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The Social > Modern Artist and Performance Lab
Program Description

Modern Artist and Performance Lab

A 28 Session Program in Music Performance

Course Overview

MAP Lab is a practical music performance program for high school students. The class focuses on introducing students to the next level of skill in their music performance/production. Rather than a traditional music class where you learn how to read notation, this course emphasizes the application of musical skills in contemporary settings related to performance and production for an audience.



Over 28 weeks, students will study songwriting, basic recording techniques, the psychology of live performance, and the dynamics of playing in a group. The curriculum is designed to help musicians and vocalists of any genre—digital or analog—develop their own material/style and prepare for the next stage of their music whether that is live performance, recording or music production.



The Schedule
  • Duration: 28 Weeks ( Two Semesters)
  • Frequency: One evening per week
  • Events: Winter Showcase and End-of-Year Performance
    • Core Pillars of the Program

    1. The Craft: Songwriting & Production
  • Practical Music Theory: Theory as it relates to composition, arrangement, and production rather than purely academic notation.
  • Recording Techniques: Introduction to capturing audio and using digital tools to document original work.
  • Songwriting: Methods for developing melody, lyrics, and structure for various genres.
  • Study Western Music History: Understanding the history of western genres, song and lyric origins, including the legal side of copyright law and royalties.


    • 2. The Stage: Performance & Psychology
  • Performance Coaching: Regular opportunities to play for the class with instructor-led evaluations of delivery and stage presence.
  • Psychology of Performance: Understanding the dynamics of live performance and building confidence on stage, big or small.
  • Group Communication: Learning how to effectively communicate musical ideas and feedback to other members of a band or group.
  • The Spiritual Element: Understanding music from the spiritual and human side from a Christian perspective.


    • 3. The Artist: Planning & Development
  • Promotion & Branding: Basic concepts of marketing an artist or band, including visual identity and promotional materials.
  • Self-Evaluation: Guided assessment of musical strengths and the identification of personal goals for artistic growth.
  • EPK Development: Creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) for promoting your music and message.


    • Student Requirements & Eligibility

    This is an intermediate to advanced program. It is not designed for beginners learning a new instrument.

  • Instruments: Students must provide their own primary instrument. A piano and digital drum kit are available on-site.
  • Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to play cover songs or perform original material with basic technical competence.
  • Creative Output: Proof of creative effort (original songs, instrumentals, or produced tracks) is required. A phone recording of song, singing or instrumental is acceptable.
    • Instructor
      Carlos Esquivel
    • More about the Instructor
      A seasoned musician and performer, Mr. Esquivel leads this class to help develop the next generation of artists, pushing them to the next level of their passion for music. With extensive experience in live performance, competition, and recording as a vocalist and instrumentalist for multiple bands, Mr. Esquivel brings a balanced approach to music appreciation and insight into the art of performance. In a world where music is both a human experience and a spiritual artform, the class is taught from a Christian perspective and includes a study of many genres and styles beyond Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).
    • Program Fee
      $1,602 for 28 sessions- Scholarships available
    • Register

    Good to know

    Students will be encouraged to become familiar with other instruments than their preferred instrument during the program.

    Requirements

    Student Requirements & Eligibility

    This is an intermediate to advanced program. It is not designed for beginners learning a new instrument.

  • Instruments: Students must provide their own primary instrument. A piano and digital drum kit are available on-site.
  • Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to play/sing cover songs or perform original material with basic technical competence.
  • Creative Output: Proof of creative effort (original songs, instrumentals, or produced tracks) is required to ensure the student is ready for the curriculum. A phone recording of song, singing or instrumental is acceptable.


    • The Audition Process

    Admission is based on the following:



    students must schedule audition or send in audition recording before registering for program. If student is accepted into the program, a link to register and pay for the class will be sent after acceptance is announced.
  • Performance Video: A 3-5 minute demonstration of performance ability (video or in-person).
  • Portfolio: One example of a recorded song or production to demonstrate current ability level.


    • Scholarships available

    What's the worldview in this class?

    This program will be from a Christian faith perspective and will include a study of the spiritual element of popular music and performance. It's important to know that while it's Christian perspective, this class will include evaluating all types of music, genres and styles. The goal will be to develop artist expression and understand how the artist is meant to bring truth, wisdom, joy, peace through their music. Guiding young artists through the world of modern music production and performance will be a priority as they develop their direction, focus and skill in the instrument they have been gifted to use.