Home / Student Resources / Music Achievement Program (MAP)

Music Achievement Program (MAP)

Deeper music education for private lesson students.

Are you looking for a way to enhance your musical skills and knowledge beyond your private lessons? If so, you might be interested in the Music Achievement Program (MAP), a free musicianship program offered by CCM for all its private lesson students.

MAP is designed to help students grow as musicians in a comprehensive way. It sets clear goals and rewards for musical skills and offers a variety of activities to enrich their private lessons. Students can choose to participate in workshops, group classes, and performances that suit their interests and needs. MAP also fosters a supportive community of learners who share their musical journeys. Students can track their progress and achievements through MAP and improve their areas of weakness.

REGISTER for MAP

PRACTICE FOR ICE CREAM MARCH CALENDAR

  • Guide to MAP and Frequently Asked Questions

    Enhance your student’s musical skills and knowledge beyond private lessons with Theory and other workshops.

    View descriptions of the 2023 – 2024 Musicianship Workshops

    We suggest you print out the MAP Activities Checklist and Schedule to track your progress at home: 2023- 2024 MAP Activities Checklist and Schedule

    Please remember to sign up in advance for your MAP Activities: MAP 2023-2024 Activities

    After you have completed a MAP activity, let us know by filling out the MAP Activity Completion Form.

    Your 2023-2024 Practice Calendars:

    Practice for pizza in October
    Practice for pancakes in January
    Practice for ice cream in March

    Theory

    Theory Assessment
    Register for Theory Workshops

    What are MAP Activities?

    There are two types of activities: Core and Elective. Core Activities are mandatory for all students. Students also complete four different Elective Activities from the five categories.

    Students who want to challenge themselves and GO FOR GOLD must complete two additional Elective Activities, six in total, plus the Core Activities.

    MAP Activities Chart

    Can I get help in guiding my child through MAP?
    Please feel free to speak with the MAP Coordinator Anthea Kechley and your child’s teacher.

    What does it mean if my child is assigned to the same theory class in a subsequent year?
    Students are assigned to classes based on demand for the subject. The content is tailored to the needs and experience of the students in the group.

    How is MAP completion recognized?
    A MAP recital and awards ceremony is held at the end of each school year to celebrate our students and their achievements!

  • Why is Musicianship Important?

    Why is musicianship important?

    Musicianship is the ability to perform, create, and appreciate music. It is the difference between learning how to technically play an instrument versus becoming a musician. MAP activities include the following skill development:

    Ear Training: learning to listen actively, recognizing of pitch, intervals, rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, and more, as well as the life skill of listening to each other

    Reading: gaining fluency in the written notation of music, translating the symbols you see to your instrument or voice

    Singing: addresses breathing, tone production, and musical phrasing

    Improvising and Composing: making music spontaneously in the moment and developing the ability to write those ideas down

    Expression: using phrasing, movement, dynamics, and other skills to make informed musical decisions for a more expressive performance

    Performing: learning the steps and tools necessary to present confidently, such as ways to cope with nervousness

    Creativity: learning to express oneself through music in original and innovative ways

  • Core & Elective Activities Defined

    What is…?

    Music Theory: You will explore how music works and why it sounds the way it does. It involves learning about written music notation, symbols, terminology, and their aural equivalents, which are the sounds that correspond to these elements. Music Theory helps you understand how musical components are constructed and combined, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and style. The Music Theory Workshops will enhance your musical skills, creativity, and appreciation by giving you tools to analyze, compose, and perform music in various genres and contexts.

    Recital: When you have done a Musicale and are ready to perform your polished piece, you will sign up for a CCM student recital, where you can invite family and friends to be part of the audience and celebrate your accomplishment.

    Practice Challenge: Held in October, January, and March, students practice 30 days in the month to earn a joint celebration with delicious treats such as pizza, ice cream, or pancakes!

    The Listening Project: Through stimulating and eclectic monthly playlists curated by our own expert faculty, CCM offers guided listening to provide context and enrichment, accessible to everyone via Spotify. MAP students complete 3 entire playlists using our Listening Journal.

    Musicale: When you are putting the finishing touches on your piece to perform in a Recital, you will practice your performance in a Musicale, an informal gathering with other students and a CCM faculty member, who will provide you with constructive feedback.

    Community Event: A fulfilling opportunity for you to volunteer in our local community by performing your polished pieces, giving the gift of music.

    CCM Grab Bag: An assortment of miscellaneous CCM activities that can count toward your MAP Elective Activities. Examples are participation in ensembles, such as Chamber Music, the Children’s Chorus, and the West Side String program. Other activities might include Honors Evaluations, performing in a master class, or a Creativity Festival workshop.