Alternative Learning Schedule
We realize that many of you are not on a traditional schedule...we understand; we're musicians after all. Whether you're homeschooling or beginning a new chapter, we have available sessions for musicians of all ages. We have lots of ideas and are always excited to facilitate group lessons (see samples below). Do you have an idea for a class that's not currently being offered? Please let us know. *We will launch any group with a minimum of 3 people!
Marimba Ensemble: Students will explore the vibrant music of Africa on the marimba (a large xylophone). Musicians will learn to understand how rhythms and melodies combine to create a colorful and exciting band sound. In addition to reading standard notation (quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes/rests), players will come to recognize rhythmic and harmonic patterns, basic chord structure, poly-rhythms and group arrangement. We will discuss the cultural roots of the music and students will come to understand the rhythmic complexities of both traditional and contemporary African sounds.
Homeschool Program: This is our longest running homeschool band! In this on-going class, students study, play and perform rock, country, blues, folk and world music, connecting basic concepts and fundamentals (rhythm/pitch/reading methods) to several different instruments. Musicians will work towards proficiency and ensemble performance on marimba, guitar, bass and the drum kit. We will listen to and discuss different genres (i.e. African and American music), noticing key aspects such as instrumentation, tone color, cultural/historic significance and rhythmic structure as well as melody and harmony. The ensemble has most recently been learning the music of The Beatles, Nirvana, David Bowie, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Led Zeppelin.
Guitar Group: Musicians learn the fundamentals of guitar: rhythm and lead techniques, building chords, reading five-line staff as well as tablature and utilizing both traditional and popular songs to understand how music is structured and presented. This class offering will prepare students to perform material together as bands, small ensembles (duos, trios, etc.) and various combos (i.e. cello and guitar). Eventually, musicians will learn the skills to compose and write their own songs.
