Musicianship Skills Certificate Program


interlochen online musicianship skills certificate

From the basics of music notation to playing songs you love, this certificate empowers you to become a more fluent and creative musician. Strengthen your ears, your technique, and your ability to express yourself through music.

Taught by world-class musicians and educators, the Musicianship Skills certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that must be taken in sequential order.

Music Theory Basics 1

Identify and use the elements of Western music notation, including clefs, notation, intervals, pitch, musical texture, and chord construction
Apply the core principles of melody and harmony, including range, flow, and contour
Identify and use rhythmic elements that help give structure to music, such as beat, pulse, and duration
Create short, original melodies in a monophonic style

Ear Training 1

Discern the difference between short rhythmic patterns in simple meter
Identify simple melodic and harmonic intervals by ear
Dictate simple, 4-measure musical phrases
Demonstrate increased listening accuracy and musical memory through structured dictation exercises

Piano & Keyboard Fundamentals 1

Recognize and apply basic music fundamentals (e.g., rhythm, intervals, expression markings) on the piano or keyboard
Learn the basics of note reading
Use appropriate body posture and hand positioning to play freely and avoid injury
Play songs in a variety of styles, including pop, blues, and classical
Create your own arrangements on piano or keyboard
Tuition

$ 897   $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth
Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Andrew Martin Smith

Andrew Martin Smith, D.M.A.

Instructor of Music Composition & Theory

Jason Terry headshot

Jason Terry, D.M.A., NCTM

Instructor of Piano

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Start Learning Music Theory

Get access to Understanding Intervals in Music Theory, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

Music theory student