LOCATION:
1307 High Street
(Corner of High St. &
Encinal Ave.)
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-769-0195
w w WHAT'S NEW AT THE ALAMEDA SCHOOL OF MUSIC
WINTER SESSION STARTS THE WEEK OF 1/26!
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FOR
Did you know we sell starter guitars and music accessories?
We have 3/4 size acoustic guitars for kids and teenagers,
and we sell strings, tuners, straps, picks, metronomes, and
much more!
We're really excited about our newest offerings, Piano Plus
for Kids, Woodwind Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Do-It-
Yourself Music Production.
Piano Plus is the perfect next step after Rhythm Rascals,
utilizing many of those fun, group-oriented activities with
formal piano instruction. Many children learn better while in
a small group, where there is less emphasis on performing
and more on games, singing and movement activities.
We're offering two exciting playing ensembles this Winter:
Woodwind Ensemble for teens & adults, and String
Ensemble for ages seven to twelve. Both classes are
designed as adjuncts to private lessons, but of course may
be taken separately. Both give students a fun and exciting
new phase in their musical development.
Do-It Yourself Music Production teaches students how to
arrange, prepare and record their own song, using
computer software. Each student will record their own
song, and will have a finished CD to take home at classes'
end.
We're now featuring monthly sightreading and playing
ensembles. This will give our students of different
instruments the unique chance to play with others at the
same skill level. This is a free and invaluable adjunct to
private lessons, and can only be found at a complete music
school such as ours!
Some of our new class offerings:
INTRO TO SONGWRITING
Have you ever wanted to express yourself through writing songs, but felt
like you didn’t have the know-how to do it? Now here’s your chance! This
class will guide you step-by-step through the process of crafting original
songs. Included will be a look at some of the lyrical devices of great
songwriters, different ways of organizing song structure, and tips that will
help you add harmonic and rhythmic variety to your song accompaniments.
The class is open to teenagers and adults with basic skills on a chordal
instrument, and some basic facility with chords and melody. No prior
songwriting experience is required.
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.
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.
ALAMUSIC CHILDREN'S CHORUS
WOW! For ages 8 to 15 years, we’re offering 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, Gospel, Pop, World Music and Musical
Theater. The final session will consist of an informal performance, with
your friends and family invited! No audition is necessary.
We'd like to welcome the chorus director, Michelle Jacques, who has
extensive performing experience, having performed with the likes of
Manhattan Transfer, Wynton Marsalis, John Handy, and many others. She
has written award-winning songs, worked for the San Francisco
Symphony’s education programs, and currently conducts for the Oakland
Youth Chorus.
TEEN & ADULT GOSPEL/WORLD MUSIC CHORUS
Have you always wanted to be part of a fun, rockin’ and soulful a cappella
chorus? For those who have always wanted to sing, here’s your chance!
Students will learn African American and African spirituals, gospel music,
labor and civil rights songs. Students will learn correct vocal and
performance techniques, rhythms, and harmonizing in different musical
styles. And to top it all off, there’ll be a performance to showcase what you
have learned. All you need is willingness, commitment, a passion for joyful
musical participation. No audition is necessary.
"GUITAR HERO" ROCK BAND
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!
INTERMEDIATE GUITAR
The demand has been great for a follow-up class to beginning guitar, so
here it is! This is the next step for students who have learned their basic
chords and strum patterns, and now want to venture into the exciting world
of melody picking, simple lead playing, jazzy and bluesy chords, and more.
You’ll learn songs like “Secret Agent Man”, “ The Time of Your Life” and
“Tequila”. A great class for starting to put it all together and move on in the
wonderful world of guitar!
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.
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.
SUB-LEASE SPACE AVAILABLE!
If you need extra or private space for your profession, or for practicing or
rehearsing, our music school has it for you. Space may be rented by the
hour, and weekly blocks of time may be arranged for as well. The price is
negotiable. Please call 769-0195 for more info.