Group Classes & Ensembles

Immerse yourself in chamber music and develop your collaborative ensemble playing this summer! Participants will play in supportive small ensembles, coached by expert CMC faculty specializing in chamber music. The two-weekend workshop includes master classes, listening skills, ensemble skills, and rehearsal time for instrumentalists, culminating in a friendly salon concert where you can share your work with one another and invited guests. Pre-formed groups as well as individuals are encouraged to apply. Individuals will be placed in an ensemble based on skill level and instrumentation available. Groups will be finalized and music sent out one month prior to our start date. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Piano, strings, woodwinds, brass Styles of music studied: Classical Prerequisites: Minimum three years of private lessons on the instrument you plan to play. As part of the application, you will need to submit a pre-recorded audition in which you perform two contrasting pieces: one slow and one fast; and a two-octave scale in the key of your choice. Workshop size: A maximum of 20 students working in small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; August 1–3 and August 8–10; Fridays from 6:30–9:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am–2:00pm Faculty: Michael Long, Director; Leo Baluk, Coach; additional faculty TBA Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 15, 2025; or $550 after February 15, 2025. Tuition includes both weekends and a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the Adult Chamber Workshop Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online.Upon submission of your camp application, please upload your audition video. Directions on the submission of your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name.Payment:A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your application to hold your spot and request an audition. In the event that you are not accepted into camp, a full refund including the deposit will be made. For students who are accepted to camp, this deposit is non-refundable If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 31, 2025.Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 31, 2025 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date. If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 31, 2025 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist. Registrations after May 31, 2025 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable. To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 31, 2025 for this workshop, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because the workshop is designed around the exact number of participants, we are unable to issue refunds after May 31, 2025. Prior to the May 31, 2025 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The advanced ensemble plays the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and others; with emphasis on communicating as an ensemble, improvising, phrasing, groove, and dynamics to make the music come alive. There will be a culminating performance at Community Music Center at the end of each quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. New students will be asked to audition. Instructor: Charlie Gurke Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

In this class participants will learn about the history of the Afro-Peruvian Cajon (wooden box drum), and will learn to play Afro-Peruvian rhythms on the Cajon. The Afro-Peruvian Cajon has become a symbol of identity and cultural pride for Peruvians. Currently it is the most popular instrument in Peru, practically every family on the Peruvian coast has a Cajon at home that is part of their celebrations. Furthermore, we can recognize the versatility of this instrument that has allowed it to successfully position itself in world music, being one of the most used alternatives in the percussion sets of various artists Instruments: Cajon (percussion) Musical Styles: Afro-Peruvian Ages: Adults and older teens Prerequisites: none Teacher: Pierr Padilla Cajons will be provided during class sessions. If students have their own cajon, they are welcome to bring it! Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Learn chords, simple strums, and tuning in a fun, relaxed group setting. You’ll be introduced to the basic elements of rhythm and harmony that will help you to play music right away! Guitar 1 is for the absolute beginner.Students leave Guitar 1 with the following:Basic open position chords: A, D, E, G, C, Am, Em, A7, B7, D7, E7, G7Basic strums in 4/4 and 3/4 timeI-IV-V tunes in A, D, G, and EKnowledge of how to read a “lead sheet”The desire to keep playingAges: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests Prerequisites: none Instructor: Sandy Brassard Size: 4-6 studentsThis class prepares you for Guitar Group Class - Learning Songs, Bluegrass Jam, Blues Workshop and other Group Guitar and Mixed Instrument ensemblesStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

CMC offers jazz ensembles for players of all levels. Explore jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting.The Beginning Jazz Ensemble focuses on building standard repertoire, improvisation concepts, and developing ensemble skills. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, knowledge of scales, and some experience in improvisation. Instructors: Erick Peralta, Charlie Gurke, David SteinbergStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This Electric Blues workshop will introduce students to the wide variety of blues grooves that one might encounter at a blues jam. We'll listen and learn from the recordings performed by the original artists that define a particular groove e.g., a Magic Sam boogie, an Albert King blues rhumba/mambo, a Jimmy Reed shuffle, a B.B. King jump blues, a Muddy Waters 'mojo' groove, a Lowell Fulson 'tramp' groove, and much more. Ensemble playing and individual improvisation will be encouraged with a focus on group interaction and the supporting role each individual instrument plays in establishing the groove. Ages: adult, older teens (high school) Instruments: guitar (electric), bass (electric), piano, drums, brass/woodwinds Prerequisites: Intermediate playing proficiency on your instrument, ability to play 7th and 9th chords (barred for guitars), have some major scale and blues scale knowledge, read a simple chord chart Instructor: Larry Dunn Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn traditional Afro Brazilian rhythms in a unique group setting. You will have a chance to study the techniques that makeup this musical language which has influenced other well known Brazilian musical styles such as samba and samba reggae. While some techniques are similar to that of the conga or djembe, the hand and stick techniques in this tradition will lead you into new sonic territories. This class will introduce you to many duplet and triplet based rhythms along with areas that are a mixture of the two and exist in between common rhythmic divisions. Students will gain insight into how this music fits into the song and dance context and how these elements combine to create a captivating atmosphere which is an essential cultural practice linking West Africa to the Americas. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: All styles are welcome Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize several rhythmic patterns along with several hand and stick techniques Instructor: Robert Lopez Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

An Ensemble Camp for Young Musicians Make great music and new friends at Community Music Center this summer! Camp CMC offers young musicians the chance to play in small and large groups and explore many musical styles such as Latin, jazz, classical, blues, folk, rock, American songbook, and klezmer. Students are grouped into ensembles by instrument and level and learn general musicianship skills with rhythm and pitch games, playing percussion instruments, singing and movement, culminating in a performance at the end of the week.Ages: 9–14 Instruments: All instruments, and voice Styles of music studied: Classical, Latin, jazz, other Prerequisites: Minimum two years of study on an instrument and concurrent enrollment in private lessons (not necessarily at CMC). Vocal students may fulfill the requirement by participating in chorus or glee club. Students will be asked to send a 2–3 minute video of a scale and favorite solo piece to the camp director as a placement audition. Camp size: A maximum of 25 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, June 16–20, 2025, 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Katie Wreede, Director; David Steinberg, Coach; additional faculty TBA Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 15, 2025; or $550 after February 15, 2025. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the Camp CMC Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to pay your deposit online. The Camp Director will contact you after you submit your application with information about how to prepare and send the 2–3 minute audition video. Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your application to hold your spot and request an audition. In the event that your child is not accepted into camp, a full refund including the deposit will be made. For students who are accepted to camp, this deposit is non-refundable If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2025. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9, 2025 to the?stored account added during registration.?If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.? If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May?9, 2025 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.? Registrations after May 9, 2025 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit the Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents.The application deadline is May 9, 2025 for all CMC camps, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2025. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org. “Performing at the end of camp was fun! I wasn’t nervous because I knew what to do.” —CMC camper

Whether you are an advanced beginner or an accomplished amateur musician, CMC’s chamber music program offers an opportunity to develop your musicianship and technique as well as the chance to play with others. Groups are composed of three to five students of compatible levels. Advanced beginners and intermediate students will focus on developing basic ensemble skills, intonation, tone quality, and rhythmic accuracy. Advanced students will study important aspects of ensemble playing, including interpretation and performance techniques. For those who are new to music we have an Intro to Chamber Music class to learn the various ways chamber musicians communicate, listening tuning and ensemble skills necessary for a successful chamber experience. Groups are formed for students of varying degrees of experience and can include piano, strings, and winds musicians This is a great opportunity to create lasting friendships as well as great performing groups! Pre-formed groups are highly encouraged! Ensembles who would like to perform will be encouraged to sign up for a regular CMC recital. Ages: Adults, Older Teens (high school students) Instruments: All and voice Musical Styles: All Prerequisites: Students should have at least two years of experience playing their instrument. Placement auditions for new students take place at the beginning of each quarter in order to create groups who play at similar levels. Beginning students should be familiar with key signature with up to three sharps and flats, and basic rhythms including eighth notes. Class size: 3–5 students Instructors: Josepha Fath, Diane Grubbe, Leo Baluk, Karlson Can, Dorisiya Yosifova, Michaela Overall, Monika Gruber Gibbons, Katrina Wreede, Shirley Wong-Frentzel, Ben Snellings, Lilia Zheltova Location, Day, and Time: Mission District Branch OR Richmond District Branch. Hour-long rehearsals/coachings are scheduled based on mutual availability.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.For more information, please contact: Katrina Wreede, Chamber Music Coordinator: kwreede@sfcmc.org Online signup for this class is unavailable. Please fill out the Chamber Music Inquiry Form to get started.

Delight in Playing Chamber Music with Others Spend the summer playing in supportive and collaborative small ensembles, coached daily by experienced CMC faculty. Students also participate in master classes, ensemble skills lessons, and independent chamber music rehearsals. An informal recital will be presented at the end of camp. Pre-formed groups as well as individuals are encouraged to apply. Individuals will be placed in an ensemble based on skill level and instrumentation available. Groups will be finalized and music sent out one month prior to our start date. Apply for either week one, week two, or both camp sessions! Ages: 12–18 Instruments: Piano, Strings, Woodwinds and Brass Musical Styles: Classical Prerequisites: Minimum three years of private lessons on an instrument. Audition Process: As part of the application, you will need to submit a pre-recorded audio or video placement audition recording in which you perform two contrasting pieces: one slow and one fast; and a two-octave scale in the key of your choice. You may record everything in one take or make a separate recording for each piece and scale. Camp size: A maximum of 20 students Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, June 23–27, 2025; 9:00am–12:30pm Instructors: Jennifer Peringer, Director; Carly Scena, Co-Director; additional faculty TBA Tuition: $450 early bird pricing before February 15, 2025; or $470 after February 15, 2025. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll:Please fill out the Chamber Camp Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online. Upon submission of your camp application, please upload your audition video. Directions on the submission of your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name.Payment:A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your application to hold your spot and request an audition. In the event that your child is not accepted into camp, a full refund including the deposit will be made. For students who are accepted to camp, this deposit is non-refundableIf you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2025.Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9, 2025 to the?stored account added during registration.?If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.? If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May?9, 2025 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.? Registrations after May 9, 2025 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 9, 2025 for CMC Chamber Camp, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2025. Send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Intro to Piano, Guitar, Songs, and Musical Discovery!These fun camps jumpstart your musical journey, introducing beginners to the joys of music-making, musical concepts and fundamentals of instrument playing in a fun supportive environment. CMC Sparks Camp will give students an introduction to piano and guitar, as well as activities including singing, rhythm and making music together. Using a mix of fun and interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will build confidence and learn to play and sing simple melodies and play music as an ensemble.Ages: 8–12 Prerequisites: No instrumental or vocal experience needed. Camp size: A maximum of 14 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, July 14–18, and July 21–25 2025; 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Sharon Wayne, and Zahra RothschildTuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 15, 2025; or $550 after February 15, 2025. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Click "Register Now" to enroll online! Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2025. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9I , 2025 to the?stored account added during registration.?If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.? If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May?9, 2025 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.? Registrations after May 9, 2025 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents.The application deadline is May 9, 2025, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2025. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

NEW! Jazz Intensive Summer 2025 Hone your improvisation skills, expand your repertoire, and have fun jamming with your fellow musicians! This intensive will focus on small group playing and improvisation. Students will have the opportunity to learn from CMC faculty through masterclasses, guided listening, small group rehearsal and performance, and jam sessions. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. New students will be asked to audition, by submitting a video (or audio recording) in which you play a jazz standard or blues, playing the melody, improvising over the form of the tune and then playing the melody. If you are a drummer or bassist, please play time for the form of the melody, improvise for a chorus and then play time for the melody. If you have a recording of yourself from a recent performance, please feel free to share that in lieu of a new recording. Workshop Size: maximum of 20 participants Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, July 18, 19, 20. Friday, July 18: 6–8pm. Saturday and Sunday July 19, 20: 10am–3pm Instructors: Erick Peralta and David Steinberg, Co-Directors; additional Faculty TBA Tuition: $375 early bird pricing before February 15, 2025; or $395 after February 15, 2025. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the CMC Summer Jazz Intensive Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online. If you do not currently participate in a CMC jazz ensemble, upon submission of your camp application, please upload your audition video. Directions on the submission of your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name. Please submit your audition video to the link here with your first and last name in the video title. Your application will be complete once you send in your audition materials. Payment:A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot.If you do not pay for the entire workshop tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 31, 2025.Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 31, 2025 to the?stored account added during registration.?If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.? If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May?31, 2025 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.? Registrations after May 31, 2025 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 31, 2025, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because the workshop is designed around the exact number of participants, we are unable to issue refunds after May 31, 2025. Prior to the May 31, deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Learn how to capture and develop your musical ideas in a supportive environment. This hands-on class explores general composition methods through weekly short exercises that encourage larger compositions to be developed if desired. In each class we discuss specific techniques and review student work. Ideally, students will be able to record and/or notate their assignments prior to each class meeting. Ages:Adults, older teens (high school students) Prerequisites: Students should have a working knowledge of music notation, but notated assignments and compositions are not required. Similarly, no specific level of music theory knowledge is required and students will be encouraged to compose at whatever level they feel comfortable. Students are welcome to communicate with Jono prior to enrolling. Due to the participatory nature of the class, enrollment is limited to five students.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Jazz Today, a contemporary Jazz ensemble, invites students to explore the music of today’s hottest jazz artists from around the globe. We will draw from the repertoire of some of the most talented and creative musicians on the scene such as Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Kamasi Washington who are honoring the tradition of this artform while also pushing the boundaries into new and unexpected territory. In addition to improvising within the framework of these compositions, we will also work extensively on creating unique and dynamic arrangements meant to solidify and expand each musician's role within the ensemble. Vocalists are also welcome and highly encouraged to join regardless of improvisation experience. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop Prerequisites: must be able to read standard music notation and chord charts and have a basic understanding of jazz improvisation concepts Instructor: David Steinberg Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn, perform, and hone your skills playing all styles of popular Cuban and Cuban-inspired dance music, including cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, songo, timba, bolero, son-montuno, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban popular dance music. Charanga, or Tipica ensembles, ensembles incorporate violin and flute (usually instead of brass instruments, although trumpets and trombones are often used in modern charanga), along with bass, piano, vocals, and Afro-Cuban percussion. In this advanced class, students will learn and perform modern and traditional charanga music, learn about Cuban music history in a performance-focused environment, much like professional band rehearsals. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cuban salsa, charanga, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Prior participation in CMC's Cuban Fundamentals class, or performance with an Afro-Cuban music group is a prerequisite for this class. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This class is designed for musicians that would like to learn about the basics of Cuban music and Salsa music. We will discuss rhythms that are key to Afro-Cuban music, including how clave and percussion parts relate to each instrument’s role, and improvisation within the style. We will also focus on learning the form of Cuban dance music, the historical context, and how different dances influence and fit into the musical form. Students will learn the key rhythms of Cuban danzón, cha-cha-chá, and son montuno as well as how to approach improvisation in Cuban music. Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, bolero, son, songo, timba, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This is a workshop-style class in which students learn classic Soul/R&B songs as both soloists and background singers. Repertoire will include music from the 1959–1990s. Students will learn proper vocal technique, stage presence, performance, and interpretation of these universal songs with authentic freedom and spirit. Clif will also help students find the appropriate keys for their songs and utilize their own individual abilities and personality as style enhancers. Students are welcome to bring their favorite Soul/R&B songs to sing using accompaniment recordings. Students will perform in a recital at the end of each quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: Classic Soul and R&B Prerequisites: The ability to read music or play an instrument is not necessary (Your voice is an instrument!), but students should have the ability to sing a melody and hear harmony. Instructor: Clif PayneExamples of musical styles and artists covered:1959 Motown Sound – Pop-flavored Soul (Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, Temptations, Four Tops, DeBarge)1959 Stax – Southern Soul Music/Blues (Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett)Late 1960s-1970s – Philadelphia “Philly” Soul – Lavish orchestral arrangements (Three Degrees, Jones Girls, Pointer Sisters, Donna Summer, O’Jays, The Spinners)1980s The Minneapolis Sound w/Prince & His Related BandsMichael Jackson, Lionel Richie1990s LAface - Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and othersStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

This class provides a fun space to learn and improve your skills by working on various songs with different strums and finger picks, while singing and playing at the same time. There are hundreds of tunes to learn at every skill level. This class is for adult students who have learned just a few chords or used to play years ago. We will also cover the basics of reading tablature (TAB). Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chords Instructor: Sandy Brassard Size: 4-7 students Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The intermediate ensemble plays the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and others; with emphasis on communicating as an ensemble, improvising, phrasing, groove, and dynamics to make the music come alive. There will be a culminating performance at Community Music Center at the end of each quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. New students will be asked to audition. Instructor: Charlie GurkeStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This class will serve as an introduction to core elements of jazz music. We’ll learn about the essential roles of each member in a jazz ensemble, such as walking bass lines, drum grooves, the role of comping, and interpretation of a melody. We’ll examine integral building blocks of jazz harmony, how to approach learning your first tunes, understanding a lead sheet, as well as how to go about preparing for improvisation.The goal of this class is to provide you with skills that will enhance your understanding of the language, assist in making music with others, and enable you to be free to improvise.This class prepares you for CMC Jazz Ensembles. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: All instruments Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, knowledge of major scales Instructor: Erick PeraltaStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.