Class Descriptions

Accompanying – Every pianist will be asked to be an accompanist, whether in church or in school. Good accompanying skills are vital. This class will teach the tools necessary to become a good accompanist. Instructor—Dr. Vedrana Subotic

Arts and Crafts*—This class will provide students with an opportunity express themselves artistically apart from music.  Materials will be available for students to create an artistic representation of music using poetry, paint, crayons, colored pencils, or pastels.  In addition, several craft projects will be offered for those wishing to participate.  There will be a small materials fee for this class. Instructor—Julie Fleming

Composition — In his class Jon Schmidt will teach simple song writing using chord progressions and simple left hand accompaniments. By the time the class is over, the students will have composed their very own music. Instructor—Jon Schmidt

Creative Movement*—Movement classes will allow students to hear music with their whole bodies and help them to further develop coordination and confidence in moving. Classes will encourage imagination, exploration, creative problem solving, and self-expression inside a community. Creative dance will give students a chance to play and improvise with an instrument we all use every day—our bodies. Instructor—Kristine Butler Ward

Memorization Techniques —This class will cover important techniques for memorizing pieces. It is important for musicians to be able to memorize pieces quickly and easily. Students will be asked to memorize assigned literature using the techniques taught. Instructor—Janet Buhler

Rhythm in the Bones—Rhythm in the Bones will be based on afro-latin and afro-brazilian rhythms. Clave will be the main focus. Students will be taught basic drumming techniques as well as stepping and vocalizing rhythms. Instructor—Pepe Danza, a long time favorite at past institutes and we are excited to have him back.

Sight Reading—This class will teach the tools to become a good sight reader including rhythm, key signatures, harmonies and more. Instructor—Vedrana Subotic

Suzuki Early Childhood—This multi-age level class is intended for children  and their parents to participate in music based activities that encourage learning. Listening is introduced through use of the CD Lullabies, Action Songs and Rhymes compiled by Suzuki ECE founder Dorothy Jones.  Traditional rhymes and songs are practiced as groundwork to assist children to grow musically and socially. The Suzuki concept of "natural learning" is the basis for the parent to be the child's first and most encouraging teacher. Instructor—Maria Baldwin

*The Arts and Crafts and Creative Movement classes can be added to the schedule for $60/student.