Core Class Descriptions
Art Expedition
Art Expedition is a class that all students in the Academy of Fine Arts take as a part of their regular curriculum. It meets for one hour twice each week. Students gain an ordered understanding and progression in artistic technique, skills and understanding. Students are placed in classes according to their ability as determined by their admissions portfolio. We currently offer three levels of this course:
Level 1- 1 (Typically Early Elementary: K - 3)
Lessons capture each child's interests and imagination while introducing the fundamental principles of the visual arts. The topic of the lesson is pointed out in a full – color work of art by well-known Masters like Rivera, Chagall, De Hooch, Van Gogh and more, followed with a project that allows children to immediately apply their new knowledge of the subject, while creating works of art from their own experiences and observations, making each piece produced personal and unique. They will learn about the elements that artits use in 2 and 3 dimensional work such as shape, form, line and color.
Included in this class is a comprehensive study of ancient art as children are introduced to different kinds of art that we see such as art in caves, pyramids, cathedrals, and more. This study covers early cave paintings and figurines from Jordon to tapestries and book illumination of the Middle Ages. Children's ideas about art are greatly expanded as they learn how ancient cultures used art. The hands-on projects help them remember what materials the culture used or the major ideas of the culture. They will complete drawings, paintings, and sculptures that are both original and wholly the child’s own.
Level 2-1 (Typically Late Elementary: 4 - 6)
In this class, children learn to draw more realistically. Children learn to see the elements of art in nature and in artwork by the masters. They will learn the techniques that artists use, such as ways to add texture to a drawing and how to show form with lines. and produce final works that require assimilation of the knowledge gained in previous lessons. Children acquire skills in pencil drawing, scratch art, and markers. They will learn how American artists like Remington, Audubon, Copley, and others used the elements of art and composition in their famous works, reproduced in full color.
Level 3-1 (Typically Middle School: 7-8)
This class provides students with an in-depth look at the elements of art and composition and is designed to engage students in the creative process as they produce original artworks. Students think creatively as they are introduced to topics such as line, shape, value, symmetry, perspective, and proportion. Each unit is crafted for focus on one element of art while exploring the topic in unique ways.
Students explore their world in an engaging study designed to strengthen observation skills and they will learn how each element is used in a Master artwork. They gain insight about the artist, how the goals of a culture affect the look of the artwork, and discover contrasts between Eastern and Western art. Instruction in graded pencil drawing and ink utilizes the knowledge gained through the study of art from countries around the world including Japan, China, Europe, India, Australia and more. Lessons in technique and application allow skills to develop naturally as students work independently.
Note: There are a variety of topics for each level, so students may take the same level from year to year. In 2014 - 2015, the classes will be as described above.
Level 1- 1 (Typically Early Elementary: K - 3)
Lessons capture each child's interests and imagination while introducing the fundamental principles of the visual arts. The topic of the lesson is pointed out in a full – color work of art by well-known Masters like Rivera, Chagall, De Hooch, Van Gogh and more, followed with a project that allows children to immediately apply their new knowledge of the subject, while creating works of art from their own experiences and observations, making each piece produced personal and unique. They will learn about the elements that artits use in 2 and 3 dimensional work such as shape, form, line and color.
Included in this class is a comprehensive study of ancient art as children are introduced to different kinds of art that we see such as art in caves, pyramids, cathedrals, and more. This study covers early cave paintings and figurines from Jordon to tapestries and book illumination of the Middle Ages. Children's ideas about art are greatly expanded as they learn how ancient cultures used art. The hands-on projects help them remember what materials the culture used or the major ideas of the culture. They will complete drawings, paintings, and sculptures that are both original and wholly the child’s own.
Level 2-1 (Typically Late Elementary: 4 - 6)
In this class, children learn to draw more realistically. Children learn to see the elements of art in nature and in artwork by the masters. They will learn the techniques that artists use, such as ways to add texture to a drawing and how to show form with lines. and produce final works that require assimilation of the knowledge gained in previous lessons. Children acquire skills in pencil drawing, scratch art, and markers. They will learn how American artists like Remington, Audubon, Copley, and others used the elements of art and composition in their famous works, reproduced in full color.
Level 3-1 (Typically Middle School: 7-8)
This class provides students with an in-depth look at the elements of art and composition and is designed to engage students in the creative process as they produce original artworks. Students think creatively as they are introduced to topics such as line, shape, value, symmetry, perspective, and proportion. Each unit is crafted for focus on one element of art while exploring the topic in unique ways.
Students explore their world in an engaging study designed to strengthen observation skills and they will learn how each element is used in a Master artwork. They gain insight about the artist, how the goals of a culture affect the look of the artwork, and discover contrasts between Eastern and Western art. Instruction in graded pencil drawing and ink utilizes the knowledge gained through the study of art from countries around the world including Japan, China, Europe, India, Australia and more. Lessons in technique and application allow skills to develop naturally as students work independently.
Note: There are a variety of topics for each level, so students may take the same level from year to year. In 2014 - 2015, the classes will be as described above.
Music Theory
All music students will learn Music Theory based on MMTA (Minnesota Music Teachers' Association) theory and have the option of taking MMTA theory exams to prove their knowledge and earn awards. Students are placed into leveled classes based on an initial evaluation at their audition.
"These exams evaluate the development of analytical, written, aural and functional keyboard skills, including the ability to transpose, harmonize, and sight-read. In Levels 1-4 students are tested on their ability to write and play major and minor pentatonic scales, major and minor scales and modes, notate rhythmic patterns, sight-read, transpose and accompany a melody. These levels also include rhythmic, interval, chordal and melodic dictation.
At the highest levels, Levels 5 and 6, students must be able to write and transpose a tone row and analyze a short 12-tone piece. They must notate and harmonize a figured bass and four part harmony , provide the analysis of a movement in sonata form and sight-read and transpose a four part score. Finally, this exam includes melodic, rhythmic and two-voice harmonic dictation."
- MMTA Website
"These exams evaluate the development of analytical, written, aural and functional keyboard skills, including the ability to transpose, harmonize, and sight-read. In Levels 1-4 students are tested on their ability to write and play major and minor pentatonic scales, major and minor scales and modes, notate rhythmic patterns, sight-read, transpose and accompany a melody. These levels also include rhythmic, interval, chordal and melodic dictation.
At the highest levels, Levels 5 and 6, students must be able to write and transpose a tone row and analyze a short 12-tone piece. They must notate and harmonize a figured bass and four part harmony , provide the analysis of a movement in sonata form and sight-read and transpose a four part score. Finally, this exam includes melodic, rhythmic and two-voice harmonic dictation."
- MMTA Website
Music History
CSMA Academy of Fine Arts offers two levels of Music History:
Elementary Level (Designed for K - 8)
Using the Classical Kids Collection, A series which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1988, and has revolutionized the way children, parents and educators approach classical music, students will learn about various composers, their personalities, quirks and works. Each composer’s music is presented in historical context, told through the eyes of a fictional child who leads listeners into the composer’s world. There are CDs, videos and activities included to enhance the educational benefits of the stories.
Middle - High School Level
Using materials designed for the Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest, students learn about music history and classical music. The purpose of the Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest is to expand the music experiences of students -- primarily through the use of Western art music, commonly referred to as classical music. The contest materials cover classical music, global perspectives and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience.
Because our students are too young to participate in the actual contest, we hold our own in-house contest for all students taking this class.
Elementary Level (Designed for K - 8)
Using the Classical Kids Collection, A series which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1988, and has revolutionized the way children, parents and educators approach classical music, students will learn about various composers, their personalities, quirks and works. Each composer’s music is presented in historical context, told through the eyes of a fictional child who leads listeners into the composer’s world. There are CDs, videos and activities included to enhance the educational benefits of the stories.
Middle - High School Level
Using materials designed for the Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest, students learn about music history and classical music. The purpose of the Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest is to expand the music experiences of students -- primarily through the use of Western art music, commonly referred to as classical music. The contest materials cover classical music, global perspectives and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience.
Because our students are too young to participate in the actual contest, we hold our own in-house contest for all students taking this class.
Art History
CSMA Acadmy of Fine Arts offers Art History as part of the art curriculum and is divided into abilty-based levels.
In this class, students will develop a knowledge of and enthusiasm for fine art by hearing stories that connect to a particular kind of art or artist. This class will focus on art of the ancient world, of the East and Africa, of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We will also consider the European Masters, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, art of America and Mexico, and computer art. Students will be learn through stories , art viewing, journal writing and other activities designed to enhance the learning experience.
In this class, students will develop a knowledge of and enthusiasm for fine art by hearing stories that connect to a particular kind of art or artist. This class will focus on art of the ancient world, of the East and Africa, of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We will also consider the European Masters, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, art of America and Mexico, and computer art. Students will be learn through stories , art viewing, journal writing and other activities designed to enhance the learning experience.