Message from the Director
Margaret L. Pressley
Founder & Director,
Seattle Conservotory of Music
Director,
Pressley Violin Studio
Artistic Director,
Seattle Starling Violin Studies
Sholar-in-Residence,
University of Colorado, Boulder
|
September 2008 will mark the 15 th Anniversary of the Seattle Conservatory of Music. Our school was formed in 1994 out of the Pacific Northwest's need for a thoroughly educational pre-college classical music training center. As Founder, it was my goal to create new standards of expectation for local young musicians, so that they too could be accepted into collegiate music schools of choice. This would then give them equal chance to secure jobs in the highly competitive world of classical music. It is known statistically that it is more difficult to win a job in a professional orchestra than to be accepted onto a professional baseball team. Toward this goal, I researched pre-college music institutions for 12 years prior to the establishment of SCM. Ultimately basing our program ideal on Julliard's Prep Program with supplemental inspirational additions, our conservatory has evolved successfully into a landmark institution for young people who dream of being accepted by the best instrumental teachers at the best collegiate music schools with the ultimate goal of careers as successful professional musicians.
Our school is a happy one. Every week, students of like-mind enter a world that is eager for connection. Through Music Academic training, they become proficient in music theory, ear-training, history, Dalcroze-Eurhythmics, Keyboard Harmony, Composition, 20 th c. Literature, Score reading, Orchestration and Conducting. Through the Collegiate-Performance Preparation Program, they learn how to research and prepare for college entrance and music school auditions. They also become seasoned performers through weekly Prep Class performance evaluations, and become ambassadors of goodwill through monthly Outreach Concerts. Our Chamber Music Program gives them the opportunity to self-direct groups and work in teams. Students rehearse and perform with others who are selected by age and progression.
The past 15 years have proven that Seattle Conservatory of Music has brought meaning to our community, to our country and to the future of classical music. 100% of SCM graduates have entered collegiate schools of choice. They have been accepted into every major music institution in the United States. As college graduates, they are currently auditioning for and winning. They are branching out to become orchestral players, educators, resident chamber musicians, free-lancers, recording artists, soloists, job contractors, composers and conductors.
I can't tell you how proud I am of our graduates. Many still keep in touch. Some have returned to fill positions as beloved faculty members. I am also highly encouraged by the continuing onrush of enrolling talent each year. The region's music educational standards have risen greatly since 1994. Seattle Conservatory of Music's has made its mark. Let us help you make yours! |
