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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 college credit, high school credit, or both. 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

$ 1197   $999

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

 

For all students:

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

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official Interlochen transcript awarding 0.5 high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of high schools nationwide

For adults and high school students:

✔ An official college transcript awarding 3 college credits
✔ Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
✔ Credit that may transfer to hundreds of college and universities nationwide

Eligible high school students may earn both high school and college credit through the same certificate program.

Yes, Interlochen Online certificate programs are accredited for both high school and college credit.

High school credit is available to teens and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

College credit is available to adults and current high school students and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Accreditation from Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) are widely recognized and accepted by thousands of institutions across the country. However, we encourage students and families to consult with their school counselor or registrar in advance to determine how the credit may be applied toward graduation requirements.

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 headshot

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