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Emphasis on Creativity and Leadership
Madness Information
The classical music gap: We aim to fill the gaps left by traditional classical music programs. Many programs neglect the creative aspects, focusing on preparation for recitals or concerts. Each young person should be urged to discover him or herself and to express this through their instrument. Since Madness is a sight-reading program that is not directed toward a public concert, we are freer to take our time, helping the students explore lots of literature and their creative potential.
Musicianship & interpretation. There are many avenues through which students can improve their technical abilities, but fewer to learn about the meaning of the music. So we try to answer that need as well, emphasizing the different style periods, and what it means to the interpretation of a piece of music. We delve into the different composers’ musical personalities. Students can learn how to handle their instruments to differentiate between the style periods and composers.
Lots of learning gets done in a fun, casual atmosphere. Though our faculty is highly accomplished, they set a low-key tone, where we all socialize and make music together. Faculty members are addressed by first names and get to know the students.
Non-competitive: Most students thrive in an atmosphere of collaboration, and to de-emphasize students’ technical, musical or experience levels. The musicians are encouraged to work together, help and support each other in challenging situations.
Variety of educational experiences: We have quite a bit of flexibility within our group assignments, this leaves us the opportunity to give the students a variety of experiences over the course of the year. On any given Sunday, a student might think, “this group was too easy” or “I really struggled to keep up”. They can learn something from every situation. If they are on the upper end, they can practice their leadership skills, set a great example and help their peers. When they find themselves on the lower end, they are encouraged to use their survival skills, i.e. to keep up with the basic rhythm, leaving out notes in between. They can tune their observation skills, learning from the more experienced players, and maybe find themselves drawn up to a higher level of expressive music-making.
We encourage students and parents to take a long-range view. We strive to give each student a wonderful experience.
Class Visits:
Madness is a special time for students to bond with the faculty. It’s been our experience that our students are more successful when not distracted by the presence of family members. So for the most part, the workshops are private. We do invite parents as follows:
Chamber Music Madness Program: parents can observe for the last 30 minutes of any workshop. To find your student, look for the posted schedule at the entryway of the church, just inside the glass double doors.
Chamber Music Mini and Beyond Madness:
Parents can observe for the last 20 minutes of any workshop.
Here are some suggestions for those who would like to explore the neighborhood while the students are in session:
Matthew’s Beach park 9300 51st Ave NE (off NE 93rd and Sandpoint Way)
Burke-Gillman trail (bike and walking trail along perimeter of Lake Washington); entrance at Matthew’s Beach park, see above.
Magnuson Park: 6500 Sand Point Way NE
Fred Meyer: 35th Ave NE and NE 127th Ave
Northgate Mall (NE 105th, just off of I5)
What to bring:
Instrument, of course
Music stand, always labeled!
No phone is available at the church, so parents can bring cell phones if needed.
Refreshments: Our families generously take turns providing snacks for the kids. We ask a parent to coordinates this as “snack queen or king”. Usually, 2 families contribute each time.
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