The Pre-College Academy offers a suite of elective classes ranging in a variety of musical topics. Elective classes are reserved for students enrolled in the Pre-College Academy, however, a select number of elective classes are available for students not enrolled in the Pre-College Academy. The following list contains elective classes that are available for non-Pre-College Academy students. Please review the elective class information below and register using the unique registration links on each course.

Registration must be completed by Thursday, September 4, 2025 in order to be enrolled for the 2025-26 Academic Year!

All elective classes are year long and take place on Saturdays for 30 weeks. Exact class times can be found below. Classes start on Saturday, September 6, 2025 and end Saturday, May 2, 2026. 

Registration for elective classes includes an annual registration fee of $50. Please note the age ranges, prerequisites, and age ranges for each class prior to completing registration. If you have any questions regarding these elective classes, please contact Associate Director of Pre-College, Laura Reynolds at yerlabyqf@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@sdlonyerl .

AP Music Theory Test Preparation (1.5hrs)
Ages 15 and up; must have approval by instructor to participate
Required text: Barron's AP Music Theory, 3rd Edition
Class Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM on Saturdays from September 6, 2025 through May 2, 2026
Tuition: $3,000
Link to register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5347#CourseID=256277

This is a full preparation course for the Advanced Placement Exam in Music Theory. Topics include advanced theory and harmony subjects, 4-part writing, ear training, sight singing, and music analysis. To maximize your AP score and apply the answering strategies you will learn, this course includes working on complete practice tests to understand how the actual exam is organized and graded. Prerequisites: Ability to read and write music; understanding and aural recognition of major and minor scales, intervals (diatonic/chromatic), and chords (triads/sevenths); minimum of four years experience with a musical instrument.  

Introduction to Guitar (1hr)
Mark Simons, Instructor
Ages 9 and up; Requirements: acoustic instrument, tuner, music manuscript notebook. Open to students with 0-2 years of guitar experience.
Required Text: Guitar Method by Jerry Snyder (specific volume dependent on class level)
Class Time: 3:45-4:45 PM on Saturdays from September 6, 2025 through May 2, 2026
Tuition: $2,000
Link to register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5347#CourseID=290529

Assuming no prior experience with the guitar, this course will take students on a journey through a wide variety of guitar styles. Using fingerstyle based technique (classical), we will learn strumming and fingerpicking patterns, learn to read rhythms, tablature, chord diagrams and notes as well as build a basic chord and single note vocabulary. We will apply these techniques and others to learning easy songs and enjoyable short pieces.

Music Technology: Ableton Live (1.5hrs)
Jess Konye, Instructor
Ages 13 and up
Class Time: 2:00-3:30 PM on Saturdays from September 6, 2025 through May 2, 2026
Tuition: $3,000
Link to register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5347#CourseID=232373

Learn the fundamentals of performance & production software Ableton Live, an intuitive and flexible audio workstation for creating all kinds of music. Students will create, mix, and edit music in Ableton Live, explore the performative aspects of the software, and learn creative techniques sure to inspire any young producer or sound designer. No prior experience necessary. *Students will be required to have access to Ableton Live.

Since We Were Born: The Music of Your Lifetime (1hr)
Matthew Cmiel, Instructor
Ages 13-18
Class Time: 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturdays from September 6, 2025 through May 2, 2026
Tuition: $2,000
Link to register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5347#CourseID=317256

What does the current musical landscape look like? What are professional performers, presenters, and composers doing with music right now, and where is music going? What is the place of music in the modern world? This class will look in detail at current performer, composer, and creative careers in an effort to explore what music has been like for the last 18 years. Whereas most courses end well before then, we will spend the year looking at and learning music created in the last 18 years. 2006? That is ancient history! Nothing earlier than 2007. A survey, research, and performance course (all students will be required to learn one piece from the current time period for their instrument as part of the course).

Vocalise Chorus (1hr)
Amanda Hahn, Instructor
Ages 9-13
Class Time: 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturdays from September 6, 2025 through May 2, 2026
Tuition: $1,000
Link to register: https://go.asapconnected.com/?org=5347#CourseID=275111

Vocalise is a treble voice chorus offered through the SFCM Pre-College Division. Students will explore choral music from a wide variety of cultures and genres through rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals provide instruction in the basics of vocal technique, diction, choral performance practice, sight-reading, music theory, and music history in a fun and supportive environment. Students are expected to maintain regular weekly attendance and practice their assigned music outside of class.

*Students in the Pre-College Academy are eligible for a discounted rate on any additional electives outside a student’s core curriculum. Please contact the Pre-College office for more information.