TRYPOsphere

Click Here to Register for the TRYPOsphere!

Scroll down to view course descriptions from the 2023-24 season.

Contact Alyssa Hensley for more information: Alyssa@trypo.org

You have entered the TRYPOsphere! – a cosmic series of classes (with in-person and online options) designed to strengthen musical and media arts skills while you’re having a blast with other like-minded musicians. We launched the series during the pandemic to give students (ages 7-19) of all experience levels more options to expand their music experience beyond playing with a group. It was so popular that we decided to make TRYPOsphere a regular part of our programming, and we continue to meet exceptional musicians interested in growing their musical knowledge and improving performance skills.

Non-TRYPO members are welcome to enroll. Encourage a friend to take a class with you and work on a joint project together!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CURRENT STATUS OF TRYPO’S COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Your TRYPOsphere voyage includes:

• Weekly classes with incomparable faculty – 2023-24 classes include offerings in Conducting, Creative Musicianship, and Music Theory.
• Technology support for solo and group assignments.
• Harmonious scheduling to accommodate your YC² and large ensemble commitments.
• Forever be a member of the TRYPOfam!

2023-24 Course Offerings

Visit the Artistic Staff page to learn more about the TRYPOsphere instructors.

Music Theory I with Professor Pierce Cook

20 SESSION CLASS – Full Season
Ages: 11-19
When: Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM; September 2023 – April 2024
Where: Students must be able to participate online with some in-person sessions (TRYPO Offices; 212 9th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)
Prerequisite: None!

In Music Theory I, we dig deep into the understanding of how music is built. We will cover clef work, scales, intervals and their inversions, triads and 7th chords, and exploration of the circle of fifths. We will have weekly skill drills – sight-singing, counting, and dictation. If you’ve ever wanted to have a firm grasp on understanding the basics of music theory, this is the perfect class for you!

Apprentice Conducting Program (ACP) with Maestro Brian Worsdale

*20 SESSION CLASS – Full Season
Ages: 14-19
When: *Fridays 5:00 – 6:00 PM; October 2023 – May 2024
Where: TRYPO Offices; 212 9th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Prerequisite: Introduction to Conducting; Conducting experience in the 2022-23 academic year OR Letter of recommendation from your school music teacher

Buckle up for this thrilling opportunity to truly learn the craft of conducting and how to influence the sound of an ensemble by working with live musicians! You will be expected to attend rehearsals of the various large and small TRYPO ensembles to observe different conducting styles and rehearsal techniques. Weekly sessions will include discussion of in-depth score study, special guests, and listening and research homework assignments. Conducting opportunities are also possible.

*14 classroom sessions are divided between semesters; remaining 6 sessions will include a combination of Saturday Podium Practicals, Rehearsal Observations, and PSO concert attendance.

Introduction to Conducting with Maestro Brian Worsdale

10 SESSION CLASS – Spring Session
Ages: 12-19
When: Fridays 4:00-4:45 PM; February – April 2024
Where: Students must be able to participate online.
Prerequisite: None!

Blast off into the study of what it means to be a conductor! You will grow your musical knowledge by learning the basics of score study and conducting techniques, reviewing well-known and lesser-known performances, and exploring the history and personal biography that affected the composers’ work. Enjoy a weekly session including discussions, special guests, listening and research assignments, and more. This class will teach you the basics needed to become a candidate for the Apprentice Conducting Program.

Introduction to Music Theory with Professor Pierce Cook 

10 SESSION CLASS – Spring Session
Ages: 7 – 10
When: Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:00 PM; January – March 2024
Where: Students must be able to participate online
Prerequisite: None!

Introduction to Music Theory is designed for students aged 7-10, whether listeners or performers, who have little to no background with music theory and want to have a better understanding of the language of music. In this theory course, students will learn the essentials of music through concise lessons, practicing music reading and writing skills, improve listening skills, and testing knowledge as each section is completed.

YOUmusic: Creative Musicianship with Professor Robert Traugh

10 SESSION CLASS – Spring Session
Ages: 14-19
When: Saturdays 9:15 – 10:15 AM; February – April 2024
Where: Students must be able to participate in-person (Duquesne University)
Prerequisite: Basic music theory is recommended.

YOUmusic: Creative Musicianship is a semester long intensive class where creative musicians gather to write and perform their own music as an ensemble. Guided by Professor Robert Traugh, TRYPO’s very own Wind Symphony conductor and creative musician extraordinaire, students will learn the ins and outs of composition and collaboration and have the unique opportunity to perform what they create for their peers. It’s the best group project you could ever be part of! All instruments are eligible to join!

Tuition

Tuition: TRYPOsphere 2023-24 Tuition Fees are as follows. We know finances might be even tighter than usual these past few years. TRYPO will never turn a student away due to limited financial resources. TRYPOsphere classes are eligible for financial assistance, and the process to apply is easier than ever! Visit our Tuition Assistance page for more information about scholarships.

Family Discounts: TRYPO offers a family discount for households with a child or children registered in more than one Sept-May TRYPO program. The first enrolled program will be charged at full price, but all subsequent programs qualify for $50 off per semester ($100/year).

Contact Alyssa Hensley for more information: Alyssa@trypo.org