Music Honor - Advanced

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

  1. Have the Music Honor - Intermediate.

    Answer: Intermediate I: read simple sheet music, know the musical notes (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti), the note values (whole note, half note, quarter note, eighth note), the clefs (treble, bass), play a basic instrument at an intermediate level, sing in tune, and know the major and minor scales. This prerequisite ensures a musical foundation before the advanced level. — Intermediate Music develops: reading sheet music, an instrument (piano, guitar, recorder), choral singing, basic theory. Notes: 7 letters + alterations (sharp #, flat b). Note values: musical timing. Clefs: indicate pitch. Scale: C major is the simplest. The SDA Church values music as an expression of worship. Adventism: a rich hymnal, musical training from childhood.

  2. Study the biography of a composer from the Adventist Hymnal of your choice. Tell how their musical life began, what opportunities they had, where they studied music, which instrument they mastered, their main works, and how they died / what they are doing now.

    Answer: Choose a composer from the hymnal (e.g.: Gustavo Volpe, John Newton, Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby). Research in books, Adventist websites, and biographies. Note down: personal life, musical training, instruments mastered, opportunities, ministry, and the main hymns composed. Present it as a report with photos and bibliographic references for the instructor. — Adventist composers: Frank Belden ('Christ, I Am Here'), F. E. Belden ('Oh! Come to Christ'). Other Christians: the Wesley brothers, Crosby (blind, 9,000 hymns), Newton ('Amazing Grace'). Sources: the hymnal, Adventist Review, Wikipedia, biographical books. Structure: introduction + life + work + legacy. Adventism: music as a devotional expression values the biographies of well-known composers.

  3. Complete one of the items below:
    • For instrumentalists: with the aid of a score, play a moderately difficult passage of music and know all the symbols and terms contained in the score of that passage.
    • For singers: Demonstrate, using a baton or your hands, how to lead a choir in performing at least one composition in 3/4 and one in 4/4.

    Answer: Compose a simple melody; arrange a hymn for 3 voices; take part in a church choir for 6 months; learn an instrument for 6 months; transcribe 3 hymns into chord charts; study basic harmony. Each option develops a musical skill. Document the progress with recordings, scores, or statements from the participating leaders. — Composition: a melody in 8 measures. Arrangement: SAB (soprano-alto-bass). Choir: rehearsals and performances. Instrument: guitar, piano, flute, keyboard. Chord charts: G, C, D for guitar. Harmony: triads, chord progressions. Documentation: video, score, certificate. Adventism: music is a tool of worship and evangelism, in keeping with Psalm 150 and the full Christian tradition.

  4. Be able to play or sing, with or without the aid of sheet music, any hymn chosen at random from the hymnal or from some chorus book of your church.

    Answer: Keep the hymnal always within reach. Know at least 30-50 common hymns by heart. When you receive a request, open the hymnal, read the sheet music or chord charts, and perform. If singing: pitch, rhythm, expression. If playing: accompany with an instrument (guitar, piano, keyboard) following the written notes or chords. Practicing regularly develops fluency. — Hymnal: 600+ numbered hymns. Common ones: 'Marvelous Grace', 'Such Sublime Love', 'Onward, O Soldiers', 'He Lives'. Sight-reading is a developed skill. Chord charts make the guitar easier. Key: transpose if necessary. Sheet music: melodic line + harmony. Adventism: ministerial music values musical preparation. The Adventist Hymnal is a sacred denominational treasure.

  5. Pass the placement test for a higher-education music course, or an equivalent evaluation, conducted by an equally qualified instructor.

    Answer: Study advanced theory (intervals, chords, modal scales). Practice an instrument at an intermediate-advanced level. Develop sight-reading. Learn musical analysis. Take an audition with a panel: play pieces, read sheet music, identify chords/intervals by ear. Present a record (courses, certificates). Evaluation by a qualified instructor. — Placement test: evaluates theory, practice, ear training, and reading. Brazilian conservatories: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte. Universities: USP, UFRGS, UFBA. Panels: 3 professors, prepared pieces and sight-reading. Internal ear training: identify intervals, chords. Adventism: the SDA Church has institutions with music courses (UNASP, IAP). Serious preparation takes 2-4 years before the official conservatory test.