music class
The Music Box
Great fun with a real purpose!
by Ginevra Ralph, Director of Education
How many instruments have you played in your life? My hunch is that most have adults have probably played piano, guitar, and something you blow, bow, or beat on. But what about all the others? Each instrument has a distinct sound, of course, but they also have a distinct feel. Some tickle. Some even hurt a bit until fingers or lips get accustomed. But how can a student possibly choose an instrument to play without ever trying one out?
We know that a lot of people stop making music because they got “stuck” with the “wrong” instrument – it was the last one the band teacher needed you to play to round out the ensemble, or it was grandma’s up on the closet shelf, or you got one for Christmas because you thought you liked the sound…
The Music Box is a chance for students to try 20-30 different instruments. Led by Maribeth Soderberg, she welcomes a different guest faculty member and instrument each week. It might be accordion, ukulele, harmonica, trombone, drums, bagpipes, and even tap dancing. These students know how to make a sound on a flute, saxophone, or trumpet. They know the differences between violin, viola, cello and bass. (Parents learn something too!)
It’s a special drop-in class for $8, or you can enroll for a discount. It’s different each term. It’s a great class to “buy some time” for your child who is really interested in music but may be on the young side to delve into regular lessons. Kids can join in even if they are in lessons – it’s great fun!
Term Announcements
- Spring classes begin Sunday, April 1.
- Begin private lessons anytime!
- No classes scheduled: Sunday, April 1 (Easter), Sunday, May 28 (Memorial Day).
Focus on the Classes...
kids playing violin
The Music Box
Music Box provides a beginning foundation in music education with hands-on explorations of different instruments, songs and musical styles to help students discover the right “fit” for their musical interests and pick a favorite instrument for further study. Each week introduces a new song from our Music Box CD (ranging from spirituals, folk, jazz, bluegrass and more) followed by a hands-on introduction to a new instrument led by a Shedd Faculty member! Read more...
Singing Club
Adult Singing
Do you like to sing but don't know where to start or need to find a group of friendly folks to sing with? The Shedd offers two classes designed and led by Amy Adams for adults who are interested in recreational group singing:
Musical dancers
Dance at The Shedd
The Shedd Institute Music School offers two dance classes this term, both focussing on dance training for the theatre:
Continuing Musical Theatre Dance Thu (grd 9-adult) Continuing Tap Tue (grd 9-adult)
kid playing piano
Basic Piano
Piano is a great instrument for anyone to start music lessons on and a fundamental tool for all instrumentalists, singers, and songwriters. It provides a strong foundation for reading music, manual coordination, and ear training all at the same time. In our Basic Piano courses students will learn basic keyboard orientation and simple melodies. We have two Basic Piano sections: Basic Piano for K-3 on Tuesdays.
The Eye Center
Shedd Presenting Sponsor