Group Lessons / Classes

Classes provide a stimulating musical environment for students, from the very young to the musically advanced. Group classes are an excellent way to supplement the course of study in a private lessons and accelerate learning.

We offer group instruction for preschool, prepiano, piano/keyboard, percussion, guitar, violin, voice,  musical theater, and rock band classes.

In the first year of instruction (piano, guitar, and violin), students learn using standard method materials to ensure good basic skills and techniques are acquired. Games are integrated into class materials to provide a healthy balance of learning through play. Skills imparted include music counting, reading, and ear training.

Group Music Lesson Format
Group instruction consists of one weekly 45 minute class with class sizes ranging from two to five students.  See class descriptions below.

Regular Concerts and Recitals
A student concert each semester provides a forum for students to share their progress with their families and friends, and benefit from observing the performances of fellow students. Recital or concert performances give students tangible goals to work toward each semester.  All Ames Music Studios students are encouraged to participate in our low-pressure recitals, held in December and June each year.  "As always, I LOVED the recital!  It's probably a lot of work for you all, but it is SO great!"  Sheila Nagle, mom of students, Alec and Qlaire.

Musical Theater Classes

Our musical theater program teaches stage techniques with a voice component.  Our musical theater program is unique in that all teachers have voice training as well as a theatrical background and performance experience.  Students will be coached in proper vocal technique by a teacher with a university degree in voice.  Designed to give students a powerful skill set to take into any drama activity.  Musical theater classes will present at the recital each semester.

Rock Band Class and Percussion Group

Rock Band Class
Rock band class takes participants through the process of learning and rehearsing in their own band.  Each rehearsal is 45 minutes per week, coached by one of our experienced teachers who are themselves seasoned performers. Three to five students form a performing/recording rock band doing original music as well as cover tunes.  In-depth rock band experience gives students the tools necessary to effectively function in an independent small group setting.  Performance opportunity each semester.

In the Percussion Group, there is an emphasis in percussion ensemble playing, but other instruments or vocalists who want to experience performing in a rhythm-driven group are welcome to join.  Students learn basic beats and rhythms, ensemble parts, improvisation, while playing in many different musical styles including jazz, funk, rock, and ethnic rhythms.

When Classes are Best for You

Classes Are the Best Choice for Very Young Students:
The group energy and social interaction of young children's music classes provide a great introduction to the world of music in a young person's life. Movement, rhythm, and drama, combined with music, will spark a child's imagination and creativity.

Classes are the Best Choice for Musically Advancing Students:
Classes give musically advancing students many opportunities to challenge themselves and accelerate the learning process. Classes provide a fun, creative environment to deepen their exploration of music, in the following areas: rock band class, song writing, improvisation, and percussion workshops.


Why Group Lessons are the Best Choice for You

Small Class Sizes
Our group lessons range in size from two to five students. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention from instructors and quality interaction between students.

Lively Social Focus
Group lessons foster a lively social focus which is an important part of real-world music making. This forum allows students to benefit from observing others in processing information and techniques, and builds a sense of teamwork into the lesson environment.

Camaraderie in Musical and Personal Relationships
As students change and mature, the personal and musical relationships formed in group lessons help solidify the student's commitment and enthusiasm for music lessons.

Experienced, Qualified Instructors
Students will benefit from the combination of teaching expertise and extensive performance experience of our instructors.

Focus on Teaching
As a teaching studio, our focus is singular - music instruction.

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