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Community School of the Arts to offer summer music programs for learners of all ages

June 12, 2013

preludesp13.closeLooking to stay busy this summer?

Beginning June 17, artists of all ages will be able to hone their talents or learn a new skill at the NIU Community School of the Arts.

PRIVATE LESSONS

  • Private lessons will be offered on most musical instruments, as well as in specific areas of theatre and visual art. The instructors are NIU students and faculty, as well as community artists. Students and teachers meet for six weeks, and lessons are scheduled at the convenience of both students and teachers.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

  • Prelude Class (ages one to three) is a group class with lots of fun music listening, creative movement activities, songs and lap games. Development Class (ages three to five) builds on the material learned in Prelude Class and adds musical patterns and skills through games, songs, creative movement, playing percussion instruments, basic music theory and various orchestral instruments. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Both classes will meet on Wednesday evenings for six weeks, beginning June 19. Prelude begins at 5:45 p.m., and Development begins at 6:20 p.m.  The courses are taught by Laurie Rodriguez.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS

  • Guitar Basics is a beginning class in which students learn to read music, play songs and construct and play scales and chords. Students will be taught music theory and guitar techniques. The class meets Wednesdays beginning June 19. Guitar Basics, Section 1 is for ages nine to 12, and meets from 5 to 5:55 p.m.; Guitar Basics, Section 2 is for ages 13 to adult, and meets from 6 to 6:55 p.m. The instructor, Quentin Dover, is an experienced guitar teacher with many years of experience teaching all ages both privately and in a group setting.
  • Square One Piano: Group Basics Class is a beginning group piano class for ages 13 to adult.  Students learn simple tunes and basic skills, such as reading music and playing chords. Piano Forte: Building Piano Skills is an intermediate group piano class for ages 13 to adult. Students are encouraged to choose music to learn that they enjoy listening to, anything from ragtime to folk to show music. Both classes meet on Monday evenings beginning June 24, Square One from 6 to 6:55 p.m., and Piano Forte from 7 to 7:55 p.m. Taught by Susan Breitner-Hurm, a Suzuki piano instructor with years of experience teaching children and adults.

ENSEMBLES

  • NIUkulele Ensemble is designed for beginning and intermediate players ages nine to adult. Students learn to play melodies, chords and songs in many styles, and to perform solo and in unison and harmony. Beginners are welcome and will receive instruction on the instrument, and players with more experience are assigned more involved parts. All students must bring a ukulele to class. Guitar teacher Eric Schroeder directs the group and brings years of experience as a private and group lesson teacher to the ensemble. The group meets for Mondays beginning June 17 from 7 to 7:55 p.m., with a final recital capping off the course.
  • CSA Guitar Ensemble encourages players to enjoy the guitar in an ensemble setting and gain confidence and skill on the instrument. The class is designed for beginning and intermediate players, and all players must bring a guitar to class. The group meets Wednesdays beginning June 19 from 7 to 7:55 p.m. There is a recital on the final evening of the class. Quentin Dover is the director.

For more information visit www.csa.niu.edu or call (815) 753-1450.