. The class culminates in a final “Reader’s Theatre” experience where each student reads their chosen book aloud for an audience and has their musical excerpts playing in the background.
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