TRYPOsphere

Click the button below to register for a class this spring!

Scroll down to view course descriptions for the 2022-23 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 12-19) 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 – 2022-23 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!

2022-23 Course Offerings

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

Introduction to Conducting with Maestro Brian Worsdale

10 SESSION CLASS
Ages: 12-19
When: Fridays 4:00-4:45 PM; February 3 – April 2023
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.

Music Theory I with Professor Pierce Cook

10 SESSION CLASS
Ages: 12-19
When: Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30 PM; February 1 – April 19
Where: Students must be able to participate online with some in-person sessions (Catholic Charities Building in downtown Pittsburgh)
Prerequisite: None!

Have you ever found yourself wondering how music works? Or maybe your teacher said something about an ‘interval’ or a ‘scale’, and you were super confused? Music Theory I might be perfect for you! In this class, we cover the basics of clefs, notation, scales, triads, intervals, key signatures, the circle of 5ths, and will also do weekly skill drills, which include sight-singing, dictation, and counting. If you have never studied music outside of your instrument and want to take the next step, this class is for you!

Music Theory II with Professor Pierce Cook 

10 SESSION CLASS
Ages: 12-19
When: Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 PM; January 30 – May 1
Where: Students must be able to participate online with some in-person sessions (Catholic Charities Building in downtown Pittsburgh)
Prerequisite: Completed Music Theory I OR Score between 70% – 90% on the TRYPO Theory Pre-Test

In Music Theory II, we dig deeper. More clef work, more scales, more intervals and their inversions, triads and 7th chords, and more exploration of the circle of fifths. Music Theory II continues the weekly skill drills – sight-singing, counting, and dictation. This is Music Theory I on Beast Mode!

Music Theory III with Professor Pierce Cook 

10 SESSION CLASS
Ages: 12-19
When: Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30 PM; February 2 – April 20
Where: Students must be able to participate online only
Prerequisite: Completed Music Theory II OR Score 90% or higher on the TRYPO Theory Pre-Test

Are you already a theory guru? Do you know your scales, chords, modes, key signatures, circle of 5ths, roman numeral analysis, and intervals all exceptionally well? Do you already have experience with dictation, counting, and sight-singing? This class could be for you! In Music Theory III, we will prepare you for success in composition or conducting by exploring many of the requisite skills in those two fields – things like musical form, cadences, phrase structure, and texture. Every class will still include skill drills – sight-singing, counting, and dictation. 

Apprentice Conducting Program (ACP) with Maestro Brian Worsdale

FULL SEASON CLASS – 20 SESSIONS
Ages: 14-19
When: Saturdays 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM; October through May
Where: Students must be able to participate in-person (Duquesne University)
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.

YOUmusic: Creative Musicianship with Professor Robert Traugh

6 SESSION CLASS
Ages: 14-19
When: Saturdays 11:30 – 12:30 PM; September – October
Where: Students must be able to participate in-person (Duquesne University)
Prerequisite: Basic music theory is recommended.

YOUmusic: Creative Musicianship is a 6-session intensive pilot 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: Spring 2023 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