Beginner Level (Exploration and Foundation)

Theme: Discover Your Musical Voice
Introduce students to the fundamentals of music through foundational techniques and an exploration of Bach's accessible works.

• Bach's Basics: The Joy of Simplicity

  • Learn basic harmony and melody through Bach's simpler compositions, such as his Minuet in G or Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach.

• Introduction to Music Production

  • Create beginner tracks inspired by Bach’s use of melody and harmony, using DAWs to produce classical-style loops.

• Instruments and Inspirations

  • Learn basic techniques for piano, guitar, or voice using pieces like Bach’s Prelude in C Major or adapted chorales.

• The World of Johann Sebastian Bach

  • An overview of Bach's life and music, exploring how his works revolutionized Baroque music.

Intermediate Level (Skill Building and Creativity)

Theme: Develop Your Unique Style
Refine your skills by studying Bach’s innovative techniques and applying them creatively.

• Counterpoint Unlocked: Learning from Bach

  • Dive into Bach’s counterpoint techniques and create your own polyphonic compositions.

• Bach and the Baroque

  • Explore Bach's contributions to Baroque music, including fugues and dance suites, and use them as a basis for new creations.

• Intermediate Music Production

  • Blend classical elements like string arrangements and harpsichord sounds with modern production techniques.

• Invention and Inspiration

  • Study Bach’s Two-Part Inventions to understand melodic interplay, then use these ideas to craft original compositions.

Advanced Level (Professional Development and Mastery)

Theme: Crafting Your Professional Portfolio
These courses challenge students to produce professional work inspired by Bach’s mastery and adapt his techniques to contemporary contexts.

• Advanced Studio Production: The Baroque Soundscape

  • Produce tracks integrating Bach’s contrapuntal techniques with electronic and modern styles.

• Portfolio Project: A Tribute to Bach

  • Create a polished EP or portfolio showcasing compositions inspired by Bach’s music, blending classical and modern genres.

• Film Scoring with Bach’s Techniques

  • Apply Bach’s harmonic progressions and counterpoint to compose cinematic scores.

• The Art of Fugue

  • Study and compose fugues using techniques from Bach’s The Art of Fugue, crafting advanced works for your portfolio.

Cross-Level Special Topics (All Levels)

Theme: Uniting Creativity and Tradition
Courses that bridge classical traditions with innovative music-making, accessible to all skill levels.

• Baroque Improvisation and Performance

  • Learn how Baroque musicians improvised on themes and apply these techniques to your instrument or digital production.

• The Bach Fusion Workshop

  • Collaborate on projects that reimagine Bach’s music in genres like jazz, pop, and EDM.

• Exploring Bach’s Legacy

  • Analyze Bach’s influence on composers and musicians across history and create works inspired by his legacy.

• Mastering Counterpoint

  • A practical workshop where students compose pieces using counterpoint, focusing on Bach’s approach to interweaving melodies.

Outcomes for Spring Quarter

• Beginner: Discover the beauty and simplicity of Bach’s music while building a strong foundation in music.

• Intermediate: Develop technical and creative skills inspired by Bach’s innovative techniques.

• Advanced: Master professional-level projects that integrate Bach’s timeless musical principles into contemporary works.