Please select from one of the courses to the left or scroll down to browse all course offerings.

 Private Lessons

The Community Music School offers private instruction in a variety of instruments to students age 3 through adult. A one-on-one relationship with a teacher and consistent practice helps students become proficient in their instruments. A variety of performance opportunities are available to enhance students' musical educations. Lessons are available in the following instrument and vocal areas:

Violin

Viola

Cello

Piano

Guitar

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Trombone

Trumpet

Saxophone

Voice

Percussion

 Suzuki Lessons

Over fifty years ago, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese musician and educator applied the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music. He called his method the mother-tongue approach.  The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement and constant repetition are some of the special features of the Suzuki method. Parents attend lessons with the child and serve as "home teachers" during the week. In addition to the weekly private lesson, children and parents will attend a group class where they will play games to reinforce musical and technical issues with the instrument. No prior musical experience is needed on the part of the parent or the child.

New to the CMS program is Suzuki Piano Beginnings

This three-year piano sequence will be an introduction to technique and musicianship on the piano. It also will emphasize the building of good pitch and rhythm with the use of games and other enjoyable activities.

 MusicPlay

Director: Peggy Bennett, Professor of Music Education
Session dates: Tuesdays, September through December and February through May.
Session times: 5-5:45 p.m. and 6-6:45 p.m.
Tuition: $60 per semester

MusicPlay, a program for children ages 3 to 5, introduces a variety of musical concepts through singing, moving, listening, describing, analyzing, and creating. Important social skills such as listening and sharing are developed in a nurturing environment. Classes are limited to 12 students.

Parents will observe MusicPlay classes, which are taught by Bennett and Conservatory music-education students, and learn techniques for musical interaction that can be used at home or in a child-care setting.

 Piano Lab - Cancelled for 2008-09 Semester!

Director: Andrea McAlister, Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy
Session dates: Mondays, September through December and February through May.
Session times: 5:15-6 p.m.
Tuition: $240 per semester

Piano Lab is a two-year program of group and private piano study for children ages 7 to 9. It provides a thorough introduction to music making at the piano through weekly group and individual learning activities.

Classes and private lessons are taught by the instructor and Conservatory student pianists and include games, informal prepared and improvised performances, reading and rhythm activities, and physical motion.

Readiness assessments for prospective beginning students are conducted in the spring for fall placement. To schedule an assessment appointment, call 440-775-5530 or submit the online registration application.

 String Preparatory Program

Director: Joanne Erwin, Professor of Music Education
Session dates: Thursdays, September through December and February through May.
Session time: 5:30 p.m.
Tuition: $100 per semester

The String Preparatory Program provides group and private instruction for the beginning, elementary-school-aged string player. The program is designed to enrich playing experiences for the beginning string player. Classes are taught by Erwin and Conservatory students.

Instruments are available for rental through area music stores or for loan upon completion of a financial-need application.

Music Theory for High School Students

Instructor: Carla Colletti, Visiting Professor of Music Theory
Session dates: Mondays, September 8 - December 8

Session time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bibbins Room 237
Tuition: $169 per semester for Community Music School students; $208 per semester for non-Community Music School students

Fundamentals of Music Theory will introduce the high-school student to the foundations of music theory. For those interested in making music their career, this course will include basic theory needed for a college entrance theory exam.

Introduction to Singing

Instructor: Gerald Crawford
Session dates: Wednesdays, January 14 - Apri 1 (No class March 25)

Session time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. New Union Center for the Arts, Room 330
Tuition: $80

This 10-week class will be an introduction to the fundamentals of Classical singing. It will include voice technique, lyric diction, diction and musical skills. No prior experience is necessary; however, a short audition will be required.

For anyone age 16 and older. Access to a piano or electric keyboard is strongly encouraged. Minimum enrollment to hold class is five students.

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