Carmen Mateiescu, Department Head

• Private Instruction
• Group Instruction
• Faculty

Private Instruction

Musicianship Tutorial
The theory and musicianship program supports private instrumental or voice study, enhances ensemble participation, and prepares students of all ages to be informed listeners and concert goers.  The department offers private instruction and a wide range of classes to meet the needs of every student from the beginner to the most advanced, regardless of age.

Our curriculum integrates written theory, aural skills, and sight singing, with the goal of educating students to be well-rounded musicians.

In addition, our program successfully prepares students to take the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) theory exams (Grades 1-5) as well as the aural part of the ABRSM instrumental (practical) exams (Grades 1-8).  Although not mandatory, students are encouraged to take these exams which are administered on the campus of Westminster Choir College in mid-June of each year. Students who pass the exams receive a certificate from London granting them international recognition of their accomplishments.

After completing Levels 1-5 or Fundamentals of Theory for High School and Tonal Harmony I and II, students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam. Please note that Westminster Conservatory does not administer the AP exam. Students must take it through their respective school district.

Musicianship tutorials are available upon request and interview. Please contact Carmen Mateiescu at the main Conservatory office at 609-921-7104, or by email at cmateiescu@rider.edu. 

The minimum age for study is 6 years. Materials fees not included.

Group Instruction

• Download the Class Schedule for all locations (PDF)

Westminster Conservatory offers a wide range of classes and ensembles to meet the needs of every student, from the beginner to the most advanced student, regardless of age. Some classes are intended as an introduction to music, and require no previous experience. Others are designed to complement private instruction. Most classes run 32 weeks per year. A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test. In order to place in higher levels, students have the option of taking accelerated summer theory courses. Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.

• Junior Theory, Ear Training & Solfege
  Ages 7-12
  This comprehensive course combines the study of music theory with the development of musicianship skills: solfege, ear training, dictation, and keyboard harmony. A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640 (materials and optional exam fees not included)
• High School Theory, Ear Training & Solfege
  Ages 13-17
  This comprehensive course combines the study of music theory with the development of musicianship skills: solfege, ear training, dictation, and keyboard harmony.  A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640 (materials and optional exam fees not included)
• Tonal Harmony, Sight Singing & Aural Skills
  Ages 13-17
  This two-year (four semester) college-level course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam in both written theory and aural skills. A placement test is required for entry into the program. Students must sign up through their high school for the AP examination, since the exam is not administered at the Conservatory.
  Number of Classes: 32
  Class length: 85 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $960 (materials and optional exam fees not included)
• Jazz Theory & Ear Training
  Darryl Yokley, Instructor
  Ages 13-17
  This course introduces students to jazz harmony and develops their listening skills so they are able to play by ear recognition. These skills will help any young aspiring jazz musician gain a better sense of confidence when approaching improvising for the first time. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640
• The History of Jazz
  Darryl Yokley, Instructor
  Ages 13-17
  This course presents the history of jazz, an American-based art form that has gained worldwide recognition, and cultivates a deeper appreciation in students of this genre and its influence on the world of modern music. Students will learn about important historical jazz figures such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, as well as the different eras of jazz. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $640
• Adult Theory, Sight Singing & Aural Skills
  Timothy Urban, Instructor
  Adults
  This comprehensive course combines the study of music theory with the development of musicianship skills: rhythmic exercises, pitch exercises in both treble and bass clef, solo and duet singing using melodies from classic literature, etc. Solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.) will be used to represent pitches.  While this class is open to all adults, it is recommended for non-reading choir and solo singers who wish to improve their music reading skills. A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test.  Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 32
  Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $512 (materials not included)

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