CURRICULUM DESCRIPTIONS
(PLEASE NOTE: not all classes are available every semester)
BANJO & MORE Students will learn and apply the following material: recognize basic musical symbols; identify notes on a musical staff; locate fret board positions for notes; create clear, resonate tones; learn simple chord formats; learn basic roll/picking patterns; read & play basic lines of music and tablature; begin gaining confidence that comes from playing with and for others. Class may include additional instruments and accompanists to help develop ensemble playing skills. This class is most appropriate for students with little or no experience, or who want to re-connect with the instrument.
CREATE & PERFORM (C&P) By invitation/approval of instructor. Most appropriate for students who’ve competed multiple semesters on a primary instrument and can demonstrate performance-level group playing skills and solid knowledge of basic music theory.
DRUMS, BEGINNER Students will familiarize themselves with the anatomy of a standard drum kit, proper form and will learn to read basic drum notation. Students will learn drum discipline, explore rhythms through the use of hand drums as well as a kit, and will begin gaining confidence that comes from playing with other students and other instruments. This class is most appropriate for students grades 4-12 with little or no experience, or who want to re-connect with the instrument.
ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC This weekly program provides children and young adults living with disabilities the opportunity to experience music in various forms in a supportive, fun, social environment: singing, playing, creating & performing. NOTE: This is not a music therapy program. We do our best to accommodate all families who wish to participate, however certain specialized instructor skills & qualifications may not be available.
GUITAR, BEGINNER Students will learn and apply the following material: recognize basic musical symbols; identify notes on a musical staff; locate fret board positions for notes; create clear, resonate tones; learn simple chord formats; read & play basic lines of music; begin gaining confidence that comes from playing with and for others. This class is most appropriate for students grades 4-12 with little or no experience, or who want to re-connect with the instrument.
GUITAR, CONTINUING I Most appropriate for students grades 4-12 who’ve completed our full-year Beginner 1 curriculum, or who’ve been playing their instrument for 1-2 years, and understand musical symbols, read basic lines music and want to gain deeper understanding of their instrument. Curriculum introduces more advanced material and playing techniques, with increasing focus on tone and playing discipline.
GUITAR, CONTINUING II Most appropriate for students grades 6-12 who’ve completed our Guitar Continuing I curriculum or who’ve been playing their instrument for 2-3 years, and understand everything from Guitar Beginner and Guitar Continuing I. Students will review specific guitar skills from the Continuing I level, including finger style guitar, strumming patterns and picking techniques, Improvisational skills will be developed as students study a variety of scales and modes. Students will also gain an understanding of chord shapes while learning basic music theory.
HORNS, BEGINNER Students will learn and apply the following material: recognize basic musical symbols; identify notes on a musical staff and locate note finger positions on their instrument; create clear, resonate tones; read & play basic lines of music; learn the techniques of maintaining their instrument; learn basic ear training concepts; begin gaining confidence that comes from playing with and for others.
KEYBOARD, BEGINNER Students will learn and apply the following material: basics of fingering; reading & playing notes; chords; sharps & flats; rhythms; tempo & improvisation. Students will be given the opportunity to create a song and will gain the confidence that comes from playing with and for others. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING HEADPHONES. Most appropriate for students with little or no experience, or who want to re-connect with the instrument.
KEYBOARD, CONTINUING Most appropriate for students grades 4-12 who’ve completed our Beginner curriculum, or similar. Curriculum will include note reading, theory and chording harmonies. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING HEADPHONES.
RECORDING LAB A weekly hands-on class that explores the Pro Logic 11 digital audio workstation (DAW). Students will be required to participate as both artist and engineer. GRADES 7-12 ONLY - BASIC MUSIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED (any instrument).
UKULELE FOR THIS CLASS ONLY, students ages 7 and up. Students will learn basic chords and notes on the ukulele, and gain experience playing with and for others. STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN INSTRUMENT TO CLASS.
VIOLIN/FIDDLE Students will learn to recognize basic musical symbols; identify notes on a musical staff; locate finger positions on fret board; create clear, resonate tones; play basic lines of music and simple songs; be introduced to proper bowing techniques. Most appropriate for students with little or no experience, or who want to re-connect with the instrument.
VOICE & VOCAL CONDITIONING Segments include Vocal & Ear Training, Vocal Conditioning and more advanced Vocal Power & Performance. Instructor will help determine most appropriate class for each student. In addition to physical conditioning & technical exercises, students will begin gaining confidence that comes from singing with and for others. AGES 12 and up, or with prior instructor approval.