2009 Class Descriptions
Fall classes start the week of September 14, 2009.
Call us at 412-269-0846 for more information or to register.
For Kids:
Classes are fun, effective and incredibly rewarding! Kids learn from each other. They get experience in ensemble playing, and they have to keep up with their assignments to keep up with their peers. Your child will make friends, have fun, memorable experiences, and gain skills for a lifetime.
Ukulele Classes for Kids - (Ages 5-7)
If your child is showing an interest in music at a young age, ukulele is the perfect way to start! Developmentally, children have a tough time with guitar up until the age of 7 or 8. It requires physical coordination and spatial thinking that their brains are simply not wired for yet. But, as you know, that doesn't mean they can't learn!
Uke lessons - Give kids fun music to play right away - Provide them with a foundation in rhythm - Teach the left hand fingering coordinations - Involves the parents in their learning - Are a fun, memorable group experience - Are cute as all get out! :) - Will be something they will have for a lifetime
Kid's Guitar I - (Ages 8-12) Two 12 week sessions per year
The first year class covers basics of chords and rhythm and beginning tab/note reading. Kids will learn several songs and will do a short performance for parents on the last class.
Kid's Guitar II - (Ages 8-12) Two 12 week sessions per year
Continuing chord and rhythm studies, more advanced songs and ensemble playing. Beginning note reading. Kids will learn several songs and will do a short performance for parents on the last class.
For Adults:
Adults Beginning Guitar - Offered Monthly (depending on enrollment)
Basics of chords and rhythm. Easy songs and ensemble playing including melodies and bass lines. Introductory theory. Learn music you want and tons of tips and techniques to reduce your struggles and frustrations. Everyone can learn if they have the desire and the right instruction.
"Fearless Musician" Applied Performance Workshops
There aren't many people who will tell you this - but I bet anyone who has ever been thrown onto a stage with little preparation other than practicing their instrument knows instinctively that something's missing... and if you have witnessed this from the audience, you've felt it too.
That's because playing and performing are 2 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT skill sets! And many performers, even those who have been playing for years, never truly grasp the power of this concept.
Whatever our "thing" is, we need to learn to connect and communicate from the stage. Some very talented and fortunate people DO learn by "just doing it" - that traditional baptism of fire that people will tell you you need to go through. But most of us need tools and techniques, informed, honest and constructive feedback and lots of rehearsal if we want to be the best we can be.
Over the past couple of years, I have studied with some of the top professionals in the country. I've integrated this information into my private lessons and now I want to share it on a larger scale. The material draws partly from Tom Jackson's video series "All Roads Lead to the Stage" (which I strongly encourage you to buy!), and part from Master Classical Teacher Scott Kritzer's "Performance Anxiety Rehabilitation Workshop".
Six different topics will be offered on a rotating basis throughout the year. Each time you come you will gain more skill and see real improvement. Benefit from constructive feedback and learn while you watch your fellow performers transform their songs, instrumental pieces, and shows. Each workshop will be part instructional but mostly practical (meaning, be ready with something to perform, no matter how simple!)
These workshops are for - Anyone who wants to conquer performance anxiety. - Musicians who want to make "magic" happen more frequently and predictably. - Performers who want to advance to the next level of professionalism. - Students of any instrument who want to learn onstage skills. - Performers who want to build a loyal, excited fan base and make more money through their merchandise and product sales.
Groups will be kept small. We have a fun,supportive environment. All instruments/skill levels welcome. Ask about discounts for current students.