Rock Ensembles

In these three ensembles, students learn and rehearse rock songs chosen by group members (with the guidance and approval of the instructor) and perform a concert at the end of their second semester.  In addition to developing repertoire, students will enhance their skills in improvisation, performance, reading simple charts, appreciation of different rock/blues styles and understanding the role of each player in a band. This is a full year class—enrollment in both semesters encouraged. Prerequisite of 2 semesters or 1 year of lessons (may be waived with approval of instructor). 

Junior Rock Ensemble: Students ages 9 to 12, Course no. MU211 (Fall) and MU212 (Spring), Fridays, 3:30 to 4:25 p.m.

Rock Ensemble A: Students ages 12 to 18, Course no. MU213 (Fall) and MU214 (Spring), Fridays, 4:30 to 5:25 p.m.

Rock Ensemble B: Students ages 12 to 18, Course no. MU215 (Fall) and MU216 (Spring), Fridays, 5:30 to 6:25 p.m.

Fall Session: Sept. 7 through Dec. 21 (15 classes, no class Nov. 23)

Spring Session: Feb. 1 through May 23 (15 classes, no class Feb. 29 and May 2)

Tuition per session: $170 for members, $195 for non-members

 

 

Jazz Ensemble

PMAC’s youth Jazz Ensemble is an excellent way to stretch and exercise your creative muscles. The focus is improvising while learning classic and contemporary jazz charts. Students learn to work in the unique group dynamic of the jazz combo. This group has performed locally at The Press Room and worked with jazz giants The Bad Plus at The Music Hall. For students ages 12 and up. Students are required to have two years of study on their instrument (may be waived with approval of instructor).

Day and Time: Mondays, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Fall Session: Course Number MU221, Sept. 10 through Dec. 17 (14 classes, no class Nov. 19)

Spring Session: Course Number MU222, Jan. 28 through May 12 (14 classes, no class Feb. 25 and Apr. 28)

Tuition per session: $160 for members, $185 for non-members

Chamber Music Ensembles

We believe the best motivation for young music students is the ensemble experience. Whether it is a piano four-hands duo, a clarinet trio or string quartet, making music in a group is fun, rewarding and a wonderful way to develop your musical skills. This year we are introducing chamber music ensembles into the weekday curriculum. Our faculty will match students, choose repertoire, coach the ensemble, and oversee performances. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Three 8-week sessions throughout the year. For students ages 8 and up, depending on instrument. Students are required to have two years of study on their instrument (may be waived with approval of instructor).

Schedule based on instructor and student availability

Session I: Course Number MU401 Week of Oct. 8 through week of Dec. 3 (8 classes, no class week of Nov. 19)

Session II: Course Number MU402 Week of Jan. 7 through week of Mar. 10 (8 classes, no class weeks of Jan. 21 and Feb. 25)

Session III: Course Number MU403 Week of Mar. 24 through week of May 19 (8 classes, no class week of April 28) 

Tuition per session: $175 for members, $195 for nonmembers

Songwriting

This workshop will take you through the entire process of songwriting from generating ideas to how to copyright your songs and have them recorded and performed. Each session will end with a clear and easy assignment designed to help the student work towards the goal of writing a song. Early sessions will address possible starting points, i.e. riffs, bass lines, chord progressions, lyrics as well as unique methods of beginning the creative process like “writing down the monster.” We will explore different ways to construct a melody, how to collaborate with another songwriter, and experiment with harmony. We will also analyze the form of popular songs, focusing on the different aspects of intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. In the final session of the workshop we will learn about resources for songwriters, finding open mics and songwriting groups, and how to present your songs to other musicians. No prior music theory knowledge is required but some proficiency with an instrument is preferred. Open to students ages 12 and up.

Day and Time: Wednesdays, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Fall Session: Course Number MU301, Sept. 26 through Dec. 19 (Fall, 12 classes, no class Nov. 21)

Spring Session: MU302, Jan. 30 through April 23 (Spring, 12 classes, no class Feb. 27)

Tuition per session: $195 for members, $220 for nonmembers

Music Production

Recording is an integral part of today’s music world. All musicians record music, listen to recordings and make demos. PMAC’s Music Production class is a general survey of the recording process and concepts of the studio. Starting with the basics of sound, microphones and amplifiers, the class also covers signal processing, equalization, compression, synthesis and computer editing. Both traditional and “rule-breaking” approaches to recording will be covered. In addition to software recording, the student gets hands-on experience with microphones, mixing boards, tape machines, effects, etc. We will also practice the art of listening with a critical ear, which is vital in all areas of music. Students will record their own music in class and at home during each session. Students should have a computer (PC or Mac) at home. A laptop is ideal, but not required. Open to students ages 14 and up.

Day and time: Mondays, 5 to 6 p.m.

Fall Session: Course Number MU311, Sept. 24 through Dec. 17 (12 classes, no class Nov. 19),

Spring Session: MU312, Jan. 30 through April 23 (12 classes, no class Feb. 27).

Tuition per session: $195 for members, $220 for nonmembers