About AMP I Strings Class
Course Description
Prerequisites: None
This class is for beginning musicians. Students will learn the basics of proper technique of string playing, reading music and concert performance. Students will also be introduced to basic theory concepts and will learn musical terms.
About AMP II Strings Class
Course Description
Prerequisites: Ability to read music, ability to play 2 or more scales from memory, ability to play at least two 2 octave scales, ability to play one or more minor scales
This class is for intermediate musicians who have had several years of playing their instrument in an ensemble and/or through private instruction. Students will learn to tune their instrument and will be introduced to etudes and more advanced scales to improve their technique. Students will also delve into deeper theory concepts, including basic ear training and written theory assignments. This will be done in class and will occasionally include homework. In addition to being assigned ensemble pieces, students will be given individual pieces to improve their individual performance as well. Students will have the opportunity at least twice during the 2 semester course to perform their solo pieces in front of their peers.
Class expectations for AMP I and AMP II Strings
-
You are expected to practice your assigned music regularly, on average, 20 minutes per day minimum.
-
You are expected to complete written assignments and turn them in when they are due.
-
You should bring the following to every class: your instruments, your assigned music, pencil and a notebook dedicated for this class.
-
If you will be absent, please contact or have your parents contact the CMS office and me so we all know you won't be in class. The best way to communicate with me is by email or text message.
-
Most importantly, you should come to class and expect to have a great time expressing themselves through playing music!
About the Instructor
My name is LaTonya Woods Acosta. You can call me Ms. LaTonya. I started playing violin when I was in the 5th grade. I started also playing viola when I was in the 11th grade when a family friend gave me a viola their daughter was no longer using. While in high school, I was the associate concertmaster of my high school orchestra and assistant principal violist in my town's youth symphony and was a viola section player in my town's symphony orchestra. I also participated annually in the regional and state solo and ensemble, all state orchestra and in my senior year, All Northwest Orchestra.
After graduating high school, I went to the University of Michigan as a pre-medicine student, but at the recommendation of my high school private instructor, studied private with the viola professor at the University of Michigan, Yizhak Schotten, and participated in the University Philharmonia Orchestra. I later decided to change my major from pre-medicine to music performance and education.
As an educator, this is the third year I have taught at Michigan State's Community Music School. Prior to that, I have had the opportunity to work with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Sphinx Organization's Prepartory
Institute (Sphinx Prep) and several different summer music programs. Additionally, over the years, I taught privately for individuals and through home school programs. As a perfomer, I have had some great opportunities, which have included several performances in Orchestra Hall, performing with the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, performing with Musique Noire, and a few recordings which include gospel artists Richard Smallwood (Live in Detroit) and Donnie McClurkin (Live in London).
Currently, when I'm not teaching on the weekends at CMS - Detroit, I work at the University of Michigan in the IT department as a systems analyst. I have had a lot of fun meeting new people and doing cool things, and I have music to thank for that. My hope is that you get to enjoy some of the wonderful experiences I have had as a musician, even if your career goals do not include becoming a professional musician and I will be working to toward giving you that in each class!
Fun Facts about Ms. LaTonya
-
I'm an army brat, but grew up mostly in Fairbanks, Alaska, which is where I consider home
-
I enjoy all types of music with the exception of death metal and bluegrass
-
I almost exclusively play viola, but the cello is my favorite instrument
-
My favorite composers are Bach and Brahms
-
While I love working at Michigan State's Community School, I am a Wolverine at heart. GO BLUE!!!