RiverArts Music Program
GROUP LESSONS: Descriptions and Payment
If you are paying for Group Lessons but have not filled out a Registration Form yet, please click here and fill that out first.
If you have not paid a Registration Fee for the 2011-2012 year or you are not currently a RiverArts Member, please first pay those fees here.
We are pleased to be offering seven group classes this Winter and Spring. These offerings will change each semester, so check back often.
Children's Chorus for Hansel & Gretel | Cello Class | Guitar Ensemble | Jazz Ensemble | Middle Eastern Drumming | Percussion Ensemble | Fundamental Skills for Growing Musicians |
CHILDREN'S CHORUS FOR HANSEL & GRETEL / FUNDAMENTALS OF VOCAL PERFORMANCE
This Fundamentals of Vocal Performance class will teach basic performing skills for the vocalist and culminate with four performances as the RiverArts Children?s Chorus in the Bronx Opera?s English language production of the opera Hansel and Gretel. Topics covered will include a basic introduction to opera, acting and movement for the singing actor, working as part of a large ensemble of professionals, and how to perform in an opera chorus.
The Bronx Opera has been producing English language professional productions for 45 years. We are delighted to begin this close association with them and to offer this special opportunity for children of the Rivertowns. The class will mainly be for students in 4th through 6th grades, although children outside of that age range may be considered. Admission is by audition only and will be held in January.
There will be 11 45 minute classes in Hastings or Dobbs Ferry (TBD) beginning in February, plus a week of rehearsals at Lehman College in the Bronx (15 minutes from the Rivertowns)(May 4 eve, 5 day, eves of 7, 8, 9, and 10), two performances at Lehman College (May 11 eve and 12 eve) and two performances at Hofstra University on Long Island (May 18 eve and 19 day). Attendance at the Bronx rehearsals and all four performances is mandatory.
Tuition: $300
Instructor: Doug Marouk-Coe, and ? during the final week ? the staff of the Bronx Opera Company (for more information email Doug at MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
Group cello class has been offered as part of the RiverArts Music Program for more than 12 years. It focuses on all aspects of being a musician including playing with others, performing as a soloist, learning to listen, comprehensive technique, sight reading, music theory, self esteem and respect for others. Students have the opportunity to perform pieces they are working on and several ensemble pieces are prepared for the final recital. New groups are formed each year, and each one has variances in level, age and ability; the students all have different strengths and weaknesses and the instructor ensures that the atmosphere is always supportive and everyone floats to the top of who they can be. These groups are appropriate for students studying Suzuki and all other traditional methods.
These classes will meet for nine one hour sessions on Tuesdays.
Tuition: $225
Instructor: Teresa Kubiak (for more information on Teresa?s approach to group classes, see her website: http://teresacello.com/teaching.cfm)
The RiverArts Guitar Ensemble is designed to teach students how to play and phrase stylistically as a unit, just as horn or reed sections do. Some basic Classical pieces will be included, as well as Funk, Jazz, Blues, Brazilian & some Rock & Pop pieces. Original songs will be welcomed, as long as they are written out.
All players will learn how to:
• Play bass lines
• Comp accordingly in several styles
• Solo
• Improve sight reading skills
• Play together as a section
This ensemble is for intermediate to advanced students who must be able to read music in (at least) first position. In addition, students should know basic chords and some bar chords. It would also be helpful to have knowledge of a few scales (i.e. Major & Pentatonic).
Classes will meet for twelve one-hour sessions on Tuesdays. Specific days and times TBD.
Tuition: $300
Instructor: Brian Conigliaro http://www.BrianConigliaro.com (for more information please call Brian at 917-750-4932 or email HUWproductions@gmail.com or MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
The RiverArts Student Jazz Ensemble began in the summer of 2011. Music includes well-known pop, funk and jazz standards. Improvisation will be explained and practiced together. Students are guided and coached through various improvisatory techniques. Performance opportunities will be provided. In the Summer of 2011 the group performed as an opening act at the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Jazz concerts. Space is limited and admission is by audition only (in September) to ensure a balanced ensemble. New students to the group are encouraged to join!
Basic requirements for the ensemble are:
• Basic knowledge of scales
• Ability to read basic music notation
• Basic knowledge of chord symbols
The group will meet for 12 one hour sessions on a weekly basis during the Fall Semester. Specific days and times TBD based upon participants? schedules.
Tuition: $375
Instructors: Ron Vincent & Nancy Kennedy (for more information please call Ensemble leader, Ron Vincent, at 914.674.9812 or email MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
The Middle Eastern Drumming Class is an expansion on what percussion students of Barbara Allen have enjoyed for many years. In addition to standard drumming instruction, each year she focuses upon a different world drumming tradition with her students. We are delighted to be able to offer this to wider participation. No previous knowledge or experience required.
Come learn the bright and lively drums and rhythms of Israel, Egypt, Turkey and the Balkans. Instruments will include the dumbek (goblet shaped drum played with the fingers), riq (middle eastern tambourine), and frame drum (a hand held hoop drum). Together these drums form a beautiful orchestra, even with just one person on each drum. We will Study iq'at, the rhythmic modes of Arabic music, that unite these 3 drums.
Class will meet for four one hour sessions, dates and times to be determined.
Tuition: $100
Instuctor: Barbara Allen (for more information email Barbara at Barbara@aquarianmusic.com or MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
The Percussion Ensemble is a group class open to anyone who wants to drum. Students will learn to play rhythms from Brazil, Cuba, Africa and America. Instruments will include: conga drums, bongos, pandeiro, cuica, frame drum as well as hand held percussion instruments like claves, shakers, maracas, cowbells, etc. Space is limited and admission is by (gentle) audition only, in September, to ensure a balanced ensemble.
Knowledge of percussion is not a requirement. Students should, however, be able to read basic music notation.
The group will meet for 10 one hour sessions on a weekly basis during the Fall Semester. Specific days and times TBD based upon participants? schedules.
Tuition: $375
Instructor: Ron Vincent (for more information please call Ensemble leader, Ron Vincent, at 914.674.9812 or email MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS FOR GROWING MUSICIANS
The Fundamental Skills Class will teach essential skills needed for any musical pursuit, be it instrumental or vocal. It is designed for students in grades K-4 who are already taking private lessons or for those who are getting ready to start lessons. Learning will be experiential and fun, using games, songs, and movement to anchor the concepts taught. Skills introduced and enhanced will include ear training, rhythmic development, sight-reading and music theory. Scales, chords, and intervals will all be played with and discussed. For those who have not yet begun to study privately the class will provide a jump-start on their musical knowledge. For those already studying voice or another instrument, these skills will enhance and augment what the student is learning in their private lessons, and provide increased knowledge and insight into what music is and how it works. For those who play an instrument there will be opportunities to apply what the student is learning to their own instruments, although no specific instrumental instruction will be part of the class.
There will be 8 45-minute sessions on Thursdays beginning in October. Specific hour of class to be determined.
Tuition: $150
Instructor: Carol Flamm-Reingold (for more information email Carol at cflamm@pobox.com or MusicProgram@RiverArts.org)
Questions?
Call or email:
Doug Marouk-Coe, Director of Music Program
MusicProgram@riverarts.org
914-412-5103
Register for Lessons
If you have not already done so, please fill out a registration form [here]
Pay for Hansel & Gretel
Pay for Cello Class:
Pay for Guitar Ensemble:
Pay for Jazz Ensemble:
Pay for Middle Eastern Drumming:
Pay for Percussion Ensemble
Pay for Fundamental Skills