Velay Certificate Program

Curriculum

Eligibility and Cost

All students in grades 9 through 11 who have completed the Intermediate Level on their primary instrument may apply for admission. The two-year courses begin in each odd-numbered year, with a maximum enrollment of fifteen students. Beginning the program at freshman or sophomore year is recommended.

Tuition is covered by the Velay Certificate Program Fund, a gift from Alexandra Velay, a former student of Doris Preucil’s. Students pay a registration fee of $100 each year of the program and purchase their own materials.

Students who wish to register for single courses within the Certificate Program are assessed the regular tuition costs.

Required Courses for the Two-Year Program

1  Private instrumental lessons*

2  Preucil School String Orchestra or piano master class*

3  Literature and Materials of Music (26 weeks per year)

4  Class piano for non-pianists (26 weeks per year)

5  Chamber music (14 week second semester)

6  A solo or partner recital, performed before March of senior year

*Tuition not included in grant

The Velay Certificate Chamber Program

The Velay Certificate Chamber Program is a component of the two year Certificate Program. High school students receive fourteen weekly coachings (duos, trios, quartets, quintets) from January through mid-April, which culminate in a chamber recital.Funding is made possible by a generous donation from Alexandra Velay and the AMCP Foundation.

Necessary Student Commitment

Since students are recipients of a substantial scholarship, good intent to finish the two-year program to the best of their ability is expected.

1. Regular attendance. More than 4 absences in any class (each year) results in being dropped from the program. Two times tardy equal one absence. Assignments must be completed for missed classes. (If Certificate Program Coordinator is notified as least two weeks before a conflicting high school music event, our classes will be rescheduled.)
2. Preparation. Homework of up to 2 hours and daily practice for Piano Class is expected to be carefully completed each week. Students may remain in the program with minimum grades of 75%, but an 88% average is required to receive the Certificate.
3. Instrumental Practice. Students should challenge themselves to practice 10 hours per week, and not less than 8 hours. This amount of practice should make it possible to fill the repertoire requirements for the Certificate. Students who wish to graduate with performance honors should practice 2-3 hours daily.

Evaluation

A progress report will be mailed each December and May.

Presentation of Certificates

Certificates will be presented at the Senior Graduation Recital according to the following levels of accomplishment:

1.Certificate of Participation in Musical Studies.
a. completion of courses with minimum grades of 88%
b. performance on a partner recital or submission of 500 word essay on an assigned subject

2. Certificate of Excellence in Musicianship.
a. see 1a above
b. completion of Advanced Level instrumental requirements by March 1 of Senior Year
c. performance on partner recital

3. Certificate of Excellence with Performance Honors
a. see 1a above
b. completion of pre-professional instrumental requirements before Senior year. Playing must show refinement of tone, intonation, technique and communicate sensitivity and expression
c. performance of a solo recital before graduation

Application Process

1. Application forms are available at the office, or for download below.
2. Write a 200-word essay expressing your interest in the program and the importance of music in your life.
3. Submit application, essay, and $100 annual registration fee no later than Fall registration.

Velay Certificate Program Faculty