Instrumental Workshop

Yes! Since the goal of this course is to build your technical and interpretative skills on your instrument as much as we can in one week, expect lots of practicing every day!  Also expect some friendly competition as students log their times on their own charts… there just might be a prize for the best practice log at the end of the course!

Each day, you will work in a small group setting (2-4 students) for 1-1 ½ hours, with a coach. Together, you will work on things that help you as a musician improve on your instrument. Your partner students will take notes for you, and you will take notes from them. If you are placed in an ensemble, you may sometimes work in a larger group, and the focus will be on how you can improve as an ensemble for a performance.

Possibly, yes! After every instructor has enjoyed their first lesson with their students, the instructors will meet together and make a selection of repertoire that the majority of the group will be able to play. If you’re ready for the ensemble, you’re in! If the instructors feel that you need more practice this year, you have the option to continue working in small groups until your skill level is ready for the larger group.

Just like the other instrumentalists, vocalists will work with personal and group coaches, refining their technique and working to learn music that they too, can share in a presentation for the students and faculty.

As a finale to our six-day musical intensive, we’ll join forces as a class to present a final concert to our fellow students, instructors, and guests. While this will not be as formal of a concert as Sound Foundations, family and friends are welcome to attend, so that they can join you in celebrating this week of learning and practice.

View the Final Concert details.

We encourage you to lead the way in the classroom by wearing clothing that is traditional, classic, and professional, inviting your peers to take you and your skills seriously. As we focus on equipping students for excellence, our choice of clothing can drive us towards, or distract us from that goal. 

• Classroom: Business/Professional – classically styled skirts/dresses for girls, slacks/collared shirts for guys
• Performances: Dress/Formal (Solid black – long dresses for girls, suits for guys, black shoes)
• Recreation: Casual (keep it modest-fitting: nothing stretchy, clingy, or revealing)

For more details on the dress code, check out the Orientation Manual.

In addition to your instrument, some study items, and clothing that adheres to the course guidelines, we’ve compiled a full packing list for you. Please check it out in our Orientation Manual.

While we welcome family visits, due to the intense class schedule, students need to communicate these visits with their team leaders or the course coordinators. Families are welcome to come and stay on campus if they’d like, however, how much visiting time is actually available is subject to the class schedule. Family members are welcome to stay on campus before or after the course. For details on room and meal reservations, please contact the International ALERT Academy Events Department.

All meals, including a continental breakfast, and full lunch and dinner are served in the campus dining hall. Our dining hall features a full cafeteria line, so there are always plenty of options. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions on your application, or within one month of the course start date, so we can plan appropriately.

The weekend meal schedule is as follows: 

• Saturday, Brunch @ 10:30am, and Dinner @ 4:30pm
• Sunday, Bag lunch (Pick up at Sat. Dinner) Dinner @ 4:30pm

Prior to the weekends, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the campus bookstore, or you can bring your own.

While the majority of the material in this course is equivalent to college 100–400 level courses, and students receive a certificate of completion, there is no accreditation granted for this specific course. In the past, many individual students have used experience from this class to compile portfolios which are recognized by their school, or used the skills they garnered here to test their way out of college courses.

Class size is limited to 100 students.

Also, feel free to contact the Music Office at [email protected].