ZME's 4- Phase Teaching Sequence: The Z Plan
Participants in the program will advance from little to no knowledge of the music industry to performing, composing and producing original compositions through a 4- phase learning progression. The movement from one phase to the other will be prompted by the instructors for each participant as they are able to demonstrate their competency in each area. This allows each participant to move at their own pace through the program, ensuring confidence and social-emotional well being.
Phase 1
Participants will be taught how to perform staff-selected repertoire using their instrument of choice, (Voice, Guitar/Bass, Keyboard/Organ, or Drums) or Dance (Hip hop, Jazz/Modern, or Liturgical). For instruments, each participant will receive one weekly private lesson as well as a minimum of one Max of 2 group classes (Choir or a Band- Rock, Jazz, or Gospel). In the area of dance, each participant will receive one small group and one large group rehearsal each week. The lessons will include the basics of music theory, reading and/or stagecraft. The lessons will include basic theory and note/reading for voice and instruments, and basic bar and dance terminology for dance. Students will also be exposed to live performance events such as concerts, and dance performances in- house, and through program sponsored trips to view staged performances held in larger music and dance venues.
Phase 2
Participants will learn to create original choreography or music on the instrument they’ve studied in Phase one. Using the theory and music reading knowledge gained in phase one, students will learn to score their original music using notation and recording software. This phase of learning will include facility- sponsored workshops and trips to workshops held in other venues, and when possible, masterclasses presented by successful composers and choreographers in house, and behind the scenes/ backstage learning experiences.
Phase 3
Phase 3
Participants will learn to produce and promote their original compositions or choreography through a series of lessons and master classes taught by guest lecturers who have experience and success in the fields of promotion, advocacy and Arts-related entrepreneurship. This phase will include audition skills and job interview practice. Participants will also be prepared to enter local and state competitions, and confidently compete for scholarships. They may also be sponsored through the program to travel for more learning, competition and performance opportunities abroad.
Phase 4
In the final phase of the program, the student becomes the teacher, as participants may continue to receive group instruction, while also becoming a mentor or a Teaching Assistant (TA) which will be a paid position. The TA position will include additional scholarship and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, work from Phase IV participants may be selected for showcase concerts and staged performances in the Performing arts Center. Students who are not given a TA position no longer have private instruction but are still allowed to have group instruction and be a member of an ensemble or band until they reach the maximum participant age of 24.
