Youth Conservatory Combining Old and New for a Fulfilling Year
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
Utah State University’s Youth Conservatory, a nationally recognized piano study program for pre-college students, is getting ready for a new year, merging curriculum from Canada’s Royal Conservatory Music Development Program into its current teaching methods.
“Being a part of an internationally-recognized organization is a significant honor for the Youth Conservatory,” said Kevin Olson, director of the Youth Conservatory and faculty member in the Caine College of the Arts. “Last year we were one of a dozen programs from around the country to be named a founding school and this allows us to implement the Royal Conservatory syllabus with our curriculum.”
The Youth Conservatory applied for and received permission last year to join the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program, which provides a recognized national standard and program for the study of music. The Founding School program includes schools and institutions throughout the nation that are striving for superior music education and a multicultural experience.
“In addition to providing Royal Conservatory curriculum and group musicianship classes for youth, we’re continuing the fun traditions of Youth Conservatory,” said Olson.
These traditions include a Halloween carnival, community Christmas recital, Monster Concert featuring 40 students playing 20 pianos simultaneously and the annual spring Piano Festival. Weekly recitals are also held throughout the year, providing students the opportunity to perform regularly for friends and family.
Founded in 1978 by Gary Amano, internationally recognized piano pedagogue and head of USU’s piano program, the Youth Conservatory fosters standards of musical excellence in a learning environment for more than 200 students ages 4-18. Youth Conservatory also serves as a teaching lab for students in USU’s piano program in the Department of Music, providing an opportunity for gaining teaching experience and receiving constructive feedback.
Registration for the Youth Conservatory fall term is now open. For more information, call 435-797-3018, email youthconservatory@gmail.com or see the program’s website.
Related links:
- USU Youth Conservatory
- USU Department of Music
- USU Caine College of the Arts
- The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
- The Royal Conservatory
Writer: Kara Rindlisbacher, 435-797-9203, kara.rindlisbacher@usu.edu
Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu
