Adult Group Classes
View the schedule for all Spring adult music classes.
Adult students form a significant and growing component of the Neighborhood Music School community. Adults of all ages find camaraderie, encouragement and inspiration along with excellent instruction at NMS. With a wide range of offerings for virtually every interest and schedule, NMS is committed to meeting the unique needs of its vibrant adult population.
For assistance in deciding what opportunities are most appropriate for you, please contact:
Ingeborg Schimmer, department chair for group instruction
203-624-5189 x 25 or ischimmer@neighborhoodmusicschool.org
Group Class Rates
Group class rates vary depending on format and number of weeks, and are based on minimum enrollment of three students. Many classes can run with only two students, in which case the number of lessons will be reduced. See class schedules for more rate information.
Course Descriptions
Group Piano for Adult Beginners
Learn the basics of playing the piano in a friendly group of fellow beginners. Small class sizes allow for a high level of personal attention. Classes fill up fast, so register early. Great for building a foundation for future music study on any instrument.
See Spring schedule for group piano courses.
Group Guitar for Adult Beginners
Get a taste for folk, rock and blues guitar while learning the basics of guitar playing in an engaging, fun group lesson. You'll learn chord accompaniment and improvisation with attention to basic harmony. Small class sizes allow for a high level of personal attention.
See Spring schedule for group guitar courses.
Group Recorder for Adult Beginners
This class introduces the soprano and alto recorder fingerings simultaneously, using ensemble music almost immediately. Even beginners will be able to make music together that brings enjoyment and satisfaction. A great class for students with little or no music background whose children are studying music at NMS.
See Spring schedule for group recorder courses.
Group Violin for Adult Beginners
This class introduces students to violin fundamentals such as posture, position and tone production through the use of elementary literature. Absolute beginners will be able to play at least one tune by session’s end!
See Spring schedule for group violin courses.
Vintage Voices
A combination of music and movement for participants 60 years and up who want to stay active in mind and body. The movement component will encompass low-intensity modern dance. Vocal music of all styles will be explored during the music session. The class is designed to accommodate any level of physical ability and musical skill.
(Vintage Voices is full for Spring.)
Cabaret
Cabaret is a medium that combines the performers’ musicality and interpretive imagination in an intimate performance setting. Students in this class will explore different approaches to understanding what motivates a song, and work towards a public performance at the end of each term. Students will choose material in consultation with instructor. Informal interview is required. Teens welcome with permission of instructor. Maximum of six students per class.
(The Cabaret class is full for Spring.)
Musicianship Courses
Sight-Singing Can Be Learned!
This course is designed to teach adults with little or no experience how to sight-read music. A strong emphasis in identifying intervals and patterns, rhythm and musical vocabulary will give the adult singer the ability to sing new material with confidence.
See Spring schedule for Sight-Singing Can Be Learned.
Singing: The Basics
Singing relaxes, energizes and entertains. This class will teach fundamentals of voice production in a low-pressure group setting. Each student will receive individual attention and do plenty of singing! Note: If enrollment exceeds four students, class will be extended to a one-hour session.
See Spring schedule for Singing: The Basics.
Note Reading 101
For teen/adult beginners who declare they “know nothing,” this welcoming class will emphasize note reading and discovery of the building blocks of musical understanding. Sessions include weekly work on rhythm and notation as well as a rotating schedule of topics such as history and listening. An excellent preparatory class for sight-singing or any private instrumental study.
See Spring schedule for Note Reading 101.
Music Appreciation Courses
An Inside Look at Opera
An inside look at this fascinating art form that blends music and theater. Individual operas are examined in depth, emphasizing music, plot, libretto, singing, acting and stage direction.Operas include those being presented at the Metropolitan Opera and scheduled for broadcast in area movie theaters. In addition to looking at individual operas, the class will take an in-depth look at certain aspects of opera like style, staging, libretti, etc. No previous instruction or music reading necessary. Schedule with class dates and operas will be sent out to registered participants.
(Note: This class is only offered in the Fall.)
Performance Class for Pianists
A class for intermediate to advanced adult pianists to perform in a relaxed and friendly environment. During the two-hour class, three or four players will present works in progress and class members will be encouraged to offer constructive remarks. (Number of classes depends on amount of players, but is usually 12.) Not intended as a substitute for independent piano studies.
See schedule for Performance Class for Pianists (auditors).
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Sound Design and Performance
Ages 12 & up. Create fresh, exciting Sound Design for all performance mediums while learning basic, approachable and effective applications of common private use Sound Design software. Students will practice creating and recording sound in a variety of charged, dynamic environments and from a vast range of poignant sources. The application of sound to music, dance, film, theatre, the visual arts and the live literary genres will all be examined and customized to each student. Get behind the wheel of this singularly powerful artistic element.
See Spring schedule for Sound Design.
Songwriting
Ages 13 - adult. Encourage and release your unique voice through the art of songwriting! Focusing on songcraft, performance acumen, improvisation and collaboration as crucial elements in this art form, students will gain creative tools necessary for song construction. A weekly workshop format will help guide each student from concept phase through finished song. The class will also study the work of a variety of professional songwriters. A fun and useful course for any students interested in developing their songwriting skills in a safe, productive environment. Instructor will contact students to confirm class time.
Afro-Caribbean World Beat Percussion
Ages teen through adult. In addition to providing an introduction to the djembe drum, earth drum, djoun-djoun drums, agogo bell, shekere, frame drum, and conga, this class also focuses on learning cooperation and teamwork, respect for others, and cultural understanding. Great for teachers who want to learn how to use African percussion in the classroom! 60 minutes.
See Spring schedule for Afro-Caribbean World Beat Percussion.
