At CATS Academy Boston, we have a vibrant Visual and Performing Arts Department. Our faculty members are exceptional educators with solid, real-world professional performance, creative and artmaking backgrounds.
Introduction to Drawing is a studio course that introduces students to the comprehensive visual language of drawing. Various projects and presentations expose students to numerous drawing approaches, including ways of structuring the picture plane, creating believable space with linear perspective, and modelling form with shading. Students apply these skills to idea generation, form development, experimental variations on a design, investigative studies of creative problem-solving, and expressions of movement and spatial illusion.
Using a variety of media, students draw from observation and are introduced to the processes involved in planning, researching, and actualizing a major drawing project. Critiques and lectures help students develop an understanding of the critical issues of drawing and of its context within the history of art. PowerPoint presentations, the Internet, and field trips to museums and galleries further students’ understanding of historic and contemporary art. Each student submits a final portfolio of work developed throughout the semester to fulfil the course requirements.
Suggested readings include The Language of Drawing by Edward Hill, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and Color by Betty Edwards, The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides, and The Art of Drawing by Bernard Chaet.
The purpose of the course is for students to explore, experiment, and become familiar with the medium of paint, to build skills of observation and to learn to create form and materiality of simple and complex objects through paint. Students build an understanding of the properties of color, composition, and perspective and develop an understanding of basic design terminology used to express visual ideas and concepts.
Students are introduced to examples of historic and contemporary painting through PowerPoint, reproductions in books, the Internet, and visits to art museums and galleries. Midterm and final portfolios of work produced throughout the semester are required of all students to successfully fulfil course requirements. The portfolio is evaluated on the effort and the quality of the work completed.
Suggested readings include The Language of Drawing by Edward Hill, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and Color by Betty Edwards, The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides, and The Art of Drawing by Bernard Chaet.
Introduction to Sculpture is a studio course that introduces students to the comprehensive visual language of the sculptural form. Various projects and presentations expose students to numerous sculptural approaches, including ways of structuring space, choosing and working with a variety of materials, and handling tools. Students apply these skills to idea generation, form development, experimental variations on a design, investigative studies of creative problem-solving, and expressions of movement and spatial relationships.
In this project-based course, students learn the basics of sewing, garment construction, and inspiration–based design. Units include learning both machine and hand sewing; an introduction to pattern-making and garment creation; and designing a mini collection from which students will select one design to make for an end-of-term fashion show. Second semester, students create a garment from reclaimed materials, utilizing the skills they learned first semester, and then develop a second garment based on a theme chosen by the class. Integrated in the garment curriculum, students learn about fashion history, including notable designers of the past.
Illustration teaches students that an illustrator’s job is to provide a narrative through visual imagery and to convey the meaning or emotion of a text or concept. Some examples of illustration include children’s books, advertisements, and video game concepts. In this course you will learn how to effectively tell a story in a single image. Through strong design, the use of color, and captivating compositions, you will create art that demands attention.
To take this elective, students should have basic drawing and painting skills.
This course is an introduction to creating comics. Students learn effective visual storytelling techniques, how to compose a comic page, and how to create a visually entertaining story. Traditional materials such as pencil and ink are used to develop comic illustrations. Students work from assigned scripts, as well as write and draw their own five-page comic. Creative writing, composition, anatomy, and fine art drawing skills are developed as students explore the art of creating comics.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to elements of graphic design. Students utilize computer programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Class projects include poster design, photo manipulation, logo design, and creating a business identity. Students learn valuable skills in color, composition, and typography and the importance these have on creating eye-catching design.
In this Printmaking elective, students learn a variety of print methods, including monotype, collagraph, relief, screen-printing, and photo-etching. From painterly prints to linocuts to original designs on tee shirts, students gain a well-rounded understanding of some of the most popular methods of making prints. Through these studio processes, they learn how to combine techniques, use studio equipment, and develop new, original creative content. Independent final projects demonstrate these skills, with which students will create a suite of prints suitable for inclusion in college application portfolios.
Students will engage in the Pre-production, production, and post-production process of video making. Students will learn how to develop a storyline, record an event, or promote an idea using the media of film. Skills in editing are learned in Adobe Premiere. In addition, students learn about the history of film. Student produced films are presented at the end of the semester.
Students will learn the fundamentals of how music works, and they will gain the ability to create their own music. This class will explore scales, harmony, melody, and instrumentation. Music analysis will be a focal point of the course as the class explores music from different eras. Music students will use these tools and skills to create their own compositions throughout the year and finish the course with the ability to compose music in many different genres.
To take this elective, student must have the approval of their teacher.
Students learn to compose and produce music using the same programs that are used in the music industry. From EDM, to jazz, to rock and roll, we pick apart many different genres and learn how to recreate some of the greatest hits of all time. The class also teaches composition skills. Previous piano experience is a plus, as much of this class is based around the keyboard.
To take this elective, students need ESL Level 3 or higher.
Students learn the basics of playing piano and develop their musicianship. Reading music notation, ear training, music theory, piano exercises, and sight reading at an introductory level are all important elements of the Piano 1 course. Students play from repertoire of varying styles and eras. Class sizes are small to maximize individual instruction, and students play in both an individual and group setting. Performance is optional but encouraged for Piano I students.
After completing this elective, students can progress onto Piano II.
Students build on their pre-existing piano skills and continue to develop their musicianship. Reading music notation, ear training, music theory, piano exercises, and sight reading at an intermediate level are all important elements of the Piano 2 course. Repertoire for this course is partially based on student interest, including pieces from varying styles and eras. Class sizes are small to maximize individual instruction, and students play in both an individual and group setting. Performance is optional, but encouraged, for Piano 2 students.
To take this elective students must have completed Piano I or must audition with the Instructor.
Students work towards an advanced level of proficiency on piano and become well-rounded musicians. Students play advanced repertoire of their choosing and begin composing their own music, building on previous theory knowledge. Students will sight read and play keyboard exercises proficiently. This course is designed around the interests of each student and includes a high level of one-to-one instruction. Performance is required for Piano 4 students.
To take this elective students must have completed Piano II or must audition with the Instructor.
Guitar is a course designed to teach students how to use the guitar to study and learn music through learning guitar-specific techniques, notation, and common practices. In doing so, students will tap into and strengthen their inherent musicality via a deeply visual instrument that is heavily utilized in popular music currently and historically. The course will use Nancy Lee Marsters’ Hands-On Training: First Year Guitar as the textbook. It includes fundamental topics of guitar notation and execution alongside the textbook, theclass together world study and engage with practical skills that guitarists need to perform popular styles, and the students would be responsible for having 3 songs performable as a personal repertoire list by
the end of the semester.
Student instrumentalists play in groups to study some of the greatest composers in history and enhance their musicality. This course explores the music spanning the past 300 years, covering music icons from Bach, to Mozart, to Gershwin, and more. There are multiple opportunities for the students to share their work to the school with performances throughout the year.
To take this elective, students must complete an audition and have their instructor’s approval.
In this course, you will develop skills needed for film and TV acting while learning about the industry and the standard expectations relating to casting and performance. You will critically assess the performances of fellow and celebrity actors and you will develop and create your own acting video audition piece. Upon leaving the class, you will have built a solid repertoire, developed your acting skills and have an audition reel which you can show to prospective colleges.
Students develop their dramatic, expressive skills while exploring themselves as actors, writers, and communicators. Through improvisational theater exercises, students explore their creative expression and movement. Through reading, examining, and performing monologues and short scenes from a wide range of theatrical work, students experience the full range of human emotions from comedy to tragedy. Throughout the rehearsal process, students develop theater technique and understanding of blocking and staging. Their work culminates with a performance presentation of work studied in class.
Musical Theatre explores every aspect of performance training by unifying elements of acting, singing, and dancing. Students participate in an audition workshop to prepare them for rehearsing scenes and musical numbers from famous Broadway shows. The following techniques will be taught over the semester course: basic ballet and jazz dance forms, classical and contemporary vocal styles, and Western presentational acting. This is an active, fast-paced class designed for students who are interested in performing live in public. The final project will be a live revue performance at CATS.
Students focus on dance styles that characterize our dance world in the new millennium as well as draws on all traditions that have developed through the centuries. The diversity of the class will include intermingled repertory within single choreographic works. Student projects will include dance critiques, performances, and choreographed pieces (teacher approvals), and participation in a musical production. Participation is mandatory.
For those students who are members of the CSVPA Arts Academy, there are three exclusive electives that they can choose to take part in:
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in the Portfolio courses are required to submit their portfolio.
In Songwriting, students will learn to write their own contemporary songs through an exploration of the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. Students will listen to and analyze songs from songwriters across all decades and genres to build their songwriting skill sets. Students will work independently and collaboratively with other students in the class. The final product for each student will be a recording or performance of their songs. This course is designed for students who have both comfort playing piano or guitar and a willingness to sing.
To take this elective, students should be comfortable with playing either the piano or guitar.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in these art courses are required to submit their portfolio.
To take this elective, students should have the approval of their instructor.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in these art courses are required to submit their portfolio.
To take this elective, students should have the approval of their instructor.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in the Portfolio courses are required to submit their portfolio.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in the Portfolio courses are required to submit their portfolio.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in the Portfolio courses are required to submit their portfolio.
In Songwriting, students will learn to write their own contemporary songs through an exploration of the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. Students will listen to and analyze songs from songwriters across all decades and genres to build their songwriting skill sets. Students will work independently and collaboratively with other students in the class. The final product for each student will be a recording or performance of their songs. This course is designed for students who have both comfort playing piano or guitar and a willingness to sing.
To take this elective, students should be comfortable with playing either the piano or guitar.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in these art courses are required to submit their portfolio.
To take this elective, students should have the approval of their instructor.
Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making, students assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth of content, technique, and process. Students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution. All students enrolled in these art courses are required to submit their portfolio.
To take this elective, students should have the approval of their instructor.
*Please note, course offerings are subject to change and will be offered depending on student interest.
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