Advanced study of the musical craft is essential to the development of a competent artist. We are dedicated to providing our students with a vibrant performance experience, supporting their instrumental technique and musical literacy.
For the 2012/2013 school year, the Instrumental Music Department at LVPA is currently auditioning student applicants for ALL instruments with a specific need for Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, All Brass instruments, and Orchestral Strings.
Message from Andrew Bauer
Director, Instrumental Music
Welcome to the LVPA Instrumental Music Department, where we offer the instrumental music student a unique and exciting opportunity in the exploration of the musical arts.
First and foremost, our faculty are not only superb educators, but performing artists of the highest caliber.
These dedicated professionals have performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world and with some of the most important figures, ensembles, bands and orchestras, nationally and internationally. Because of this, and the relationships our teachers have with the best musicians in the world, we are able to attract instrumental virtuosi to visit and give our students the benefit of their experience and artistry through our Visiting Masters Series.
These Master Classes have included artists such as: The Turtle Island String Quartet, Kenny Baron, Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, The Shenandoah Brass Quintet, Jack Wilkins and John Stowell, along with many others.
Besides the traditional classes in Music Theory, History, Techniques and Ensembles, our students can elect to take classes in Jazz Studies, Contemporary Popular Music, Improvisation and other related subjects.
Our students have many performing opportunities, ranging from small ensembles to Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Band, with a full concert schedule in-house and elsewhere in the community. This broad curriculum prepares our students for careers as professional musicians as well as for success as music majors in college or university.
It is my hope that you will find this site useful and informative in answering any questions you may have about our program. If you are ready to make a serious commitment to the study of music in a safe and stimulating environment, then LVPA may be the place for you. Please feel free to contact me or come to meet us at an Open House day.
Jazz and Contemporary Music
As part of the Instrumental Music Department, the Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies Program at LVPA is a new and exciting opportunity for students to enhance the traditional study of music with the heritage of America’s art form, Jazz, and its evolution into contemporary modern music. The curriculum in Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies will allow students to develop their musical skills as well shape their evolution as artists and people.
Students who choose to concentrate in Jazz Studies will develop the wide range of skills and processes needed to launch a career in professional music and to prepare for success in higher education as music majors.
Our faculty in Jazz Studies are all working professional musicians as well as educators who are nationally and internationally acclaimed for their virtuosity. These artists bring not only their musical expertise to our students, but also practical experience from real world situations. This gives our students a real and tangible edge for their future.
I believe that the experience of working side by side with our teachers in professional situations is a unique methodology where our students can apply the concepts learned in the classroom. I know of no other high school program that can match this approach to learning.