Education
Loyola School
Loyola School is unique in New York City, being the only independent, Jesuit, coeducational secondary school in the city. Its 210 students are engaged in a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for college and their lives beyond.
"Developing the whole person is at the core of the school's philosophy and music is important in providing a complete education of the mind and the heart," says the school's director of music, Mr Cristiano Tiozzo.
The school, which attracts some of New York City's most talented young musicians, recently introduced Auralia 4 and Musition 4 to its music program. Tiozzo noticed an immediate improvement in his students' musicianship:
"Auralia and Musition are an excellent addition to the music program at Loyola, making it possible for students to advance at a faster pace."
A complete and rigorous education
Situated in the residential area of Manhattan's Upper East Side, Loyola School is a secondary day school that welcomes students from all walks of life. It aims to provide opportunities for students to grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Students undertaking the rigorous college preparatory curriculum generally go on to attend the most prestigious college programs in the United States, including music programs at Juilliard, Oberlin and Yale.
Together, Auralia and Musition cover 75 topics in aural training and music theory, making them a comprehensive and complete learning solution, and one that is very well suited for college preparation.
Broader range of topics
Cristiano Tiozzo uses Auralia 4 and Musition 4 to prepare and conduct music lessons for around 65 students, ranging from 14 to 17 years old. Music appreciation is compulsory for freshman students, who study the evolution of western music from the middle ages through the baroque and romantic periods to contemporary styles. Junior students study topics like reading notation, listening exercises, and analysing styles (including jazz and popular music).
The main learning areas that senior students focus on include sight-singing, ear training, rhythm training, music composition and transcription.
Auralia and Musition, which can be customised to create lessons that cover all aspects of ear training and music theory, are ideal for a school like Loyola. Beginner and advanced students can study classical, jazz and contemporary music, all supported with in-depth instructional material.
"I can add components to the music courses using Auralia and Musition that could not be included in the past." Cristiano Tiozzo
Engaging students
The small classes at Loyola create an environment for personal attention and individual participation. By using Auralia and Musition teachers have more time to devote to student problem areas, improving productivity in the classroom and ensuring that no students are 'left behind'. As an added bonus, the fresh new interface and interactive drills make Auralia 4 and Musition 4 fun to use as well as educational. Tiozzo confirms this:
"The students enjoy using the software. Of course, they like it better when they succeed!"
Teachers like Tiozzo can use the preloaded tests and quizzes in Auralia 4 and Musition 4 to monitor students' progress, or create their own worksheets and tests. At Loyola, this is particularly useful for Senior students, who use the software to prepare for the AP Music Theory Exam.
Specific Challenges
- The school’s rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare students for college
- Most students are accepted to the most prestigious college programs in the United States, including the acclaimed Julliard, Oberlin and Yale music programs
- Around 120 students (or 60 per cent of the student population) are involved in the music program, which includes a choir, liturgical singers, musical theatre, an orchestra and various chamber music ensembles
- Music appreciation is compulsory for freshman students
- Junior students can do Introduction to the Materials of Music
- Senior students can take an AP Music Theory course
- The music program covers classical and contemporary music styles
- Around 65 students use Auralia 4 and Musition 4 as part of their music studies
- The school has a diverse student body, fostered through its scholarship and financial assistance programs
- Small classes (average class size 15) promote personal attention and individual participation
Advantages
- Comprehensive aural and theory lessons that cover 75 topics
- Pre-prepared syllabuses (including AP Music Theory), as well as the capability to create your own
- User-friendly courses that lead students through all topics and lessons at their own pace
- Facilities for teachers to create customised exams, quizzes and worksheets
- In-depth instructional material
- Easy tracking and assessment of students
Results
- Students’ musicianship improved in only 9 months
- Senior students in particular used the software to prepare for the AP Music Theory Exam
- Teachers prepared tests and quizzes to track student learning
- Allowed teachers to add new components to the course