 |
|
start planning now for summer music classes
Playing an instrument is great, but creating music with a group of people is even better! Richardson Guitar Studio band classes help you form a music community and learn the skills that make it easy and fun to play in a group. Our summer session begins in June. Classes are scheduled as students register, based on compatible availability, instruments and experience level. Each class runs for eight consecutive weeks. Click here for more information about registering for classes. Band classes are small-group workshops that focus on strategies for playing and performing in a group. We also offer music theory and music appreciation classes to help students expand their knowledge about the music they play and enjoy. Available class topics are listed below. Music Appreciation: Intro to Flamenco Music No instrument needed. The captivating beauty and energy of Spanish flamenco music demand that the audience not just listen, but participate. Through recordings and live performance by the instructor, students will become familiar with the sounds of basic flamenco palos, or song forms. Students will learn how to recognize characteristic rhythms and join in with palmas, the hand-clapping percussion that can range from simple to complex. 60-minute classes. Music Theory: Guitar Theory and Fretboard Harmony For acoustic and electric guitar. If you want to make serious progress as a musician, music theory is essential. The fretboard harmony approach gives students a working knowledge of the 12 tones of music and where to find them in various positions on the guitar neck. This knowledge becomes the base for understanding how to locate intervals and construct scales, chords and chord progressions on the guitar. Our instructors will help students apply theory lessons to the songs they know. 60-minute classes. Rock Band For electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drums and vocals. Everyone dreams of being in a rock band. The first step is getting together with other musicians and playing some tunes. Our instructors will lead you through the steps that come after that, like figuring out how to play the same thing at the same time. Choose Basic Band or Advanced Band (see below). Bluegrass Band For acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and vocals. Nothing beats a gathering of friends making music together - except maybe a gathering of friends that can glide effortlessly into their favorite tunes and take the jam someplace it's never been. Our instructors will take you there. Choose Basic Band or Advanced Band (see below). Jazz Combo For electric guitar, bass, drums, sax and vocals. Freedom within structure is the ultimate goal of playing jazz. Our instructors show you how to create the structure and experience the freedom by layering improvisation over the rhythms and chord changes of jazz standards. Choose Basic Combo or Advanced Combo (see below). Blues Band For electric guitar, bass, drums and vocals. If you really want to groove, you've got to play the blues. Our instructors introduce the basic form and guide you through the variations that make this American classic irresistible. Choose Basic Band or Advanced Band (see below). Classical Guitar Ensemble For classical (nylon string) guitar. Even a simple melody can be played beautifully, with emotion. Add the precision and technique of classical guitar and the layers of complexity that an ensemble can offer, and you'll see the guitar reach one of its highest expressions. Choose Basic Ensemble or Advanced Ensemble (see below). Flamenco Ensemble For acoustic guitar and electric bass. The exciting rhythms and melodies of Spanish gypsy music are intricate but accessible. Our instructors introduce specific scales and chord progressions in the context of authentic flamenco song forms. Recommended for students with at least two years of instrument instruction. Choose Basic Ensemble or Advanced Ensemble (see below). For each band, combo or ensemble class, students will choose Basic Band or Advanced Band. Class goals are general guidelines; each class will be tailored to accommodate students' experience level and interests. Basic Band goals include choosing the right songs for the group, communication and listening in a group, building individual instrumental skills, leading the band & choosing a band leader, following song charts, starting and ending songs together, and using equipment. 60-minute classes. Advanced Band goals include Basic Band goals as well as transcribing and arranging songs, improvising, preparing songs for performance, getting ready for a show & knowing what to do onstage, and writing original songs. 90-minute classes. To register for a class, call 434-293-4017 or email peter@richardsonguitar.com. Check our registration info page for answers to your questions about class registration. |