My classes for the next semester at the University of Maine
start next Monday, January 13, 2014. (It feels strange to be typing 2014!)
Because I already have a Bachelor’s Degree, I am only
required to meet the degree requirements of the Music Department to get my BA
in music. This will take me 4 to 5 more
semesters, depending on how heavy a course load I take each term. The minimum requirements are for 55
credits. I want to take many courses
beyond the minimum requirements because there is so much I want to learn!
I registered for 16 credits for the Spring 2014 semester:
Elementary Harmony II
Elementary Sight Singing and Ear Training II
History of Western Music II
Music Period Course (Music History of the Romantic Period)
Chamber Jazz and Arranging Piano
Chamber Jazz Ensemble
Applied Music Lessons (Organ)
Applied Music Lessons (Piano)
One of the challenges in choosing my courses is breadth vs.
depth. At this point in my learning, I
am working to balance the breadth (I want to learn everything, now!) with the
depth where I will study specific literature in great detail, mostly through my
applied music lessons.
I need to schedule time every day to practice both the organ
and the piano. In addition to having
access to the pianos and the pipe organ at the University of Maine, I am very
fortunate to have a 1914 Mason and Hamlin AA baby grand piano at home, which is
a joy to play! I am also very fortunate
to have the support of the local Hampden Methodist church that allows me to
practice regularly on their 1909 Hook and Hastings organ, Opus 2223, with 2
manuals, 30-note pedal, and 8 ranks.
This organ was restored by David Wallace & Co. in 2004.
