Music After School Course Descriptions

Guitar - Beginners
If you are just getting started with the guitar this is the class for you. We will cover guitar fundamentals like: open chords, basic scale shapes, improvisation, and playing the blues. The instructor will be choosing some of the songs to work on, but you will have a chance to request your favorite songs, too.

Guitar - Intermediate & Advanced
This class will give you the tools to find your own playing style. We’ll cover the modes of the major scale, extended chords, right-hand and rhythm guitar techniques, and reading music on the guitar. 

Bass - Beginners
The bass is the foundation of the band! This class will focus on the fundamentals that every bass guitarist should have: a variety of grooves/rhythm feels, scales, right-hand techniques (fingerstyle, slap bass, pick playing), analyzing and playing some songs of your choice, and “pocketing” with your drummer. Join us, and learn to be a strong foundation for your band. 

Bass - Intermediate & Advanced
This class is designed for students who already have some proficiency on the electric bass. The class will focus on concepts such as: chord/scale relationships and advanced rhythm concepts in Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and Latin music. To better understand a bassist’s function in the ensemble, we will play as a group and you will also get frequent opportunities to play duo with a drummer. Guided by your musical interests, we will choose songs and concepts as a group. 

Drums
This course will be built around the music you want to make and the skills you need to take your playing to the next level. All levels will receive technique and rudiment instruction in addition to developing new grooves and fills. You will construct your own warm-up routine, set practice goals, and listen to recordings for inspiration. I will help you get the sound you want, develop your “feel,” support a band, and improvise. Reading basic figures and charts is helpful but not essential. Open to all levels. 

Keyboard 
These lessons offer a stress-free environment for anyone who wants to learn or improve their songwriting, jazz and pop theory, accompaniment skills, sight reading, technique, or expand their repertoire. Material ranges from basic studies, like scales and etudes, to Jazz standards and Pop songs. Regular practice between lessons is expected. Open to students with a range of experience from those new to piano to those with previous training. 

Voice 
Learn to explore your range and shape your sound through this vocal technique class. Students will learn the mechanics of singing: how sounds are produced and how to open the voice for greater expression. Students will learn about harmonizing, resonance, color, and breath. In this fun and engaging class we will work on songs as a group that lend themselves to vocal exploration. Open to all levels.

Trombone
Take your skills to the next level with trombone lessons. Students of all levels are welcome to join this class, which covers technique, ear training, scales, and harmonization techniques.

Violin
Take violin lessons to improve your skills and master your instrument. Musical repertoire covers all periods from baroque to contemporary music. Add some scales and exercises for solidifying posture. Study left hand and bow technique. You’ll get a say in what to work on and determine your own pace to create a fun, friendly, and challenging experience in the universe of the violin. Open to all levels.

Songwriter’s Workshop
Dive into the art of songwriting. All students of all musical abilities are welcome to join this supportive and interactive songwriting group. We will cover the basics of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics, and complete several writing assignments that will be shared within the group. The class culminates with a demo recording of your song.

Digital Music Production with Ableton Live
This class is for anyone interested in learning how to use Ableton Live to create original music. It is structured to meet every student’s individual ability level and will be helpful for beginners and advanced students alike. This class is for Ableton Live only, and other DAWs will not be covered in this course. YOU MUST PURCHASE/OWN A COPY OF ABLETON LIVE TO TAKE THIS COURSE. A 50% discount on the software is available from Ableton to all students, and this software must be purchased before the first class meeting.