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Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI, USA 48197
Dr. Diane L. Winder
Interim Department Head
emu.music@emich.edu
Phone: 734.487.4380
Fax: 734.487.6939
EMU's Community Music Academy (CMA) offers non-credit music lessons and classes for infants/toddlers, young children, children, youth, and adults throughout the year. All students are encouraged to realize their full musical aptitude in a nurturing and supportive environment. What makes the Community Music Academy special is that our program teaches the language of music (tonal patterns, rhythm patterns, melody, phrasing, harmony and improvisation) at every level.
Come visit us during the EMU Resource Fair, Parent/Adult Student Orientation, EMU’s Shop Around the Block Party, EMU CMA adult or youth recitals, and Free Sample Class week. Email emu.cma@emich.edu for more information.
The EMU-CMA program of study is based oncutting-edge research in music education. Students reap the benefit of studies based on scientific research – not philosophy, opinions, or well-packaged marketing techniques. The research continues to evolve a theory in music education pioneered by Dr. Ed Gordon called “Music Learning Theory" (MLT). (Gordon Institute for Music Learning)
At the heart of MLT is audiation. Audiation is hearing and comprehending music that is not or may never have been physically present. For example, by audiating, Beethoven was able to compose music when he was deaf. He was a great audiator. Unfortunately, trends in music education for the past century have focused largely on the reading of music. Reading music is important, but not at the expense of music comprehension. Students in the EMU-CMA learn music in a way that parallels how one learns language: listening/absorbing, babbling/mimicking/experimenting with sound, recognizing the sound has meaning, communicating the sound with increasing degree of difficulty, improvising/creating, reading, and writing/composing. Research shows that music and movement are inseparable for optimal music comprehension. Though the results take a little time, this way of learning produces well-rounded musicians who are set up to enjoy a lifetime of joyful, creative music making.
EMU CMA academic year incorporates four terms: Fall Term (10-weeks), Winter Term (10-weeks), Spring Term (10-weeks), and Summer Term (7-weeks), which includes Summer Camp.
EMU CMA activities take place in the Alexander Music Building, located on the east edge of campus in Ypsilanti, just east of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Parking is available in the attended lot next to the Alexander Music Building on East Circle Drive. See Maps.
Register online for infant/toddler, young child, children, youth, or adult classes and private lessons.
Tuition Discounts are available during early registration each term. EMU faculty, staff, and students may take advantage of additional discount during early registration each term.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
EMU CMA prepares students to participate in recitals and festivals. Each year, students have the opportunity to play in 4 recitals, the annual EMU CMA festival, and the (off-campus) annual Michigan Federation of Music Clubs Festival.
ADULTS
EMU CMA prepares adult students to participate in separate adult recitals and adult festivals. Each year, adult students have the opportunity to play in 4 adult recitals, the annual EMU CMA festival, and the (off-campus) annual Michigan Federation of Music Clubs Festival.