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 💻
As we study the songs of great electric blues artists, we’ll learn the chord voicings, progressions, and signature licks being played. Using these songs as a vehicle, we’ll examine various blues grooves and styles. We’ll explore soloing techniques as we work on notated solos of some of the greats and also, work on rhythm accompaniment with a focus on feel and “settling into the pocket.”
Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students)
Instruments: All and voice
Musical Styles: The music of the “Three Kings:” B.B., Albert, and Freddie, as well as Jimmy Reed, Magic Sam, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and other blues masters
Prerequisites: This workshop is centered around the guitar but is open to other instruments, too. Basic knowledge of chords and some playing experience is required.
Class size: 2–5 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Wednesdays, 8:15–9:15pm
Instructor: Larry Dunn
Tuition: $559 Fall (14 weeks), $479 Winter (12 weeks), $399 Spring (10 weeks), $319 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
Online Class 💻
Deep Listening is a meditation practice that uses listening/sounding, movement and dreaming modalities to explore and connect to ourselves and the world around us. It was developed through the life’s work of composer Pauline Oliveros. Deep Listening is a rewarding practice that is equally playful and profound. It can be practiced by anyone, alone or in a group, but is most powerful as a group practice. This workshop will explore listening (utilizing the interplay of attention and awareness to deepen the listening experience), movement (listening deeply with the body) and dreaming (24-hour listening). Participatory exercises will include: sonic mediations and deep listening practices, a gentle movement practice, and awareness of dreams (no sharing of dream content is required). Deep Listening is for musicians as well as participants from other disciplines and interests. Previous musical training is not required but musicians from beginner to advanced typically find benefits like deeper connection to their creative sources and inspiration for their music work. Regular practice can also help with performance anxiety and general anxiety.
“The key to multi-level existence is deep listening – listening in as many ways as possible to all that can possibly be heard all of the time. Deep Listening is exploring the relationships among any and all sounds whether natural, technological intended or unintended, real, remembered or imaginary.” —Pauline Oliveros
Ages: Adults
Instruments: Open to any instrumentalists (most exercises will use voice only)
Prerequisites: None
Class size: 4–12 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Sundays, 2:00–3:30pm
Instructor: Rachel Condry
Tuition: $469 Fall (14 weeks), $402 Winter (12 weeks), $335 Spring (10 weeks), $268 Summer (8 weeks),
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
Learn to play the exciting music of the Middle East, Turkey and Eastern Europe including Klezmer and Balkan styles. 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: $559 Fall (14 weeks), $479 Winter (12 weeks), $399 Spring (10 weeks). Class does not meet during the summer.
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: $559 Fall (14 weeks), $479 Winter (12 weeks), $399 Spring (10 weeks), $319 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
Online Class 💻
Do you play some ukulele but have always wanted to sing while you play? Do you like to sing but want to accompany yourself on the ukulele? This fun intergenerational Zoom Class is for ages 10 to 90. Great repertoire for all!
You’ll learn to improve your rhythm, get in tune (both your instrument and your voice), extend your range, sing and play more precisely, and to prepare a song (or few) to perform for your friends and family!
Ages: Adults and kids (elementary, middle, high school)
Instruments: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Class size: 3–8 students
Prerequisites: No experience is necessary.
Location, Day and Time: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30pm
Instructor: Beth Wilmurt
Tuition: $559 Fall (14 weeks), $479 Winter (12 weeks), $399 Spring (10 weeks), $319 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
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.
