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!
Your TRYPOsphere voyage includes:
- Weekly classes with incomparable faculty – 2024-25 classes include offerings in Conducting, Creative Musicianship, and Music Theory.
- Technology support for solo and group assignments.
- Harmonious scheduling to accommodate your large ensemble and YC² commitments.
- Forever be a member of the #TRYPOfam!
2024-25 Course Offerings
Visit the Artistic Staff page to learn more about the TRYPOsphere instructors.
with Professor Pierce Cook
10 SESSION CLASS – Fall Semester Session
Ages: 7 – 10
When: Mondays, 5:00 – 5:45 PM; September 23, 2024 – December 9, 2024
Where: Students must be able to participate online
Prerequisite: None!
Tuition: $300
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.
with Professor Pierce Cook
20 SESSION CLASS – Full Season
Ages: 11-19
When: Mondays, 6:00 – 7:00 PM; September 23, 2024 – March 17, 2025
Where: Students must be able to participate online
Prerequisite: None!
Tuition: $500
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!
with Professor Pierce Cook
20 SESSION CLASS – Full Season
Ages: 11-19
When: Mondays, 7:00 – 8:00 PM; September 23, 2024 – March 17, 2025
Where: Students must be able to participate online
Prerequisite: Music Theory I
Tuition: $500
Music Theory 2 is for musicians who have completed Music Theory 1. In this course we expand on or go deeper into every topic covered in theory 1. More scales (modes!) more chords (7th chords, cluster chords, inversions!) non-harmonic tones, compound intervals, and more! If you learned it in Theory 1, you will learn more about it in theory 2! After completing both theory courses, you will have a solid understanding of the basics of music theory which you can apply to performance, study, and composition, plus some serious bragging rights!
with Maestro Brian Worsdale
*20 SESSION CLASS – Full Season
Ages: 14-19
When: Saturdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM; October 2023 – May 2024
Where: Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music
Prerequisite: Letter of recommendation from your school music teacher.
Tuition: $500
Students in their first year of ACP will have 4 introductory classes with Maestro Worsdale ahead of the full season.
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 Practical, Rehearsal Observations, and PSO concert attendance.
with Professor Robert Traugh
10 SESSION CLASS – Spring Session
Ages: 14-19
When: Saturdays 9:15 – 10:15 AM; February – April 2025
Where: Students must be able to participate in-person (Duquesne University)
Prerequisite: Basic music theory is recommended.
Tuition: $300
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 pricing is found in each individual drop down above.
Tuition: 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