Group Music Lessons at Music Works NW
 |
Students who take weekly private lessons* can save 30% on winter group lessons or ensembles at Music Works NW!*Short term lessons not included. |
Music Works Northwest is committed to offering group instruction to our students. The social experience of playing music with others can lead to enormous musical and personal growth.
| Recording Music Theory Piano Flute Percussion |
Voice
Guitar
Taming the Wild Nerve Beast - 1-day workshop on 1/23 |
Already play? Check out our Performance Ensembles!
Here are a few things you should know before you sign up for group instruction.
- Students may cancel registration at any time for a full refund to be issued prior to the first class meeting. No refunds will be issued after the first class meets.
- For most classes we need a minimum of four students enrolled in order for the class to run. If we do not meet the minimum enrollment for the class, it will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund of tuition and fees.
- There are no refunds for missed classes.
Digital Multi-Track Recording
Wiseman Studios, located at Music Works NW, is a professional recording studio. Music Works NW has combined forces with Wiseman Studios to offer this introductory course tag team taught by owner, Tim Meaney, and staff engineers, Jared MacFarlane and Brian Fennell. Each instructor will teach their particular role in recording. Students will learn organizational skills for setting up sessions, practical knowledge of the essential studio tools, microphone choices and placement techniques, roles of the engineer including managing sessions and artists in order to keep a session positive and moving forward. During the 10 weeks students will participate in a live recording session and have hands on experience learning to operate the gear. Editing and mixing techniques will be introduced in the final weeks that apply directly to the recording. Visit Wiseman Studio's website for additional studio information.
Suggested reading for class: Modern Recording Techniques 6th Edition (http://www.modrec.com).
Instructor: Tim Meaney, Jared MacFarlane, and Brian Fennell
Tuition: $350
Minimum enrollment: 5
Winter Quarter - Intro
Number of Classes: 7
Day: Tuesday
Time: 7:00 - 8:50 p.m.
Dates: January 12 - February 23
Click here to register
Spring Quarter - Continuing
Number of Classes: 7
Day: Tuesday
Time: 7:00 - 8:50 p.m.
Dates: March 2 - April 13
Music Theory For Teens
Advance your knowledge of music theory! Go beyond flats and sharps to learn the function of tonal harmony. Know what key you're in when sight-reading. Learn the diatonic modes and their matching chords. Become familiar with traditional chord notation, and the jazz equivalents. Don't be thrown by changes in time and key signatures, or even by other clefs. Most importantly, gain an understanding of why it helps to know this stuff in the first place!
Bass Faculty Lauren Hendrix has designed a fun, fast-paced curriculum that uses games and aural skills to learn theory. This course progresses throughout the school year. A matching ear training course is scheduled to accompany the theory classes beginning in the spring and will focus more on solfeggio, transcription, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. Students must have a working knowledge of the voice OR an instrument, and must be able to read music. Experience in orchestra, band, or choir is preferred.
Instructor: Lauren Hendrix
Tuition: $220
Minimum enrollment: 3
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
Dates: January 12 - March 16
Click here to register
Junior Keyboard Prep Ages 4 - 5
No previous piano training required. Introduction to music fundamentals necessary for note and rhythm reading, basic piano technique, performance, and expression. Child must have access to a piano/keyboard outside of class. Parents/caregivers are required to attend all lessons. Electric pianos provided in class. Materials are not included in the tuition price.
Instructor: Olga Aronov
Tuition: $165
Additional Materials Fee: $8
Minimum enrollment: 3
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Thursday
Time: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Dates: January 14 - March 18
Click here to register
Learn how to navigate around the keyboard. Play games, learn tunes, sing and move along! Introduction to reading the music notation symbols, alphabet, and how to locate the notes with proper hand positioning. Child must have access to a piano/keyboard outside of class. Parents/caregivers are required to attend all lessons. Electric pianos provided in class. Materials are not included in the tuition price.
Instructor: Olga Aronov
Tuition: $165
Additional Materials Fee: $8
Minimum enrollment: 3
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Dates: January 14 - March 18
Click here to register
Beginner Flute Class
Beginning Flute Class is offered during the school year and is for 5th and 6th grade students enrolled in their first year of Band. 4th, 6th and 7th grade students may take with permission of the instructor. This technique and tone building class will provide basic flute playing knowledge augmenting what students learn in their school Band class. This is a great foundation class and will expose students to what private lessons may provide for them in the future. Be amazed at your flutist’s progress when you see them perform at the end of each quarter. Once students complete a year of beginning flute class they may want to enroll in the Prelude Flute Choir. This class is offered all year long as a progressive sequential course.
Instructor: Linda Bailey
Tuition:
Minimum enrollment: 3
Experience: Beginner
Required supplies: Flute, Abracadabra Flute Book by Malcolm Pollock, cleaning rod, cleaning cloth, and a music stand for practicing at home.
Additional materials will be supplied by the instructor.
This class is designed for students ages 9-11 who are getting ready to participate in school band programs, or who are just trying to get a taste of drum lessons to see if they would like to pursue lessons longer term. Taught by Music Works NW’s Artistic Director, Scott Ketron, students will be introduced to essential skills including rudiments, instrument positions, playing positions, time keeping and ensemble playing. Sticks, practice pads, and instruments provided for class only. We recommend that students purchase sticks and a practice pad.
Instructor: Scott Ketron
Tuition: $250
Minimum enrollment: 3
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
Dates: January 12 - March 23, no class February 16
Location: Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
Click here to register or call 206-436-1940
Singers' Workshop
Now in its 5th year, Singers' Workshop has a strong tradition of generating ongoing friendships among participants.
Confidence and skill as a soloist are gained through only experience. Singers' Workshop provides genuine performance experience, AND is specially designed to meet the learning needs of the participants. Each participant performs a solo at every class meeting, accompanied by pianist Kristine Anderson (superb at all styles and a wealth of helpful advice).
Voice teacher Susan Strick, well known for her passion for making singers feel at home, brings empathy, a sense of humor, and a raft of surprising ideas to help empower each student. Teens and adults welcome.
Instructor: Susan Strick
Accompanist: Kristine Anderson
Tuition: $132
Minimum enrollment: 6
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dates: January 23, February 20, March 27
Click here to register
Voice Class for Teens and Adults
An introduction to the mysteries of skillful and joyful singing in a supportive and friendly group environment. Each class will include:
- a whole-body warm-up to relax and energize
- vocal "technique" - exercises specific to improving vocal health and beauty
- singing songs together
- singing solos (optional)
- creative problem-solving to break through whatever obstacles block your path in singing!
Susan Strick brings passion, experience, knowledge, and humor nurturing singers of all levels and styles.
Instructor: Susan Strick
Tuition: $154
Minimum enrollment: 4
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 7
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:45 p.m. - 6:40 p.m.
Session 1
Dates: January 14 - February 25
Session 2
Dates: March 4 - April 15
Session 3
Dates: April 29 - June 17
Click here to register
SING FOR YOUR LIFE for Adults
Stressed? Looking for balance in your life? Rediscover your voice and experience the fun and satisfaction of group singing while reducing anxiety and releasing healthy endorphins. In a relaxed non-pressured setting, Mary Pat Graham guides you through vocal exercises, rhythm workouts and song to unlock breathing and gently free your voice before making music. This is a great workout for shy singers as well as those of you who love to sing. Bring a Friend!
Instructor: Mary Pat Graham
Tuition: $180
Minimum enrollment: 5
Session 2 - New and Continuing Singers
Day: Monday
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dates: December 7 - 21 & January 4 - February 1
Click here to register
Monday Guitar Basics at Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
For teen and pre-teen students who are beginning or continuing on acoustic or electric guitar. Students learn basic chords, notation, and guitar tablature, with a special emphasis on learning popular songs chosen by the class and the instructor. Group environment also lays groundwork for learning to perform and collaborate with other musicians.
Instructor: Brendan Bosworth
Tuition: $225
Minimum Enrollment: 4
Experience level: Beginner
Winter Quarter
Day: Monday
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Dates: January 11 - March 15, no class January 18 and February 15
Location: Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
Click here to register or call 206-436-1940
Monday Rock Shop at Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
Have you been taking lessons for 6 months or more? It's time to join a band. For students on all instruments, Rock Shop is a jam session for beginners. Material will include rhythm and lead playing, classic rock songs, and basic 12-bar blues structure.
Instructor: Brendan Bosworth
Tuition: $225
Minimum Enrollment: 4
Winter Quarter
Day: Monday
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.
Dates: January 11 - March 15,no class January 18 and February 15
Location: Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club
Click here to register or call 206-436-1940
Tuesday Guitar Basics
For teen and pre-teen students who are beginning or continuing on acoustic or electric guitar. Students learn basic chords, notation, and guitar tablature, with a special emphasis on learning popular songs chosen by the class and the instructor. Group environment also lays groundwork for learning to perform and collaborate with other musicians.
Instructor: Brendan Bosworth
Tuition: $220
Minimum Enrollment: 4
Experience level: Beginner
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m.
Dates: January 12 - March 16
Click here to register
Thursday Teen Guitar
For students 12 and older who are beginners or continuing on acoustic or electric guitar. Students learn basic chords, notation, and guitar tablature, with a special emphasis on learning popular songs chosen by the class and the instructor. Students are encouraged to also consider participating in Rock Shop, where they can apply their skills and songs in a full-band setting.
Instructor:
Clark Grogan
Tuition: $220
Minimum Enrollment: 4
Experience level: Beginner
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Thursday
Time: 6:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Dates: January 14 - March 18
Click here to register
Friday Pre-Teen Guitar
For students 11 and younger who want to begin playing acoustic or electric guitar. Students learn basic chords, notation, guitar tablature and popular songs. Group environment also lays groundwork for learning to perform and collaborate with other musicians.
Instructor:
Clark Grogan
Tuition: $220
Minimum Enrollment: 3
Experience level: Beginner
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Friday
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Dates: January 15 – March 19
Click here to register
Thursday Intermediate Adult Group Guitar
This course is designed for "grown-ups" who know the basic chords and a few strumming and/or picking patterns, and who now want to explore and enjoy the vast potential of the guitar. It would be great if you know a barre chord or two. We will learn how to find any chord on the guitar neck, how to use traditional and contemporary accompaniment styles and some cool licks. We also will look at the basics of classical and jazz guitar! We will listen to and learn from the music many generations: the Roots of American Guitar (the Carter Family, Elizabeth Cotton, Mississippi John Hurt), The Golden Age of Pop and Folk Guitar (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, John Denver, the Grateful Dead, Neil Young) and the New Generation (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls).
Instructor: Barry Pollack
Tuition: $220
Minimum Enrollment: 4
Experience level: Intermediate
Winter Quarter
Number of Classes: 10
Day: Thursday
Time: 7:00 - 7:50 p.m.
Dates: January 14 - March 18
Click here to register
Taming the Wild Nerve Beast
Don't be a passive victim of performance anxiety! If the Nerve Beast appears and threatens your enjoyment and success when you are in front of an audience (or doing an audition, or a recording, or -- whatever!) this workshop is for you. You'll come away feeling empowered, with lots of ideas, exercises and tools to build your personal nerve-taming strategy.
For all instruments (singers too, of course!). Performance in class is optional.
Instructor Susan Strick is highly qualified to teach this workshop, as her acquaintance with the Nerve Beast is extensive.
Instructor: Susan Strick
Tuition: $25
Minimum Enrollment: 3
Day: Saturday
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Dates: January 23
Click here to register