BUTI 2026 – Electives Interest Form

Theory

The music theory elective involves intensive study in aspects of music including harmony, counterpoint, analysis, and aural skills. Based on a conservatory-style model, the course will reinforce fundamentals and explore diatonic and chromatic harmony and its use in the repertoire. Exercises in four-part writing and counterpoint will help students to build a deeper understanding of how music is constructed, leading to analysis of repertoire. In addition, the course will include an aural skills component, focusing on ear training and dictation, in order to further develop the ear to hear both vertically and horizontally. Study in these topics will help the student to engage with their own repertoire on a deeper level and begin to open up creative possibilities in interpreting or composing works. This course will meet twice weekly for 45-minute sessions and students will be expected to complete regular coursework in topics covered in class. Before beginning, students will complete a placement exam to ensure that material is appropriate and engaging. If you choose to take Music Theory you can not take other Tuesday/Thursday electives weeks 2 through 4.

Preventing Injury - A Survey of Body Methods

A survey course that introduces you to various ways to keep your body ready for making music! Feldenkrais® for Musicians

The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education can help musicians create more dynamic and expressive performances by enhancing body awareness and fostering efficient movement. In this session, attendees will participate in an Awareness Through Movement® lesson designed to develop greater ease, range, and quality of movement for playing and singing. Attendees should wear comfortable clothes and bring an instrument and a blanket/mat for the floor. Individual lessons are also available.

Body Mapping

Looking for more reliable technique, richer tone colors, or a bigger dynamic range? Want to feel more comfortable and confident on stage?

Body Mapping at BUTI is a transformative workshop that helps musicians fine-tune posture, breathing, and movement to unlock better performance and practice habits. You’ll learn how your body is designed to move—so you can play or sing with greater ease, expression, and consistency, even under pressure.

Bring your instrument and uncover how to make the changes that lead to better performances—and more joy in music-making!

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a proven mind-body method for becoming aware of unhelpful tensions in playing/singing which prevent ease and freedom in performing. By addressing everyday posture, coordination, breath and habits, the Alexander Technique offers freedom from excess tension, prevents injury, helps with chronic pain and helps with performance anxiety. Students of the Alexander Technique report feelings of lightness and expansion, of being centered and open, feeling present and connected to themselves and their music.

If you choose to take Survey of Body Methods you cannot take any other Tuesday or Thursday class weeks 2 through 4.

Jazz Improv

A class for all instrumentalists. We will jump into jazz improvisation through learning about swing rhythm, jazz harmony, creating improvised melodies, learning the Blues form and more. This is a playing class! Jazz Improv will take place on Friday July 24.

Professional Development

Set yourself up for success! We’ll tackle your written profile (Artist Statement/Personal Statement) and your digital presence, artist websites and how to successfully use social media. Professional Development takes place over two Fridays (7/17 and 7/31).