Arts: Music   

Playing the harmonica can bring joy to you, to other musicians with whom you play, and to those who enjoy listening to music. In class, we’ll listen to recordings to become familiar with the typical chord progressions one hears when listening to the blues. Then we’ll improvise harmonica “riffs” (strings of notes that sound good) that complement them. We will let our ears guide us, playing the notes that our hearts and gut-sense tell us will sound right. We will not be reading music or expecting to ever play a given song in exactly the same way twice. As with any skill, it takes practice to be a good harmonica player, so you will be expected to practice on your own between classes. The instructor will direct you to recordings and online resources that provide background music with which to practice. (Having access to a CD player, the internet, and a computer with speakers will be essential.) 

NOTE: A $15 fee is due at the first class meeting for materials. The instructor will provide each student with two “Blues Band” harmonicas in different keys, printed materials, and audio recordings. Each class session builds on the one before, so it is important that students attend all sessions. Students that know in advance that they will miss a class are asked to take the class during another term.

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the guitar well enough to play for your own enjoyment? Did you get a guitar and take a few lessons, but put it away, intending to pick it up again someday? Do you have a guitar somewhere, or can you find one to use for eight weeks? If so, this introductory guitar course may be for you. Unlike other instruments, you can begin to create pleasing music with the guitar within a few weeks. The class will introduce a variety of guitar-playing styles and techniques. Sessions will consist of lectures and demonstrations, followed by group practice. Each student will have the opportunity to practice individually with guidance from the instructor. Students will need to provide their own guitars and be willing to spend some time at home between sessions reviewing the skills introduced. A 40-page course study guide will be emailed to each student for downloading or printing, or students may choose to purchase a bound copy for around $10.00. 

NOTE: No prior musical knowledge is required to enroll in the course. Students must be willing to keep their fingernails cut short on their left hand in order to be able to play the guitar effectively.

Probably every choral singer in this country, as well as in many others, knows the choral music of the contemporary English composer, John Rutter. We will examine some of his most popular carols and sacred anthems, as well as listen to his “Gloria,” “Requiem,” and “Magnificat.” We’ll take a peek at his music in other genres as well. This will primarily be a lecture course, using PowerPoint and YouTube. No previous experience is necessary.