The Tarpon Springs Leadership and Music Conservatory is a nationally recognized pilot program that provides an integrated, seamless curriculum in academics, instrumental music, technology, and leadership skills. The Conservatory program strives for excellence within each of its members and in every aspect of its curriculum.

This program is open to all Pinellas County Schools students who wish to participate, subject to current school assignment procedures. Each conservatory student is required to perform in at least two performance ensembles, participate in our annual solo and ensemble festival, complete a senior project and enroll in a leadership course. The leadership course will focus on problem solving, responsibility, self-directed learning, effective communication, and collaborative team work.

The study of music contributes to the quality of every student’s life in important ways. Every musical work is a product of its time and place; however, some works transcend their original settings and continue to appeal to us through their timeless and universal attraction.

Through singing, composing and playing instruments, students can express themselves creatively.
Knowledge of notation and performance traditions enables them to learn new music independently throughout their lives. Skills in analysis, evaluation, and synthesis are important because they enable students to recognize and pursue excellence in their musical experiences and to understand and enrich their environment.

Because music is an integral part of history, the ability to listen with understanding is essential if students are to gain a broad cultural and historical perspective. The adult life of every student is enriched by the skills, knowledge, and habits acquired.

Every course in music, including our performance courses, provides instruction in creating, performing, listening to and analyzing music, with a focus on music appreciation.

The Tarpon Springs Leadership and Music Conservatory Offers:

4x4 Class Scheduling: Classes are scheduled for 87 minute blocks of time. Students are scheduled for 4 classes each day with a year long course completed in a semester. Therefore, students can earn up to 8 credits each year.

A Small Learning Community brings a unique and innovative educational community of educators in math, language arts, science, music, and social studies that instruct conservatory students through their four years of school. These teachers collaborate and focus solely and the development of each conservatory student.

All Aspects of Music are Taught, including composition, improvisation, history and music theory. Panels of professional music critics will evaluate solo and ensemble performances. In addition, students will use a state-of-the-art technology lab to assist in their studies and composing efforts.

As Students Enter the Ninth Grade, they begin in the conservatory by taking a leadership course with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens as the textbook.

Students learn to pay Attention to detail, focus, manage time, express themselves, think creatively, solve problems and set personal improvement goals.

Teachers focus on raising students’ test scores including college-entry exams and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Interview Skills: Conservatory students are coached and taught skills for a successful interview process.

Scholarships: Students are afforded the opportunity to be selected for exclusive scholarships available only to Tarpon Springs High School students.

Master Classes are taught by professional musicians and conductors from such presigious institutions as the Florida Orchestra and the University of South Florida that provide our students with a master class setting once a week. Not only do these accomplished musicians share their expertise with our music students, they also serve as a positive mentors and powerful role models.

Please contact us for information about becoming a Conservatory student or volunteer!