Classes and Ensembles
On this page, you will find a comprehensive listing of the classes and ensembles available to Music Institute students. In some cases, Institute students can participate in the Music Department's larger ensembles. We always update this page, but feel free to contact the office if you have any questions. The Music Institute reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.
Descriptions of many of these classes are listed below. If you do not find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to contact the office! We are happy to coordinate a special class better suited for your needs. The Suzuki® method is based on the principle that every child can develop his abilities during the early absorbing and sensitive years far beyond what most people can imagine. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a master violin teacher and founder of the Japanese Talent Education Movement, revolutionized violin teaching. A child learns music through the same process he learns his mother tongue language; the parents’ role is vital in the development of early learning ability. The parent attends lessons and helps with practice at home. The basic principles of the Suzuki® Method consist of listening, motivation, proper technique, repetition and reinforcement. The primary goal is to train the student not only in musical abilities but also in his total human development. Students will receive a 45-minute group lesson per week. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons. Colourstrings™ is a world-renowned method of musical instruction that begins from the earliest stages of a child’s instruction and develops the necessary skills of study for college level. The Hungarian Szilvay brothers have based their method on the Kodaly method, which integrates instrumental studies with singing. In using scientifically related colors to identify specific strings, children develop the ability to read music readily in a natural progression of learning. Learn the basics of chamber ensemble playing (learning how to play together through listening and rehearsal techniques). Play Baroque and Renaissance music. Course runs 16 weeks. Traditional acoustic guitar ensemble for adults and younger students with permission of instructor. Course runs 14 weeks and is led by guitarist Scott Goriup. Jazz guitar ensemble. Course runs 14 weeks and is led by jazz guitarist Michael Raitzyk. Blues/Rock/Country World, and R&B. Many stylistic approaches spanning decades of recorded music. Vocalists encouraged. Course runs 14 weeks and is led by Scott Goriup. Please contact Scott at (410) 868-7131 if interested. The HCC Percussion Ensemble is open to HCC music majors and high school percussionists (grades 9-12) who actively participate in their school music program. The Percussion Ensemble will explore various styles of percussion music through weekly rehearsals and end of semester performances. The HCC Jazz Ensemble includes college students, as well as high school students and members of the community who sign up through the Music Institute program. The group focuses on traditional jazz but plays a wide variety of rock and Latin styles, too. The class meets during the Fall and Spring semesters on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Students are required to participate in the end-of-semester concert. The students are taught techniques on playing together as an ensemble. Also, improvisation skills and creative approaches to soloing are taught. Participation in the group is by audition only. Students who are interested should contact Dr. Kyle Coughlin at kcoughlin@howardcc.edu. This class teaches the basics of jazz improvisation. It is a skill that can be systematically learned. Basic instrument skills are required. For beginners to intermediate level. Get your half-written songs or first glimmerings of inspiration into finished, marketable shape. Learn to write your song down, fix the lyrics and say what you really mean to say, your way, with 30-year music industry veteran Bill Murphy. From first idea to finished lead sheet/arrangement. Copyright on all finished product stays with the student. Class runs 16 weeks. Ukulele Meet-up: Strumming and Singing Join Jared Denhard to explore ukulele music of all styles: folk, jazz, and old and new pop tunes. This class is designed for players who mainly want a relaxed weekly forum to play the ukulele and sing along with other ukulelists. This strumming/singing group is also perfect for new players, as they can learn chords and develop strong playing skills in a fun, low pressure class setting. Class runs 12 weeks. Ukulele Orchestra Ages 13 and up Be on the cutting edge as the "third wave" of 'Ukulele Mania sweeps the mainland! Join Columbia's own Ukemeister, Jared Denhard, and learn the ukulele from scratch, improve your current skills, or challenge your already formidable self playing Hawaiian, jazz, old time, pop and even rock on this delightful, good humored instrument. Even if you've never "spanked that uke" before, you'll be strumming chords in no time. If you don't have a 'ukulele (soprano, concert or tenor, GCEA tuning) you can use one of ours! Class runs 14 weeks. (Younger musicians with permission of instructor.) Music Therapy Group—Social Skills I/II The purpose of this music therapy group is to provide an opportunity for children with special needs to learn and practice social skills in a supportive, non-threatening musical environment. Through the use of music therapy techniques, a board-certified music therapist will design sessions to address each enrolled member's individual needs. Placement level will be determined by the Music Therapist. Class run 12 weeks and is led by Jessica Negus. |