Children’s Introductory Group Classes

Introductory group classes are an excellent starting point for children with no previous music training. Beginning instrumental classes are offered for piano, guitar, recorder and drum set. We recommend classes for a child who:

  • Has not yet expressed a strong preference for a particular instrument or
  • Is not ready for the commitment of individual lessons

For more information, contact Ingeborg Schimmer,
department chair for group instruction
(203) 624-5189 x 25 or ischimmer@neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Introductory Group Class Rates

Class rates vary depending on format and number of weeks and are based on minimum enrollment of three. Many classes can run with only two students, in which case either the number of classes will be reduced or the rate adjusted. Registered students will be contacted in a timely manner about the start of the class.

Request financial aid.

Summer Introductory Group Class Descriptions

Intro to Music

Ages 5 and 6. Must be in kindergarten. This class sets the stage for future musical study. Children will explore note values, rhythmic patterns and beginning music reading, and will participate in a percussion ensemble. 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Mondays, June 18 - July 23  2:15 -3 p.m. $192 Beth Patella Register
Wednesdays, June 20 - August 1*
*No class July 4		 2:15 - 3 p.m. $160 Beth Patella Register

Project Discovery

Ages 6 - 8. A sampler class with piano, recorder and guitar. A great introduction and solid foundation for young musicians who have yet to pick their favorite instrument! 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Thursdays, June 21 - July 19   4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $160 I. Schimmer Register

Meet the Drums

Ages 4 and 5. A first exploration of the drums. This class will introduce rhythms beginning with basic call and response technique and moving on to playing along with recorded music. The students will use different sound sources such as clapping and stomping as well as shaker eggs and rhythm sticks. Near the end of the semester boom whackers will be introduced and the student will learn to count and play when it is their turn. 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Fridays, June 22 - July 27   3:15 - 4 p.m. $192 Gretchen Hary Register
Fridays, June 22 - July 27 4 - 4:45 p.m. $192 Gretchen Hary Register

Meet the Piano

Ages 6 and 7. A first exploration of the keyboard in a small-group setting. Students will experience important musical concepts, keyboard orientation and beginnings of pitch and rhythmic notation through song and movement activities. They will master simple melodies on the piano and build a solid foundation for future music study. Must have (electric) piano or keyboard with at least four octaves.

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Monday, June 18 - July 23 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $192 Daniel Shapiro Register
Tuesdays, June 19 - July 24   3:45 - 4:30 p.m. $192 Laura Richling Register
Thursdays, June 21 - July 26 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. $192 Laura Richling Register
Thursdays, June 21 - Aug. 2*
* No class July 12		 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $192 Rachel Jungkeit Register
GUILFORD:
Wednesdays, June 20 - Aug. 1*
* No class July 4 & July 18		 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $192 Rachel Jungkeit Register

Meet the Guitar - Classical & Rhythm

Ages 6-8. A first exploration of the guitar. Through simple songs, fingerboard fun and basic chords to sing with, students will master the rudiments of the guitar and build a foundation for future study. Instrument rental is available. 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Wednesdays, June 20 - July 25   4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $160 M. Radawiec Register

Drumstix! Beginning Drum Set Group Class

Ages 10-12. This beginning drum-set group class uses drum sticks, pads and eventually snare drums to introduce basic drum-set rhythms and techniques. By the end of the class students will be on their way with a rock beat at the ready! 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Fridays, June 22 - July 27 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. $192 Gretchen Hary Register
Fridays, June 28 - July 27 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. $192 Gretchen Hary Register

Meet the Recorder

Ages 6 - 8. An introduction to music and ear training using the recorder with singing, playing by ear and reading.  Strong preparation for music reading. Fee includes recorder and materials. 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Wednesdays, June 20 - July 25 *
* No class July 4 		 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $192 Larry Zukof Register

Afro-Caribbean World Beat Percussion

Ages 7 and up. Explore the layered interlocking polyrhythms of West Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil while learning to play world percussion and hand drums with confidence. World drumming empowers us to find our individual rhythmic voice as it brings us together in cooperation, respect and cultural understanding. This class will focus on djembe, djun djun and conga drums. We will also introduce the gankogui bell and shekere. The rhythmic skills learned in these fun, fast paced classes easily translate to all other musical instruments. 

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Tuesdays, June 19 - July 24  5 - 6 p.m. $210 Michelle Cappellieri Register

Percussion Class

Ages 12 and up. For drumset students: An exploration of percussion instruments like orchestral instruments, mallet percussion and world persussion. Includes history and music styles for each instrument plus basic techniques. Students should have at least one year of private instruction, be able to read music and able to play various rhythms, including 16th notes.

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Mondays, June 18 - July 23   5 - 6 p.m. $210 Gretchen Hary Register

Acting/Movement for Singers

Ages 10 and up. It's one thing to perform a song while standing still, but quite another to produce the same sound while actively performing a role. This class focuses on putting together ensembles and scenes: Broadway show excerpts and scenes that students perform with full choreography at the end of the course. The class is helpful for singers to learn how to maintain vocal technique while acting out a scene. This workshop will include all genres but will have an emphasis on musical theatre and opera.

Day Time Fee Instructor  
Mondays, June 18 - July 23   6:30 - 8 p.m. $225 Cynthia Eggers Register