We are open for in-person learning and continue to offer online lessons and classes.
Online classes and ensembles are labeled in the descriptions with the symbol:
Online Class 💻
Explore “Old Time” traditional American music, focusing on tunes from Appalachia: songs that crossed the pond from Ireland and Scotland that mixed with African American influences to become the American traditional music known as Old Time. We will also dive into how to play bluegrass interpretations, solos and backup. Singers, mandolin and bass are also welcome! We’ll be working on tunes from Appalachia, Irish and Scottish folk tunes, and African American traditional music. We will be focusing on Old Time tunes that are also part of the Bluegrass repertory, from standards to rarely played tunes, versions, and regional interpretations. Printed music will be provided.
Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students)
Instruments: fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, ukulele, voice, bass (upright preferred)
Musical Styles: Old Time and Bluegrass
Prerequisites: an intermediate level of playing (especially on the fiddle). Basic reading of chord charts and fiddle notation
Class size: 3–10 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Mondays, 12:00–1:00pm
Instructor: Erik Pearson and Tregar Otton. Instructors will alternate weeks and sometimes teach together.
Tuition: $615 Fall (14 weeks), $395 Winter (9 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks), $351 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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Learn to play the exciting music of the Middle East, Turkey and Eastern Europe including Klezmer and Balkan styles. This class will explore on middle eastern theory and rhythmic patterns on western flute, recorder, guitar, violin, and tambourine. We will study Arabic music scale systems and maqams in the context of selected tunes. Improvisations (taqsims/preludes/doinas) will be approached according to traditional practices. There will be an annual performance in December.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instruments: Traditional or Western strings, winds, keyboard, hand percussion, voice
Musical Styles: Middle Eastern, Turkish, Eastern European
Prerequisites: For intermediate to advanced players. Students new to this style of music are encouraged to take private lessons with the instructor prior to joining the ensemble.
Class size: 2–5 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch (off-site), TBA*
Instructor: Shirley Wong-Frentzel
Tuition: $615 Fall (14 weeks), $527 Winter (12 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks). Class does not meet during the summer.
*This class will not meet Spring Quarter 2023
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Have uke, will travel! Ukulele is one of the most portable instruments, so grab your instrument and join us for a beginner’s course on how to play ukulele in a relaxed group setting. This class will cover the principles playing chords, strum patterns, songs, and some basic note reading so you can play along with anyone, anywhere.
Ages: Adults
Instruments: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Class size: 8 students
Prerequisites: No playing experience necessary, but you’ll need to bring your own ukulele
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Wednesdays, 8:15– 9:15pm
Instructor: Erik Pearson
Tuition: $615 Fall (14 weeks), $527 Winter (12 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks), $351 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Sign Up
This class covers the basics of how to play ukulele in a fun group class environment. Though the class is aimed at beginners, all levels are welcome! Learn chords, songs, various strums, picking patterns, and playing in rhythm while singing along. You will also learn other useful skills like how to change the key of a song and playing together as a group.
Ages: Adults and kids (elementary, middle, high school)
Instruments: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Class size: 2–12 students
Prerequisites: No experience is necessary.
Location, Day and Time: Saturdays, 3:30–5:00pm*
Instructor: Sandy Brassard
Tuition: $440 Fall (10 weeks), $527 Winter (12 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks), $351 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
*This class will not run Spring Quarter 2023
If you’d like to be matched with other students in a small music ensemble or receive coaching for an existing group, please fill out a Chamber Music Inquiry Form.
