Music Classes
Whether you are interested in music theory, learning an instrument, or brushing up your skills before gaining admission to a university music program, the Academy is proud to offer a variety of music classes that could be right for you! Scroll down to learn more, or see our complete schedule of classes.
Discounts are available for current Academy students, Musical Bridges students, Composers in the Schools students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members. Call 816-235-2741 to learn more.
NEW FOR SPRING 2010
Argentine Tango with Korey Ireland
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings, February 16 – March 30
The Academy’s Argentine Tango class for musicians and dancers is the first of its kind in Kansas City. Taught by composer, performer, dancer, and self-confessed tango addict Korey Ireland, this class introduces both musicians and dancers to the world of Argentine tango. Musicians will work with Korey to develop their skills as performers in the traditional Argentine tango style. All instruments are welcome, but violinists, bassists, accordionists, and pianists are especially encouraged to participate. Dancers will learn the basics of the Argentine tango; no partner is required and while a dance background is helpful, beginners are also welcome. Musicians and dancers will practice their skills and join together for two evenings of tango music and dance at the public practicum events on March 4 and 30. Course schedule will be as follows:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00
Thursday, February 18, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 25, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 4, 2010: PUBLIC PRACTICUM EVENT: All participants, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 18, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 25, 2010: Musicians, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / Dancers, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010: PUBLIC PRACTICUM EVENT: All participants, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Music Theory
Academy music theory classes are geared towards teens and adults. Students who have completed the Academy's music theory sequence can feel confident that they will be prepared to study music theory at the university level.
Aural Skills / Ear Training
Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Start date 8/13/09, end date 10/8/09
Improve your musical skills! The techniques taught in this class will help you to sing a piece of printed music at sight, as well as to play your instrument “by ear.” Focus will be on the connection between perceived sounds and written music. Aural skills is an area of study that is vital for aspiring musicians, particularly those who hope to study music at the university level. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Theory 1 – Fundamentals of Music Theory
Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Start date 8/13/09, end date 10/8/09
Music theory is the ideal area of study for the music lover or aspiring musician who is interested in learning how music works from the inside out. Theory I is an introduction to the building blocks of music—reading various clefs, rhythms, key signatures, major and minor scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords. This class also builds skills in music literacy. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Theory 2 – Diatonic Voice Leading
Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Start date 10/15/09, end date 12/17/09
Building on the material covered in Theory I, this course explores harmonies in the context of a key, including voice-leading techniques within standard harmonic progressions. The class will examine examples in musical literature and attempt an analysis. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Theory 3 – Chromatic Voice Leading
Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Start date 10/15/09, end date 12/17/09
Theory III extends the principles learned in Theory II to chromatic harmonies (harmonies outside of a given key), as well as procedures of modulation (moving from one key to another). Unlike Theory I and II, this is a hands-on analysis course. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Group Music Instruction
Group vocal and instrumental instruction is available for all ages. Group instruction can be a great way to get started in music. It can serve as a bridge to private lessons, or can be a stand-alone musical experience for you or your child. For your convenience, this class listing is broken down into age categories:
- Early childhood: classes for ages 3 - 5
- Classes for ages 6 - 12
- Classes for teens and adults
Early Childhood: Ages 3 - 5
Suzuki Violin Group Classes: Pre-Twinkle
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:15
Biweekly for 16 weeks.
Class dates 8/29/09, 9/12/09, 9/26/09, 10/10/09, 10/24/09, 11/7/09, 11/21/09, 12/5/09
Biweekly classes for Suzuki violin students ages 3 and up. Small class size and low student/teacher ratio make these classes a great learning experience. Suzuki group classes are intended as a supplement to private lessons. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students and Musical Bridges students)
Piano-Ready Class for ages 4 – 5
Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:15 PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Piano-Ready Class is a preparatory program for children ages 4 – 5 who are interested in piano lessons. It serves as a transition from early childhood programs such as Kindermusik to a one-on-one setting in private piano lessons. Learning to play the piano requires good coordination, technical skills, and intense concentration all at the same time. Piano-Ready Class is designed to provide the basic foundations of piano playing, music theory, and ear training in a friendly group environment to help students ease into private piano lessons. Piano-Ready Class emphasizes both learning by ear and music reading skills. No memorization of solo repertoire is required. Class activities include playing the piano both individually and in groups, as well as singing and movement. Parental participation is recommended. Class fee includes 8 15-minute private lessons in addition to class time. $400.00 ($250.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Click here to learn more about all of the Academy's early childhood programs.
Ages 6 - 12
Suzuki Violin Group Classes: Book 1
Saturdays, 11:15 – 12:00
Biweekly for 16 weeks.
Class dates 8/29/09, 9/12/09, 9/26/09, 10/10/09, 10/24/09, 11/7/09, 11/21/09, 12/5/09
Biweekly classes for Suzuki violin students currently working in Suzuki Book 1. Small class size and low student/teacher ratio make these classes a great learning experience. Suzuki group classes are intended as a supplement to private lessons. $175.00 ($100.00 for current Academy students and Musical Bridges students).
Beginning Cello Class for 1st – 3rd graders
Saturdays, 9:00 – 10:00
2 sessions:
Start date 8/29/09, end date 10/10/09
Start date 10/24/09, end date 12/19/09
Cello Class will emphasize aspects of the Suzuki Method to help students move quickly into playing the instrument just like a child learning how to talk. Once the basic set-up for the instrument has been established we will integrate note reading to help students move more easily into an ensemble setting at school. Classes will center on the idea of teamwork to help foster a feeling of group accomplishment while allowing for individual instruction to help catapult students towards a love of music and the cello. Course fee includes 2 15-minute private lessons in addition to class time. Supplies: cello, bow, rosin, Suzuki Bk. 1 (other supplies provided by teacher at necessary intervals) $185.00 per session ($115.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Beginning Keyboard Class for ages 6 – 10
Saturdays, 4:15 – 5:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Small class size and individual attention can help make learning to play the piano fun for everyone. Using the Community Music and Dance Academy’s new keyboard lab, the class is intended as a bridge to private lessons. Students will be required to purchase headphones. $315.00 ($178.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Young Singers Class for ages 8 – 11
Mondays, 4:00 – 5:00
Start date 8/24/09, end date 12/14/09
Students will learn the basics of good vocal technique in a fun, low-pressure environment. This class is meant to prepare the young singer for auditions in local or school musical theatre productions. Music explored includes children’s chorus numbers from Broadway shows, as well as brief solos for each singer. Emphasis is also placed on reading music and basic sightreading. $292.00 ($167.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Beginning Flute Class for ages 9 and up
Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00
Start date 8/28/09, end date 12/18/09
Small class size and individual attention, as well as emphasis on proper breathing, hand position and technique can help make learning to play the flute fun for everyone. The class is intended as a bridge to private lessons and/or a school band program. $315.00 ($178.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Beginning Cello Class for 4th – 6th graders
Saturdays, 12:00 – 1:00
Start date 8/29/09, end date 10/10/09
Start date 10/24/09, end date 12/19/09
Cello Class will emphasize aspects of the Suzuki Method to help students move quickly into playing the instrument just like a child learning how to talk. Once the basic set-up for the instrument has been established we will integrate note reading to help students move more easily into an ensemble setting at school. Classes will center on the idea of teamwork to help foster a feeling of group accomplishment while allowing for individual instruction to help catapult students towards a love of music and the cello. Course fee includes 2 15-minute private lessons in addition to class time. Supplies: cello, bow, rosin, Suzuki Bk. 1 (other supplies provided by teacher at necessary intervals) $185.00 ($115.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridgs and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).
Teens and Adults
Beginning Guitar Class
Saturdays 11:00 – 12:00
Start date 8/15/09, end date 12/19/09
No prior experience necessary. Each student must have an acoustic guitar for the class. This is a beginning guitar class for anyone 16 years and older. The class is designed to have fun with the fundamentals of popular guitar technique. Basic chords, accompaniment styles, standard notation and tablature reading will be introduced. The class is taught by Jim Lammers, who has more than 20 years of guitar teaching experience at UMKC. $350.00 ($200.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
Stringendo Chamber Music
2 sessions:
Start date 9/6/09, end date 10/24/09
Start date 10/26/09, end date 12/19/09
Weekly small-group coachings with the Stringendo faculty. Violin, viola, cello and piano students ages 8 – 20 are eligible to participate. We also welcome pre-formed chamber music groups. Group placement is by audition. Click here to learn more about Stringendo. $175.00 per session ($100.00 for current Academy students and Musical Bridges students).
Keyboard Class for Adult Beginners
Saturdays, 5:15 – 6:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Small class size and individual attention can help make learning to play the piano fun for everyone. Using the Community Music and Dance Academy’s new keyboard lab, the class is intended as a bridge to private lessons. Students will be required to purchase headphones. $315.00 ($178.00 for current Academy students and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members)
