| Wed, Apr 9 - May 14 |
-
Banjo
Beginning: For beginners and those with a bit of experience. We’ll start with right-hand technique and chords. The goal will be to learn a handful of melodies. Learning by ear will be stressed, but handouts of banjo tab will also be available. Continuing: For clawhammer banjo players who can already play at least a handful of tunes and who are looking to learn more in G, G modal, and double C tuning. We will focus on the right hand technique as well so that you can get the best sound that you can. Note: Students must bring their own banjo. -
Everyone Can Sing: Musical Theater
Discover your singing voice in a fun group setting by learning the basics of healthy vocal technique. Get the tools you need to understand how your instrument works and how to use it properly. Learn how to warm up your voice, match pitch, use proper breath management, and maintain a consistent vocal tone. We’ll practice a variety of songs in the musical theater canon and leave time for personal attention. Our instructor believes that everyone can sing—even you. -
Guitar
Beginning: Learn the basics of guitar in a fun, supportive group environment with a talented and passionate instructor. Acquire the tools you need to play songs with the group or to continue learning on your own. All you need is a guitar and one or two hours a week to practice. This class is for absolute beginners only. Advanced Beginning: For those who have had a few lessons and can play a handful of chords but need help with switching faster. We will work up to playing in all of the keys usually played on guitar and will try to tackle the dreaded F chord. We’ll also work on playing together as a group. Continuing: For anyone who has been playing guitar for a while, continue learning and playing. We will focus on developing stronger musical skills through playing individually and with the group. Please note: Students must bring their own guitar. -
Harmonica
A harmonica is like a party in your pocket! Learn to play your favorite tunes and blues riffs on this simple, take-anywhere instrument under the direction of an enthusiastic and experienced instructor. Beginning: Cover basic skills, including positioning the harmonica properly in your mouth, hand techniques, breath control, and fundamental chords. Bring a C diatonic harmonica (not chromatic). Continuing: Learn draw bends, blow bends, tongue block, and pursing methods to move more fluidly around your instrument. We will work toward building solos that reflect your style and play octaves, chords, and warbles, among other in-depth techniques. -
Improv: The Art of Thinking on Your Feet
Explore unique performance techniques that encourage you to trust your intuition and build confidence in public settings. Improvisational performance takes shape with little to no advanced planning. Learn its fundamental principles while easing into a variety of exercises designed to develop and enhance communication skills. Experience Playback Improv when true-life stories are transformed into on-the-spot performances. As your creativity grows and fears diminish, you’ll be surprised by the dynamic choices you make. New and returning students welcome. -
Ukulele
Beginning: Starting with tuning and holding your ukulele, learn the basics quickly and start playing songs you love right away. Simple chords will have you sounding great after just one class. Soon, you’ll have a repertoire of popular songs from many genres. For absolute beginners only. Includes a book of music. Continuing: Keep building your chord vocabulary, including barre chords, while we strum rhythms across a variety of genres and enhance your strumming with cool percussive techniques. We’ll practice switching chords more quickly and also explore fingerstyle uke with tablature for plucking cool rhythmic patterns and some recognizable riffs and melodies. For those with some experience who are comfortable strumming up and down. -
West African Hand Drumming
Explore djembe, a goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Learn techniques to make basic drum sounds—bass, tone, and slap—to create rhythms integral to West African culture. All levels are welcome.
