This course will introduce the student to a variety of musical genres throughout history, from medieval to 20th century. We will learn to identify these genres, compare them to one another and to other art forms of their time, and explore their connection to world events. This class focuses on listening and responding to examples of great compositional works and understanding the development of music over the course of history.

This course is the study of the Blues and its evolution as a musical form. Similar to Music Appreciation, this course is rooted in American history, circa 1890-1980. We follow the Blues as it came together after the Civil War and manifested itself in the development of Jazz and, eventually, Rock n Roll. The curriculum centers around the Ken Burns documentary Jazz and the Time Magazine documentary The History of Rock n Roll. Students will study such figures as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Howlin' Wolf, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.

This is a course designed for those who either never took band and now want to, or those who are simply interested in learning a wind or brass instrument. Students will learn the beginning techniques of the instruments as well as music reading. Students are assessed through class participation and performance tests. No public performance is required.

Students enrolled in voice class will have the opportunity to improve their vocal skills in a small group atmosphere. Breath support, healthy tone quality, phrasing, and style will be stressed. Beginners as well as experienced singers are invited to enroll. Students will choose the music they wish to study from a wide variety of styles from classical to musical theater.

This course will teach beginning piano skills in a small group setting. No prior musical knowledge is necessary, but students with piano experience are also welcome – the instructor will accommodate any student at his/her current skill level. Points of focus include basic piano technique, music reading skills, and playing by ear. Although music will be primarily provided by the instructor, students are welcome to bring other repertoire if they wish. Keyboards will be provided for classroom use, but students must have a piano or keyboard at home for practice purposes.

This course is designed for students with little to no experience on guitar and focuses on rhythm guitar. Topics covered are: parts of the guitar, posture, beginning playing techniques, basic notation reading, chords, I/IV/V progressions, barring, the capo, and beginning scales. Modern technology is used extensively to assist in finding applicable songs and using online tutorials. Students must provide their own guitar. This course is a prerequisite for Guitar II.

Continuation of Acoustic Guitar I