This module covers all fundamental aspects of instrument mastery. The specific design of the course gives the student a solid base from which to advance his musical and technical skills. This encompasses proper hand, arm, and body positioning, basics of Western music theory, fingerboard knowledge, right and left hand technical exercises, rhythm exercises, concepts for soloing and comping, techniques for deeper listening and awareness and tools to develop ensemble skills.
The study of sight-reading and the techniques necessary for developing proficiency with written music. Topics to be covered are: learning notes and rest values, rhythms, "roadmap" descriptors, clefs, chord symbols, and key signatures. The student will learn to count and feel form, follow a conductor and bandleader and develop situational performance skills so that by the end he can confidently read music in a studio setting.