Music & Dance

For many years the happy instrument so closely associated with Hawaii has been experiencing a huge revival around the world. Here is your chance to take part in the ukulele revolution. Folks of all adult ages will enjoy playing this very cool but accessible instrument. In this class students will learn to read music and play songs by picking and strumming. No prior musical experience is necessary. The instructor taught instrumental music at Mt. Ararat Middle School and after taking a leave of absence to study music therapy at Arizona State University, she fell in love with playing the ukulele. Students need to have their own standard (soprano), concert, or tenor ukulele in good working condition for use in this class. Students will need to purchase "Ukulele in the Classroom Book 1, C6 Tuning" by James Hill & Chalmers Doane, available online from Empire Music, West Music and Groth Music. No class Feb. 17, March 2 and 9.

Learn to play songs in just a few classes this fall! While we discuss technique and practice chords and strumming, we'll work on reading music in standard notation and guitar tablature. Get some new strings, start practicing, and bring lots of enthusiasm and questions about guitar! New students: $20 materials fee paid to instructor. No class on April 20.

This winter we will have fun singing songs in parts (SATB) while discussing vocal production to help you become a stronger, more confident singer. Our singing class is not only for enjoying singing together; we will also address concepts such as accuracy of pitch, projection, pronunciation, and personal style. Come discover the capabilities of your own voice! New students: $20 materials fee paid to instructor. No class on April 20.

This class is for musicians who are past the beginner stage. Our Jam Time Class will have discussions and hands-on practice with how each musician can be an integral part of the overall sound of making music with others. If you can tune your instrument and you can play through basic chord changes and/or melodies, and you are looking for something more to complete the joy of making music, this class is for you. We're talking guitar (even electric), voice, bass, keyboard, mandolin, fiddle, ukulele, sax, whatever. Come ready to build your skills by playing with other musicians. Materials supplied by the instructor.

Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours you’ll learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment and you won’t have to take private lessons! This crash course teaches some basic chords and will get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Topics include how chords work in a song, how to form the three main types of chords, how to tune your guitar, basic strumming patterns, how to buy a good guitar and things to avoid, and how to play along with simple tunes. Bring your acoustic guitar to class. Required materials fee of $29 for workbook and practice DVD will be collected in class by instructor. Limited to 15 students. For more information, visit justonceclasses.com. No discounts.

Are you ready to be cool? If so, the Swing is a “must learn” dance. The dance was created by dance studios including the Arthur Murray dance studios in the 1940s, based on the Lindy Hop. For those who want to learn only Swing, we will be reviewing the foundation and adding more moves, including the triple step. It will be more technical than the foundation class. Classes are held at Cellar Fitness, 9 Cumberland St., Brunswick. No discounts.