Bona Verba from the Headmaster
At Cincinnati Classical Academy, we believe that music is more than just a subject; it is a gateway to understanding culture, history, literature, and the human experience. Our music program is built upon the important idea that to truly appreciate the great music of the Western tradition, our students must first grasp its fundamental principles. Just as they learn the building blocks of mathematics or the rules of grammar, our students, from an early age, learn the language of music. From understanding notes and scales to the intricacies of rhythm and melody, we equip our students with the tools to unlock the beauty of music.
Of course, music is not merely an arrangement of sounds. Through music, we explore the vast array of human emotions, from the depths of sorrow in Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings to the heights of joy in the famous melody comes from the final movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Our students learn how music can communicate what words often cannot. It allows them to empathize, connect, and express their own feelings. This is why music is an art!
Because we do not view music at CLASSICAL as a passive endeavor, we encourage our students to engage with music actively, whether through voice or instrument. We encourage them to become creators of music, not just consumers. This is where the magic happens. It’s in the resonance of a violin and the crescendo of a choir. It’s the discovery of one’s own voice and the thrill of a student’s first solo performance.
To truly appreciate the depth and richness of music, it’s essential to explore its intersections with culture, history, and literature. Our students understand that music doesn’t exist in isolation; it is deeply intertwined with the world around it. When our fourth graders study Mozart and Handel, they’re not just learning about composers; they’re immersing themselves in the societies that nurtured their genius. They’re coming to understand culture of their times.
Music is not merely a subject; it’s a profound cultural phenomenon. It’s a vital medium for the expression of human culture throughout history. Our students embrace this idea by exploring the evolution of musical styles, from the Baroque masterpieces of Bach and Vivaldi to the Romantic compositions of Liszt and beyond.
Our commitment to music education goes beyond the classroom. We believe that learning to play an instrument is an incredible experience, which is why we offer extracurricular programs in band and orchestra. Additionally, our students can explore their musical passions further through private lessons on piano, violin, and cello.
At CLASSICAL, we view music as more than just a class; it’s a window into the soul of human culture. We understand the profound role it plays in shaping societies and the individual lives it touches. Our dedication to music education reflects our commitment to an integrated approach to learning.
As our students study the great composers, read musical notation, and perform for their peers and community, they develop not only as musicians but as well-rounded individuals. They embrace the creativity, discipline, and emotional depth that music offers, and carry these lessons with them on their lifelong journey of learning and self-expression. In each note, in each chord, and in each crescendo, they find the harmony of knowledge, culture, and humanity.
Mr. Michael Rose
Meet the Headmaster
Mr. Rose has taught various courses at Brown University, Cincinnati Moeller, and The Summit Country Day School. As a part of his degree work in education, Mr. Rose’s research interests included the Great Books curriculum, the Paideia teaching method, and the “effects of emerging digital technology on student reading, writing, and researching.” Read More