Programs

Composition/Songwriting
Students will explore and learn to blend different styles of music through critical listening and hands-on workshops. Areas such as theme, mood, improvisation, chord progressions, chord substitutions, transitions, music terminology, personal discipline, practice regimen, and co-writing will be experienced and mastered.

Composition with Production Software
Students will compose songs using MIDI and learn basic recording skills utilizing Logic and Pro Tools software. Students will also create beats and grooves, learn about plug-ins as a sound source and perform and execute short recording and mixing assignments.

Computer Labs
We have fifteen iMac computers with large screens for instruction in a comfortable large workspace with a glass wall of natural light. iSTARS labs are always available during school hours Students will have computer lab access for assignments to developing and manufacture their creative content in Composition, Lyric Writing, MIDI, Logic, and Pro Tools

Entertainment Business Arts
Students will learn the practical side of self employment and self management in the following areas: agents, promoting events, bookkeeping, banking, taxes, internet entrepreneurship, merchandising, trade marks, will develop and assemble the appropriate content for their future projects.

Midi Music 101 Logic (Work Stations)
Students will learn to program with MIDI & Logic software involving detailed sequencing, layering of parts, utilizing effects, processing, equalization, and plug-ins. Students will also become knowledgeable in the basics of mixing, and mastering.

Music Production Studio Tech
Students will learn studio recording theory and enjoy hands on experience in, critical listening, mic and mic placement, recording techniques. Students will experience virtual vs. hardware in the area of plug ins, effects and processing. Students will execute simple mixes and learn studio etiquette. iSTARS

Live Performance Workshops
Students will analyze different styles of performance of many successful artists and with the aid of our live video feedback will explore and incorporate desirable facets and techniques into their own stage presence and performance. Students will also study body language, centre of movement, working a crowd with eye contact, and being comfortable in the moment while on stage. This will come as a result of being able to perform frequently on our stage. Performance as a workshop with video feedback, will allow students to critique themselves along with their peers and instructor aiding in quicker development.

Music Theory & Arranging
Students will receive training in music theory, and notation involving the staff,
scales, keys and key signatures, intervals, harmony and chords, voicing, orchestration,
theme development, tension and resolution, the use of bridges, segues and rhythmic
breakdown sections by the use of critical listening and hands-on workshops.

Projects

COMPOSITION PROJECTS
As part of class assignments and projects Students will compose, co-write and copyright Songs, Jingles, TV and Movie Sound Track Themes that will become part of each student’s resume or catalogue of work, that they will then take with them upon completion of their certifications.

INTERNET VIDEO
Students will select an original song they have composed at iSTARS either alone, or as a co write then perform and produce an original video to aid in their CD Launch. Students will compose, arrange, perform, edit and post a music video for the Internet by utilizing our Cameras, Software, and the Stage at our facility.

CD PROJECT
“It’s all about the music, man. Just make good music and everything else will take care of itself.” How many times have you heard that? Wait a minute – YOU didn’t think that did you? It takes team work to put a career in motion.

We intend to mentor our artists and connect them to their target audience in a way that supports the power of music, the integrity of the musician and the needs of the audience.

At iSTARS we enlighten our students to current industry procedures, wants, needs and methods for breaking new artists. We direct our artists to formulate their individual marketing plan, establish a working team, do the research, and become goal oriented. Since artists today need to be self-sufficient at many levels we feel it is important to understand the basics of all areas when delegating responsibilities to integral components of career and business. You probably won’t be able to afford a qualified manager right off – so you need to know how to represent yourself, negotiate, and create long term business relationships. You also need to know where the money is today. Believe it, the Music Business is alive and well and full of opportunities for Indie Artists. Learn how to take you future into your own hands and make it work for you.

PROMOTIONS AND CD LAUNCH
At iSTARS we see the necessity to supply our students with current industry procedures, wants, and needs for new breaking artists. We direct our artists to formulate their individual marketing plan, establish a working team, do the research, and become goal oriented. Since artists today need to be self-sufficient at many levels we feel it is important to understand the basics of all areas when delegating responsibilities to integral components of career and business. You probably won’t be able to afford a qualified manager right off – so you need to know how to represent yourself, negotiate, and create long term business relationships. You also need to know where the money is today. Believe it, the Music Business is alive and well and full of opportunities for Indie Artists. It’s the Fat Cat Record Companies that are suffering. Learn how to take you future into your own hands and don’t give it up until you’re ready.