MUSIC
CONSERVATORY PROGRAM
— GRADE 9-12
The OC Music & Dance Conservatory
is a college-preparatory, pre-professional training program designed for dedicated high school musicians in grades 9 – 12 performing at an intermediate to advanced level.
The Conservatory experience includes:
Specialized group classes focused on genre-specific techniques (e.g., improvisation, vocal performance, stylistic interpretation, audition prep)
Ensemble participation, such as bands, combos, chamber groups, or musical theater productions
Musicianship and theory training to deepen musical understanding and fluency
Performance opportunities throughout the year, including showcases, recitals, and community events
Weekly private instruction with expert faculty tailored to each student’s instrument and goals
This immersive program is built for students who are serious about developing their artistry, refining their technical skills, and preparing for collegiate study or careers in music and the performing arts.
Students choose a primary focus in Classical, Jazz, Musical Theater, or Pop Music, and engage in a comprehensive curriculum that balances individual growth with collaborative experience. Each track is designed to reflect real-world industry expectations while maintaining a strong foundation in musicianship and artistic integrity.
Students are admitted to the program by audition and are held to high artistic and professional standards, with an emphasis on consistency, collaboration, and creative exploration. Faculty provide ongoing feedback, mentorship, and individualized guidance to help each student reach their full potential.
Whether pursuing classical excellence, contemporary performance, or the stage, the OCMD Conservatory Program equips students with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to take the next step in their musical journey.
Classical Music
Conservatory
The Classical Music Conservatory provides comprehensive training in the Western classical tradition, emphasizing technical mastery, musical interpretation, and historical understanding. Students study the core repertoire of composers from the Baroque through Contemporary eras while developing strong foundational skills in tone production, technique, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation.
Instruction includes private lessons, musicianship classes, chamber music, and ensemble performance opportunities, allowing students to refine their artistry in both solo and collaborative settings. Students also gain experience with music theory, sight-reading, and performance practice, preparing them for recitals, competitions, auditions, and advanced study.
The program is designed for students of all levels, from beginners building strong fundamentals to advanced musicians preparing for conservatory training and professional careers.
Choral & Vocal Studies
Conservatory
The Choral & Vocal Studies Conservatory develops healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and expressive performance through both individual and ensemble singing. Students learn proper vocal production, breath support, diction, and stylistic interpretation across a wide range of repertoire.
Students participate in choirs, vocal ensembles, and solo instruction, gaining experience in classical, contemporary, and multicultural vocal literature. The program emphasizes ensemble collaboration, listening skills, and musical communication.
Through rehearsals and performances, singers build confidence, refine vocal technique, and develop the artistry required for both solo and ensemble performance.
Jazz Music
Conservatory
The Jazz Music Conservatory/Pathway at OC Music & Dance offers a comprehensive and collaborative approach to jazz education, designed to develop well-rounded, versatile musicians. Rooted in the rich tradition of jazz, the program explores styles from swing and bebop to contemporary jazz and fusion while fostering creativity, improvisation, and ensemble collaboration.
Students engage in a holistic curriculum that integrates music theory, ear training, improvisation, composition, arranging, and jazz history. Training includes private instruction, seminars, and small ensemble (combo) performance, with an emphasis on learning through listening, transcription, and live performance.
Ensemble participation is central to the program, providing regular performance opportunities and allowing students to develop fluency in group collaboration, understand instrumental roles, and build a repertoire of jazz standards. Through improvisation and composition, students gain confidence navigating harmonic structures and begin to develop their own artistic voice.
Designed as a pre-college training pathway, the program prepares students for collegiate jazz studies and future careers in music. Above all, it fosters a supportive community where students learn from one another, grow as musicians, and experience jazz as a shared and evolving art form.
Musical Theatre
Conservatory
The Musical Theatre Conservatory integrates singing, acting, and movement to prepare students for the dynamic demands of musical theatre performance. Students train in vocal technique, character development, storytelling, stage presence, and audition preparation, while exploring repertoire from classic Broadway to contemporary productions.
Classes emphasize performance skills, including scene study, song interpretation, ensemble work, and stage movement, helping students connect acting choices with vocal performance.
Through workshops, rehearsals, and staged performances, students gain practical experience performing musical theater repertoire while building confidence and versatility as performers.
Pop Music
Conservatory
The Popular Music program will train serious high school musicians in the fundamentals of Popular Music performance, composition, and production, introducing them to a wide range of Popular Music styles, including Motown, Rock, Country, Folk, and Reggae. Students gain real-world experience in performance, recording, and fundamentals while preparing for the professional music industry and/or top Popular Music programs such as the Clive Davis Program at NYU, the Belmont Popular Music school, and the USC Thornton School of Music.
Students may choose one of three focused pathways: Performance, Songwriting, or Production. The curriculum includes Theory and Aural Skills, Keyboard Proficiency, Fundamentals of Production and Songwriting, and Performance Class. Students will train with professionally working artists and musicians and will have opportunities to perform.
OCMD will be accepting a select number of students proficient on bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, and vocals as well as a select number of aspiring songwriters and music producers.
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