Arts Instruction Philosophy
The Orlando Community School of the Arts and the Worship Arts Ministry of First Presbyterian Church Orlando believe that the Arts are foundational for the development of all people and come from our Heavenly Father, the Creator God. We believe instruction should be educationally solid: taught by degreed and/or highly qualified instructors who are committed to the development of the student and who nurture a love of the arts. OCSA instruction is based on classical foundations in all art forms.
Individual Music Lessons: The appropriate age to begin individual music lessons depends on the instrument to be studied and the student. Many students begin studying the piano prior to kindergarten and many after they retire! If you have questions about when your child should begin lessons on a particular instrument, please contact one of our instructors.
OCSA believes that in regard to voice lessons, students should not begin private instruction prior to fourth grade. The best foundational base a child can receive to build a healthy voice is through participation in an excellent children’s choir program, where musicianship and classical/traditional vocal production is taught. Children’s choir programs are offered on the FPCO campus for Kindergarten children – 5th grade at no charge by qualified professional music educators.
All students studying music privately will learn: to read the music appropriate to their instrument, music theory, aural (ear) training, as well as learning the instrument itself. OCSA is committed to developing musicianship as well as sustained development in the student’s instrument of choice.
Performance Philosophy: OCSA believes there are many ways for students to share what they are learning in their artistic instruction. We also believe that students achieve performance readiness (socially and through mastery) at different stages of development. Our faculty monitors student progress and social readiness and consult with the parents about potential performance opportunities for the students. Performance opportunities include participating in worship services, studio recitals and larger performance events. Sharing with a small group or a large group should be a positive experience for the student.
The Orlando Community School of the Arts agrees philosophically and with arts education standards set forward by:
- The Music Educators National Convention
- National Standards for Arts Education
- American Choral Directors Association
- The National Association of Teachers of Singing