Private Lessons
     At the Amati Conservatory, individual instruction is offered in piano, flute, violin, viola, cello, clarinet and saxophone. The faculty will advise on a lesson plan based on the student's age, level of playing, and an interview. Lesson plans are carefully chosen for students to develop technically and musically to their fullest potential. To balance student's musicality and technical facil-ity, some lessons are dedicated mainly to intense technical training, while some other lessons emphasize phrasing and interpre-tation. Each student receives a personalized lesson plan that can be revised each semes-ter, depending upon the student's progress.  A professional accompanist is available regularly at lessons so that students can prepare for performance classes, concerts and other events.

Violin Technique Classes
A good technical foundation is crucial in order to become an accomplished violinist. Thus, this class, instructed by violinist Alejandro Mendoza, will cover essential violin technique such as vibrato, intonation, scales, arpeggios, bow strokes, shifting, articulation and posture. Students will be asked to prepare and master one or more technical aspects for these classes. Students are asked to bring their instruments to every class as they will often be asked to try some exercises explained in the class that deal with the technical aspect being discussed.  Also, some students will be asked to prepare some exercises to be played in the following class. Some advanced techniques will be covered but the main emphasis of the class will be on a basic technical foundation in violin which benefits both advanced and less advanced players. All violin students are encouraged to sign up for this class.

Performance Classes
     Performance classes are held approx-imately every two weeks. Performance classes provide an opportunity for students to perform for each other in a more relaxed and informal occasion than a concert. Normally, the audience is asked to participate by providing constructive criticism. All students are scheduled to perform in these classes and are encouraged to perform as often as possible. The dates and times of all performance classes during the academic year are given to students in advance so that students can reserve those times in their schedules to avoid conflicts. Parents are welcome to attend. A piano accompanist is available at all performance classes.

Student Concerts Series
Formal school concerts occur regularly during the academic year. These provide opportunities for students to share their accomplishments with supporting family and friends. All students prepare for these concerts; however, only those who are well prepared are eligible. Performers are chosen carefully by their teachers. Students have the opportunity to play with a professional accompanist, who is available for all concerts and rehearsals. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to invite many guests to this event and to make this a special occasion for the student performers. Receptions organized by the parents traditionally follow the performances, providing an opportunity for performers and audience to relax, enjoy and celebrate after the concert.

Fundamentals of Music
These classes cover the fundamentals of music theory, ear training and dictation. Students learn the basic elements of music theory: scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, chords, and figured bass. Ear Training complements the theoretical musical study and includes learning "fixed-do" solfège, sight-singing exercises in treble and bass clefs, practices in recognizing intervals by ear, and rhythm exercises. Some simple melodic dictation is also introduced. All students are placed into cvlasses according to their ages and levels. A new student age 10 or older must take a placement exam to determine the appropriate class. Regular attendance is required. There are final graded exams at the end of each semester.

Alejandro Mendoza, President
Si-Nae Shim, Director