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" Note Worthy "

An Investment in Our Future

FSM combines basic classical forms, which we will refer to as technical training, and studies in jazz improvisation as well as chord and color formation. We call this our "Bach to Blues Program." All students young and old, beginner or advanced alike learn in this format. Each student is expected to learn a technical piece or pieces each year along with various scales, arpeggios, and studies at his or her level. Once the technical requirement has been met they are given studies of popular music in jazz format. This is enhanced by the swtudent attending the Friday Night Jazz Class where they are instructed in music theory, sight reading, improvisation, ear training and vocal instruction (20 min.ea) . This is included in each student's lesson program and can be used as a make-up or auxilliary lesson.

2002-2004 AGENDA
FSM is seeking a new location in order to offer the program to a wide variety of students.

We are seeking both public and private support for the purpose of securing a building to house our program, additional teachers, and epuiptment to serve our students more efficiently.

FSM will futher develop our World Music Program where we will focus on Latin, Caribbean, and African music forms.

A Computer Music Writing Lab, will host the music theory class where students will use computers to learn to read and write music.

The Midi Class, a 8 week studio and production course, is scheduled to begin in September 2002.

Our Progressive Percussion Course will feature live performance clinics beginning October 2002.

FSM will introduce a Student Mentor Program, where selected students will participate in a program designed to encourage children in the Baltimore city public school system to learn to play and / or write music.

In addition to our Annual Spring Recital we are Pleased to announce our Family Fun Fest to be held in july in 2002. Featuring student performances as well as local and national entertainment.

FSM Todler Program
Featherstone Music also offers music instruction for toddlers ages 2 1/2-4. The young students learn in an informal setting as a group(5 per group) and parent participation is necessary. Each session lasr 20 minutes and the students learn to read and play the piano through sining and hand games. Students *bring small Keyboards to class and also learn to play the recorder. They are also taught in the "Bach to Blues" method.

The toddlers are also encouraged to participate in the annual spring recital, however, they are not reuired to do so. We feel that mandatory performances at this tender age may hinder the development of the student.

Many of the students who have participated in the program have excelled when they begin private instruction.
*during 2003 FSM will be purchasing equiptment alleviating the student having to bring their own keyboards to class.

Adult Drop In Classes
Adults are also welcome to participate in our program through " Drop In" lessons. One hour sessions may be scheduled according to both the teachers and students schedule.

the lessons are very progressive and specific goals are dicussed to determine the best lesson plan. The student may also attend the Friday Night Jazz and recieve level certification.

Adult students are also invited to participate in the annual spring recital.

During 2002 FSM will hold the frist simi-annual Adult Concert Benefit Dinner.

1. Neurological Research, reported that music training-specifically piano instruction-is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills necessary for learning math and science.

2. The studies that were lead by psychologist Dr. Frances Rauscher of the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and Physicist Dr. Gordon Shaw of the University of California concluded that those children who received piano / keyboard training performed 34% higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than other children that received private computer lessons.

3. These findings indicate that music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science and engineering.