LOCATION:
1307 High Street
(Corner of High St. &
Encinal Ave.)
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-769-0195



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THE "RHYTHM RASCALS" PROGRAM

Rhythm Rascals © is a copyrighted program of the Alameda School of
Music, and is designed as your child’s first step into the wonderful and
important world of musical education.  As you probably know, early
experiences with music build many important skills:  motor coordination,
memory, the link between rhythm and math computation, and long-term
goal setting are just a few of the crucial components for successful
learning.
We also all know that music is getting meager exposure in the schools
because of budget constraints, and it is this void in your child’s musical
experience that we aim to fill.



GETTIN' YOUR FEET WET!
Age Range: 3 to 5 years
You’ll be amazed at the progress your child will make in this hands-on
introduction to basic musical principles.  Singing, dancing, storytelling,
exposure to instruments and games are just a part of this age-
appropriate curriculum.  Interaction with one’s peers and the instructor is
a crucial phase in this age group’s learning, and the course is designed
with numerous activities which keep that in mind.
The wonderful learning activities continue at home with at-home
materials such as an illustrated songbook, CD, rhythm sticks and a
drum.  The at-home activities keeps your child thinking about music
throughout the week, which prepares them gradually for their eventual
daily music study with an instrument.
All of this together provides a healthy and consistent platform from which
your child will progress in their confidence, both musically and socially.  


JUMPIN' IN!
Age range: 5 to 7 years
Here’s where your child will astound you with their musical progress and
grasp of fundamentals.  The class begins with musical principles such as
soft/loud, high/low and slow/fast, and progresses to specific rhythmic
note values and the introduction of the musical staff.  Your child will also
learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra.  By classes’ end,
your child will be able to play simple melodies on a xylophone, and will
then be ready to begin formal lessons on a specific instrument.  All of
this of course is introduced through the use of fun, hands-on singing,
movement and focused listening activities.
At his age, the at-home materials and activities are crucial for your child
to maximize their class experience.  The confidence gained in doing the
weekly assignment gets your child used to the daily process of thinking
about and practicing music, an important precursor to studying a specific
instrument.





BEGINNING GUITAR
Age Range: 13 to Adult
Designed for teenagers and adults, this class teaches you the basic
chords, and you’ll immediately have fun playing songs like “Yellow
Submarine”, “Lean On Me” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”. You’ll
also learn the concept of keys and how to use them, simple scales for
building left hand strength, and all the basic and important strumming
and picking patterns. By the end, you’ll have learned about eighteen
songs, five keys, and all the right hand technique you’ll need to play
literally hundreds of songs!


INTERMEDIATE GUITAR
Designed as a the follow-up class to Beginning Guitar, Barry shows you
how to add fingers to  chords, and how to play simple, classic leads like
“Secret Agent Man” and “Tequila”.  You’ll also learn some beautiful
picking patterns, power chords, descending bass lines and moveable
bar chords.  Basic rock rhythms will be explained, with the songs of
“Green Day” “Blink 182”, and more groups used as examples.  You’ll
also learn how to use the famous rock scale, and you’ll be improvising
with it in just one session!  A great class for taking that step beyond
simple chord strumming.  The small class size will allow time for individual
help each week.


BEGINNING KIDS GUITAR
Age Range: 9 to 12 Years
Learn guitar in a fun, relaxed setting with a great teacher! Donna loves
teaching young people, and has taught hundreds of kids over the years.
Because of her educational background, she’s developed a simplified
system for guitar that anyone can learn. You’ll learn songs like “I’m a
Believer”, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, and lots of other cool songs. You’ll
also learn the first five basic keys, simple scales, and lots of fun
strumming and picking patterns that you’ll be able to use for hundreds of
songs. No previous musical experience is needed for this class.



ALAMUSIC CHILDREN'S CHORUS
WOW!  A non-competitive chorus where kids can learn voice training,
music theory, explore new music, develop skills and self confidence plus
have lots of fun.  The children will also learn about presentation,
teamwork, and an appreciation of other languages and cultures.  During
the session the chorus will sing a variety of musical genres from
Classical, Pop, and Musical Theater.  The final session will consist of an
informal performance, with your friends and family invited!  No audition is
necessary. The instructor, Ellen St. Thomas, has extensive experience
with teaching group singing, having taught for the Mountain View School
District and the Community School for Music and the Arts.  She is
currently the choral assistant for Campolindo High School in Moraga,
and also conducts the adult choir at Lake Park United Methodist Church
in Oakland.



INTRO TO SONGWRITING
Ever wonder how the pros make music spontaneously?  This class will
unlock many of the secrets of improvisation!  We’ll learn some of the
essential materials that are common to rock, blues, and jazz
improvisation, and make music with them, step by step.  Included are
commonly used chords and scales, free-form improv games and
techniques, techniques to develop rhythmic inventiveness, and helpful
practice strategies.  All instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.   The
prerequisite is three month’s experience on an instrument, with some
basic facility with chords and melody.  Age range:  13 to adult.


PIANO PLUS FOR KIDS
Your child can now experience the advantage of private lessons
combined with the fun and interaction that a group setting provides.  
Formal piano instruction is creatively combined with singing, movement
and tactile activities such as “Move and Freeze”, “Musical Chairs” and
“Name That Song”.  The musical staff is explained by kids jumping from
note to note using black ropes, and a musical version of baseball is
used to count rhythms.  The class size is limited to five, so that maximum
interaction and individual attention can be assured.  The idea is to
emphasize important musical fundamentals in a creative, hands-on
manner, while at the same time teaching piano fundamentals.  Designed
for children 7 to 10 years old.



“GUITAR HERO” ROCK ENSEMBLE
Here’s your chance to learn the great classics from the “Guitar Hero”
game!  Playing these songs in a game is one thing, but actually learning
them on the guitar is the next important step towards playing in a band!  
You’ll learn all important facets of a song:  rhythm parts, lead riffs, vocals
and song arrangement.  You’ll also learn the pentatonic scale in
different positions, so you can improvise or devise your own solos.  
You’ll learn songs like “Heart Shaped Box, “Sweet Child of Mine”, and
many more!  Open to guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and singers!  
Prerequisite:  knowledge of basic open chords and use of a flatpick.



WOODWIND ENSEMBLE
Have you ever wanted to play in a woodwind ensemble, and try your
hand at playing many styles of music?  Well now is your chance!  Open
to teenagers and adults, the class will explore ensemble playing by
featuring music from many styles arranged in an original and fun way.  
The reasonable price will enable students to continue their private
lessons while participating in this valuable ensemble.  Perfect for
teenagers in their school band, or general students who’d like to
improve their note-reading skills.  Some instrument facility and note-
reading skill is required, and there’ll be an informal performance at
sessions’ end.   Open to all woodwinds, brass, and piano players.



STRING ENSEMBLE
Open to children seven to twelve years of age, this class is a valuable
adjunct to your child’s private lessons.  Too many times children learn
an instrument privately without the fun, challenge and excitement of
playing with others in a structured group setting.  Simple classical, folk
and popular pieces will be arranged for group playing, and an informal
performance will be given to friends and family at sessions’ end.  The
reasonable price will enable parents to have their children continue their
private lessons while enrolled in this valuable experience.  Prerequisite:  
at least one years experience and basic note-reading ability.  Open to
violin, piano and guitar students.



DO-IT-YOURSELF MUSIC PRODUCTION
In this class you’ll learn how to self-record, mix and master your music
with industry standard quality.  Students will be taught the secrets of
inputs/outputs, tracks, levels, fades, equipment, effects, and all the tools
necessary for successful recording.  Various software programs will be
used and demonstrated, as well as traditional devices such as
microphones and external speakers.  You’ll learn with a “hands on”
approach, by bringing in your own song, and developing it throughout
the eight weeks.  All students will receive a finished CD of their work.



BLUEGRASS ENSEMBLE
This class will teach you how to play bluegrass with other musicians.
Designed for guitar, mandolin, banjo and fiddle, classic Bluegrass song
tablatures will be given out for each instrument, and each student will
have a chance to play lead and rhythm on each song. If you love
Bluegrass and have some facility with any acoustic instrument, this class
is for you! Singers are welcomed, and vocal melodies and harmonies
are taught as well.



BEGINNING STEEL DRUMS
Learn the magic of making music on Caribbean steel drums.  Have fun
with the basics of sticking and melody making, and enjoy playing
favorites like “Yellow Bird”, “Marianne”, “Jamaica Farewell”, “The Lion
King” and many more!  Beginners are welcome, and our easy, play-by-
rote method will have you jammin’ in no time.  We supply the drums, you
just come ready to have fun!



SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAMS

8 TO 12 YEAR OLD DAY CAMP
Tailored for 8 to 12 year-olds, our camp includes group singing, piano
and guitar instruction, a rhythm and percussion workshop, and then  
daily lunch and sports at Lincoln Park.  
Cost:  $325            Hours:  9:00 AM to 4 PM.   
Morning music session only   $175
Dates:  3 Sessions, one week each

Session I:   Monday, 6/14 through Friday, 6/18
Session II:   Monday, 6/28 through Friday, 7/2
Session III:  Monday, 8/23 through Friday, 8/27  
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10 TO 16 YEAR OLD “GUITAR HERO” CAMP
Now’s your chance to play those great songs from the game series, and
do it with other aspiring players!  Learn and rehearse classic tunes like
“Sweet Child of Mine” “When I Come Around”, “My Hero”,  and many
more.  You’ll practice cool rhythm and lead parts to songs, and how to
transition between them.  The class is mainly designed as an
intermediate guitar class, but is also open to intermediate level bass,
drums, keyboard and vocalists.  An informal concert will be presented to
friends and family on the last day.  
Cost:  $225             Hours:  9:30 to 2 PM

Dates: 2 Sessions, one week each
Session I:  Monday, 6/21 through Friday, 6/25
Session II:  Monday, 7/12 through Friday, 7/16  




PRIVATE LESSONS

All of our teachers are available for private lessons. Lessons are one-
half hour to an hour in length, and are offered weekly. Please call the
instructor directly for their particular schedule. Lesson prices are $110
per month for all instruments, with vocal lessons being slightly higher.
We offer private lessons in guitar, piano, voice, violin, cello, drums,
clarinet, flute, sax, trumpet,  harp and steel drums.
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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
SUMME
R DAY CAMPS
THE "RHYTHM RASCALS" PROGRAM
GETTIN' YOUR FEET WET
JUMPIN' IN

BEGINNING GUITAR
INTERMEDIATE GUITAR
BEGINNING KID'S GUITAR
BEGINNING GUITAR FOR PARENTS
"GUITAR HERO" ROCK ENSEMBLE
ALAMUSIC CHILDREN'S CHORUS
INTRO TO SONGWRITING
PIANO PLUS FOR KIDS
WOODWIND ENSEMBLE
BLUEGRASS ENSEMBLE

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

PRIVATE LESSONS
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