Portland State University's School of Fine and Performing Arts offers 13 undergraduate and graduate degrees through the Department of Music. Degree options range from a bachelor of music in jazz studies to a master of music in performance or conducting. All degree programs require an audition before admission. Areas of study can include bassoon, classical guitar, flute, harp, percussion, piano, viola and voice. The department offers special programs in opera, concert outreach and coordinated movement.
The Sound Roots School of Modern Music offers classes for children and adults. The school provides individual lessons in a variety of instruments, including piano, saxophone, cello, violin, ukulele, trumpet, clarinet and upright bass. Group lessons are limited to 15 participants. Classes for kids include Rookie Rock, modern music for parents, and kids ages 0 to 3; Junior Jams, musical instruction for kids ages 3 to 5; and a variety of 10-week-long classes for kids ages 5 and older, such as how to choose an instrument, introductory piano and violin basics. Sound Roots School also offers summer band camps for ages 6 to 14 that conclude with live performances. Adult offerings include the art of improv and rock camps.
The Forte Music School offers group and individual instruction for children. Classes range from the contemporary, such as working with digital recording equipment, to the traditional, with a focus on techniques such as sight-reading, theory and musicianship. Children ages 18 months to 3 years can attend Kindermusik with their parents, and kids from 4 to 5 can attend the core music skills group classes that teach fundamentals such as rhythm and pitch. One-on-one lessons include instruments such as piano, violin, cello, drums and guitar as well as voice. Special class offerings include the Broadway preparatory school for kids who love to perform, the rock band class and the garage band class.
The Cadenza Academy offers personalized instruction for experienced and beginning musicians. Lessons can include listening skills, composition, rhythm, improvisation, theory and history, and all incorporate the use of electronic music technology. Instruction is available in guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion, trombone, voice, music production, home recording and songwriting. The Cadenza Academy also provides coached rehearsals for bands and assistance with activities such as preparing for gigs, recording, demos, promos and dealing with the business side of music.