In this class, we will focus on fun and easy beginner elements to get started playing on the guitar with songs from various styles and student favorites!Guitars can also be rented from The Tuning Fork or Tiller Strings in Harrisonburg, VA. 

Instructor: Ben Scott

Monday evenings | 6:30-7:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 10-Apr. 21

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 10-Mar. 10

2nd Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Mar. 24-Apr. 21

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 17th)

Guitar classes for intermediates will go over important skills on guitar including correct strumming, picking, and chord shapes. Intermediate class content is built off of student song requests and other enjoyable musical selections! Guitars can also be rented from The Tuning Fork or Tiller Strings in Harrisonburg, VA. 

Instructor: Ben Scott

Monday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 10-Apr. 21

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 10-Mar. 10

2nd Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Mar. 24-Apr. 21

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 17th)

Open to precollege students grades 1-12. It's a perfect supplement for those who take instrumental lessons but want to have more focused lessons on music theory.

Participants will learn music theory through ear-training and games and become experts at sight-singing and sight-reading on piano. These classes also prepare students to pass the Virginia State Music Theory Test.

Instructor: Linlin Uta

Saturday mornings | 9:00-9:50am

Course Dates (7 weeks): January 25-March 8th

Class registration fee: $218.00

VMTA Test Date: March 15th

Music is everything—it's the ultimate storyteller, expressing emotions, life experiences, and even a touch of faith. Let's dive into the lives and styles of composers to uncover the hidden messages in their works. After all, their music might just spill some juicy secrets—like a good gossip session! Oops! Join us this semester as we unravel the fascinating tales of Bach and Mozart. You never know what we might discover!

For anyone who has ever wondered about the inspirations for classical composers and their famous compositions, this class is perfect for you! This class will be a combination of music theory and musicology.

Instructor: Linlin Uta

Thursday evenings | 7:10-8:00pm

Course Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13

Join us on an exciting journey to explore the DNA of music through the lenses of classical and pop genres!

Just as blood cells are essential to our bodies, intervals and scales are fundamental to music, while chords form the very core of its DNA.

By the end of our time together, you'll not only gain a fresh perspective on music but also have the opportunity to compose your own piece at the conclusion of each five-week session. Let's embark on this creative adventure together!

Beginner 1 will be the first 5 weeks, Beginner 2 will be the second 5 weeks.

Instructor: Linlin Uta

Monday evenings | 7:00-7:50pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24

1st Half Session Dates - Beginner 1 (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13

2nd Half Sessions Dates - Beginner 2 (5 Weeks): March 27-April 24

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 18th).

In this class, we will focus on fun and easy beginner elements to get started playing at the piano with pop songs, chording, and student favorites!

Instructor: Natalie Doughty

Friday afternoons | 12:00-12:50pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 14-April 25

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 14-March 14

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 28-April 25

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 21st).

Get back into the fun of playing the piano in a friendly group setting! Intermediate class content is built off of student song requests, pop songs, and other enjoyable musical selections!

Instructor: Natalie Doughty

Friday afternoons | 1:00-1:50pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 14-April 25

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 14-March 14

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 28-April 25

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 21st).

This class will help participants learn a Pop Piano Approach. Content will focus on reading leadsheets and chords, improvisation, and discussion and exploration of music that students are currently listening to. As part of this class, students will explore interpretations of lyrics, melody, and basic pop style. They will also have the opportunity to write and share their own song (if they wish). No experience is necessary. This class is also a great option for beginning teens. 

Instructor: Natalie Doughty

Tuesday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 11-April 222

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 11-March 11

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 25-April 22

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 18th).

Everyone can sing! Would you like to improve your singing voice in a fun and safe environment? This Beginning Level Group Singing Class will concentrate on some of the basic lessons of singing (breathing, phonation, articulation, and resonance) and how these make up the whole of each person's individual sound. Using easy vocal exercises, commonly known songs, and some suitable songs suggested by the participants, we will feature learning in a positive environment while highlighting good vocal practices and better breathing.

Instructor: Denise Schulz

Would you like to improve your singing ability and have fun? This Intermediate Group Singing Class will emphasize not only the basics of singing (respiration, phonation, articulation, and resonance) but also some next-level techniques, such as singing dynamics, increasing your vocal range, vocal register balance, and vibrato. Along with vocal exercises and familiar folk songs, participants will suggest songs for the class to sing together. In classes 8 & 9, students who would like may sing a solo in class (your choice of song) and be coached by the instructor. This is optional.

Instructor: Denise Schulz

Thursday evenings | 5:30-6:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).

The Advanced Voice Class is designed to help students take their singing to the next level by refining a variety of vocal skills. Although this class is designed as the third part of a series, students can join even if they haven't taken the Beginning or Intermediate classes—as long as they have a solid foundation in singing and meet these basic requirements:

• Can sing in tune consistently
• Can understand and use diaphragmatic breathing
• Has a vocal range of at least 1.5 octaves

In this class, we'll focus on improving vocal technique and performance. You'll explore things like dynamic control, different types of vibrato, and how to express emotion through your voice. 

Together, you and your teacher will choose 3-4 songs to work on over the 10 weeks (recommended length of the class). Each class will involve singing in front of the group, receiving gentle coaching from your teacher and guest instructors, and reflecting on your own progress. At the end of the class, you'll also receive a video recording of your performance to keep as a reminder of how far you've come!

Thursday evenings | 6:30-7:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).

Music consists of three main elements—melody, rhythm, and harmony. This class will cover the basics of harmonizing and will cover basic music concepts of melody and how harmony is created. In the first class, we will start with a few basics—whole steps and half steps, the major scale, and chords built on the scale. The ability to read music is useful but optional. As the class progresses, we will look at fundamental forms of harmony such as rounds and partner songs. The class will then emphasize how chords are used in some of the more straightforward musical forms featured in folk and pop music that will demonstrate the concepts utilizing the I, IV, and V chords. Students will be singing each week and will gain an understanding of how they can both hear and apply classroom concepts to the music they love. 

Instructor: Denise Schulz

Thursday evenings | 7:30-8:20pm

Full Session Dates (10 Weeks): Feb. 13-April 24

1st Half Session Dates (5 Weeks): Feb. 13-March 13

2nd Half Session (only available to 1st session participants (5 Weeks)): March 27-April 24

No classes during JMU Spring Break (March 20th).