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The Zion Conservatory of Music:
The Curriculum
The Conservatory provides an optional graded curriculum for piano, violin, viola, woodwinds, brass and classical
guitar. It is a 12-level program designed to guide the student's progress through skill requirements and performance expectations.
Each new student is placed in the curriculum based on his/her demonstrated skill. The levels are:
- Elementary I-IV
- Intermediate I-IV
- High School I-IV
- Pre-Collegiate I-IV
The levels do not necessarily correspond to age or school grade. It is possible to pass through several levels in one year as
determined by the teacher and the faculty grading the student's exam. Instrumental exams include the performance of prepared
pieces, technical exercises and sight-reading.
Elementary I-IV:
Students must perform in a minimum of one Conservatory recital per year. Memorization is
required. Students must pass a yearly exam, held in May.
Intermediate I-IV:
Students must perform in a minimum of one Conservatory recital per year. Memorization is required. Students must pass
two exams each year, one in January and one in May.
High School I-IV:
Students must perform in a minimum of one Conservatory recital per year. Memorization is required. Students must pass
two exams each year, one in January and one in May. Students completing High School Level IV will receive a High School level
diploma of graduation from the Conservatory.
Pre-Collegiate I-IV:
The Pre-Collegiate division is designed for those going on to college to study music or who desire a more intense
level of study. Students interested in this program must be at the High School level and demonstrate outstanding ability and
motivation. A decision to enter the Pre-Collegiate track will be made by the teacher together with the student and parents.
Students in the Pre-Collegiate program must perform in a minimum of two Conservatory recitals each year. Memorization is required.
In addition, a 30 minute Junior or Senior recital, from memory, is required. The recital may be shared with another student.
Students must pass two exams each year, one in January and one in May.
Pre-Collegiate students are required to successfully complete a music theory course offered by the Conservatory in addition to
private lessons. Traditional harmonic thinking, analysis of short works, fundaments of composition and beginning sight-reading and
ear-training is taught. Students must complete this course or pass the theory exam before receiving a Pre-Collegiate diploma.
Non-keyboard students are required to study piano for a minimum of one year at the Conservatory or pass a proficiency exam at the
Elementary IV level. All advanced students transferring into the Pre-Collegiate program must spend a minimum of one academic
year as a Zion Conservatory student prior to graduation.
All graduating Pre-Collegiate students must be approved by the Dean and members of the teaching staff in each applied area of study.
Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements will receive a Pre-Collegiate level diploma from the Conservatory.
Each Pre-Collegiate student must prepare and memorize a movement of a concerto or an equivalent selection approved by the faculty.
One month before Commencement, a faculty review committee appointed by the Dean will hear each graduating Pre-Collegiate
student and determine those prepared to perform at Commencement. The honor of performing at Commencement is given as a
reward for outstanding preparation.
Music Builders:
Music Builders is designed for adult students. This four-level program, Music Builders I-IV, enables adults
to study using the curriculum but avoiding the category titles that reflect age groups.
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Zion Conservatory of Music
A Fine Arts Ministry of Christ Community Church
