Private Lessons
Ages six and older
Fall semester (16 weeks): September 9–January 15
Spring Semester (16 weeks): January 24–May 21
Tuition: Tuition for lessons varies depending upon the instructor, lesson length, and entrance date; please contact the CCMC office for details and to schedule an interview.
Private lessons are the foundation of a musical education, providing the concentrated work and individual attention needed to develop a student’s skills and enthusiasm.
CCMC offers private lessons for students of composition and for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, flute, clarinet, and guitar.
CCMC private lesson faculty members are selected from among the area’s finest musicians and music educators to provide a focused, supportive, and well- rounded musical education for every ability level. (See faculty roster.)
Students are matched with a teacher following a placement interview with the CCMC director. Teacher-student placements take into account playing level, personality, and schedule.
Private lessons are offered in 16-week semesters. Students may register at any time during the year, and tuition will be prorated accordingly. Private lesson tuition includes weekly lessons and opportunities to participate in CCMC student recitals and master classes. Private lesson students receive a 25% discount on tuition for CCMC chamber ensembles and musicianship classes.
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General Music Classes
Program in Residence: Music Together®
Songs • Dance • Instrument Play • Rhythmic Chants
Ages 0–7 years
For class schedules and registration, please call 510-848-SING (7464) or visit www.eastbaymusictogether.com.
Both children and adults learn songs, movement activities, and dances that are fun in themselves and provide for family music making at home.
Music Fundamentals in the Orff Schulwerk Tradition
Holly Schneider, instructor
Ages 4–7 • Special 10-week sessions offered three times a year!
Wednesdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (age 4)
Wednesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. (age 5)
Wednesdays, 5:15–6 p.m. (ages 6 & 7)
Session 1: September 9–November 20
Session 2: November 29–February 19
Session 3: February 28–May 14
Tuition: $185 plus non-refundable $15 registration fee
The Orff approach weaves together musical concepts, creative movement, instrument exploration, singing games, and dramatic storytelling to build a foundation for a lifetime of joyful music making. Classes include introductions to improvisation, conducting, and notation using a wide repertoire of songs, games, and activities from around the world, as well as our collection of xylophones and world music instruments.
Kodály for Kids
Liz Engan, instructor
Ages 4–7 • Special 10-week sessions offered three times a year!
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (ages 4 & 5)
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m.(ages 6 & 7)
Session 1: September 9–November 20
Session 2: November 29–February 19
Session 3: February 28–May 14
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundanble $15 registration fee
The voice is every child’s first instrument. Grounded in the philosophy of composer Zoltán Kodály, this playful class uses traditional songs, chants, and singing games in a systematic way to teach children the basic building blocks of music: the ability to hear, to feel and reproduce rhythm and melody, to understand dynamics and tempo, to sing in tune, and to create music of their own. Younger children learn solfège; older children learn to read and write basic musical notation. Both age groups use games, songs, movement, percussion instruments, and puppets.
Songbirds Chorus
Ondine Young, director
Ages 4–6 • Special 10-week sessions offered three times a year!
Saturdays, 9:30–10:15 a.m.
Session 1: September 9–November 13
Session 2: December 4–February 26
Session 3: March 5–May 14
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
For the youngest singers, this chorus introduces group singing using songs from around the world and throughout time—from chants and canons to folk songs and spirituals. Students learn age-appropriate vocal technique in a fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on body movement, hand gestures, some sign language, and drama. Classes culminate in a casual recital during the last class of each session.
Meet the Orchestra
Ages 5 & older • 4 weeks
Saturdays, 11:30 am–12:15 am
Spring only: March 5-March 26
Tuition: $75
A fun, hands-on introduction to the instruments of the orchestra! Each week members of our faculty introduce different instrument families—strings,
woodwinds, brass, and percussion—in this
interactive class. Students will learn to produce
sound on each instrument, observe live instrument
demonstrations, and listen to recordings of great
performers.This is a
terrific opportunity for your child to discover and
experiment with different types of instruments before
choosing a beginning instrument class or making the
commitment of private lessons.
Crowden Children's Chorus
Betsy Marvit, director
Ages 7–10 • 14 weeks
Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $275 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Singers are encouraged to develop their best vocal tone in a supportive, fun, and positive learning environment. Choristers develop pitch matching, experience singing harmony, learn vocal warm-ups, and respond to a conductor. Singers perform age-appropriate choral repertoire selected from a variety of genres, with an emphasis on Western Classical and multi-cultural music. Class culminates in a casual recital at the end of the semester.
Music Mind Games
Building a music vocabulary
Pia Siegwart, instructor
Ages six to nine • Special 10-week sessions offered three times a year!
Thursdays, 5:15–6:00 p.m.
Session 1: September 9–November 20
Session 2: November 29–February 19
Session 3: February 28–May 14
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
A unique and fun introduction to the basic aspects of music literacy, beginning with note reading, ear training, notation, and the understanding and hearing of rhythmic patterns. Games slowly progress to include more advanced topics such as intervals, chords, tempi, signs, and the basics of composition. Music Mind Games not only teaches musical concepts, but also supports the development of the child’s mind by asking questions rather than giving answers, encouraging the children to open up to exploration and discovery. The result is joyful confidence and the desire to learn more.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Beginning Group Classes
Introduction to Strings: Violin and Cello
Ages 6–10 • 14 weeks
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Students gain a basic knowledge of the violin or cello within a fun group setting. Students must bring their own instruments and are expected to maintain daily home practice. Families are responsible for the purchase of class materials and books as specified by the teacher. Minimum four students per class.
Beginning Piano
Pia Siegwart, instructor
Ages 5–10 • 14 weeks
Thursdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (ages 5 & 6)
Thursdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. (ages 7–10)
Saturdays, 10:30–11:15 a.m. (ages 7–10)
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Students learn basic piano skills and are introduced to beginning note reading. Students are expected to have access to a piano for daily home practice. Families are responsible for the purchase of class materials and books as specified by the teacher. Minimum four students per class.
Beginning Guitar
Mori Achen, instructor
Ages 8 & older • 14 weeks
Wednesdays, 4–5:00 p.m. (ages 8–12)
Wednesdays, 7–8:00 p.m. (ages 13 & up)
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
In this 14-week class, students learn to read music notation, develop good right- and left-hand technique, gain ensemble skills, and have fun with different kinds of music. Students must provide their own guitars. Minimum four students per class.
Beginning Flute
Laura Scarlata, instructor
Ages 5–9 • 14 weeks
Thursdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
An introduction to playing the flute through use of the fife, a small plastic flute, in a fun and nurturing group setting. Students learn the basic techniques of good sound production and easy, efficient hand positions, which will transfer to flute when the student has sufficient reach. Students must provide their own fifes. Minimum four students per class.
Suzuki Strings: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Göran Berg, director
Ages 3 & older, with parents
17 lessons
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays by mutual arrangement
Tuition: please see options below.
The Suzuki program is intended for families who are committed to pursuing
instrument study as a central activity in their family life. The cornerstone of the Suzuki program at Crowden is the creation of a cooperative relationship between teacher, parent, and student. Parents take an active role in the educational process by attending all lessons and classes, and by practicing daily with their children at home.
To enroll in the Suzuki Strings program, families follow this four-step
process:
- Contact the CCMC office to arrange an interview with the CCMC director,
and schedule a time to observe one or more Suzuki classes in session. - Attend a free Suzuki Seminar (for parents only) led by Goran Berg and program faculty on Saturday, September 11 (2–4pm).
- Enroll in the four-week Suzuki Introduction class, 2–4pm on Saturdays (September 18–October 9). Tuition is $225.
- Students and parents are now ready to begin Suzuki Strings classes, which occur twice weekly. In master class instruction, students share lessons, taking turns. The group class supports master classes by providing the benefits of playing in an ensemble with peers.
Tuition for Suzuki Strings varies depending on the length of lessons and masterclasses as follows:
| Lesson length | Class length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 30 minutes | $935 |
| 20 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,105 |
| 30 minutes | 30 minutes | $1,190 |
| 30 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,360 |
| 45 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,615 |
| 60 minutes | 60 minutes | $2,125 |
John Adams Young Composers Program
Alexis Alrich, program director
Ages 7–18 • 16 weeks
Tuition: $1,550 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
The Young Composers program was founded in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams, who has a long association with Crowden, on his 60th birthday.
Students are encouraged to find their own voices while following a structured, traditional approach to musical training. Participation in this multi-layered program consists of:
- Weekly private composition lessons with a member of the program faculty
- Weekly Composers Workshop
- Lectures and demonstrations by visiting artists
- Performances of student works by professional musicians
A highlight of the program is the collaboration with professional performers—each semester culminates in a recital of original student compositions performed by professional musicians. Participating musicians are selected to progress through the families of instruments, covering all the instruments of the orchestra in turn.
Students are required to attend the weekly Composers Workshop, which includes musicianship, playing and discussing one another’s music, and special guest artists. Throughout the year, visiting composers and musicians are invited to give presentations to the group.
Enrollment and Financial Aid for Young Composers
To enroll in the program, prospective students should complete and return a registration form along with a non-refundable $15 registration fee and an original notated musical composition.
Upon receipt of the completed paperwork, the CCMC office will contact the prospective student to schedule a placement interview with the director of the John Adams Young Composers Program. Based on the placement interview, the student will be assigned to appropriate program faculty.
All young musicians interested in composition are encouraged to apply to the John Adams Young Composers Program. Financial aid is available to students in the program based on merit, commitment, and demonstrated financial need. For further information, contact the CCMC office.
Download a John Adams Young Composers Program Scholarship Application Form here!
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Musicianship Classes
Imagining, Hearing, Reading, & Writing
Ages 10 & older • 16 weeks
Wednesdays, 3:40–4:30 (elementary)
Tuesdays, 4:40 –5:30 (intermediate)
Tuesdays, 5:40 –6:30 (advanced)
Tuition: $285 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Students build the fluency required of a proficient musician through sight singing, ear training, written exercises, and guided listening and analysis of a great variety of music—contemporary works as well as masterpieces of established music literature. Elementary, intermediate, and advanced classes are formed according to student ages and levels of experience.
25% discount for CCMC private lesson students.
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Ensembles for Youth
Chamber Ensembles for Youth
Ages 12–18 • 16 weeks
Tuesdays & Thursdays by mutual arrangement
Tuition: $285 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Chamber music requires each participant to concentrate and perform independently, while maintaining an awareness of and sensitivity to the other players in the ensemble. CCMC offers chamber music coaching for strings and mixed ensembles of students at intermediate and advanced levels.
To participate in the chamber music program, contact the CCMC office to schedule a placement interview. Based on the pool of participants, CCMC forms trios, quartets, or quintets of compatible instrumentation, age, and ability. Pre-formed groups are encouraged to apply.
Rehearsals are scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons according to the availability of the members of each group. Each ensemble receives sixteen 60-minute coached rehearsals per semester, and the opportunity to perform in an informal end-of-semester recital.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
CCMC String Ensemble
Eugene Sor, director
Ages 10–18 • 16 weeks
Tuesdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Tuition: $285 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Participants in this chamber orchestra develop and strengthen ensemble-playing skills through the study of standard string orchestra literature. Intermediate and advanced level prospective students should please contact the CCMC office to schedule a brief placement interview.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Flute Choir
Laura Scarlata, director
Ages 10 & older • 16 weeks
Thursdays, 4:45–5:30 p.m.
Tuition: $215 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Flutists develop and strengthen ensemble-playing skills, and explore the flute ensemble literature. Each session culminates in a casual recital on the last day of class. For flutists with at least two years of playing experience. Audition required.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
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Adult Ensembles
Chamber Music For Adults
Jim Shallenberger, artistic coordinator
10 weeks
Days & times by mutual arrangement
Tuition: $355 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
The Chamber Music Program for Adults is designed for adult musicians who would like to play in a small group with others of comparable experience and ability. Over the course of twelve weeks, each group meets for ten 90- minute coached rehearsals; the session culminates in an informal recital. If group members and coaches agree, a four-week period of extended study is possible each semester.
Intermediate- to advanced-level string, wind, and piano players are encouraged to participate in Chamber Music for Adults. Compatible participants are placed in chamber groups of three to five players according to instrumentation, playing level, musical interests, and schedule availability. Pre-formed groups are welcome. Prospective participants should contact the CCMC office to schedule a brief placement interview.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
The Rose Ensemble: An Informal Ensemble for Adults
10 weeks
Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
The Rose Ensemble offers beginning- to intermediate-level adult musicians an opportunity to play with others in a relaxed, informal setting. The group will use a variety of fun repertoire to work on ensemble skills. Open to all orchestral instruments. No auditions necessary. Each semester culminates in an informal recital during the last class meeting. If group members and coaches agree, a four-week period of extended study is possible each semester.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Flute Choir
Laura Scarlata, director
Ages 10 & older • 16 weeks
Thursdays, 4:45–5:30 p.m.
Tuition: $215 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Flutists develop and strengthen ensemble-playing skills, and explore the flute ensemble literature. Each session culminates in a casual recital on the last day of class. For flutists with at least two years of playing experience. Audition required.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Ready to enroll?
You can download a registration form by clicking this link! If you're applying for financial aid you can find our application (and also the registration form) on our Registration Forms page.
Need guidance or have questions? We can help!
Contact the friendly folks at CCMC with questions or advice on the best program for your child (or you) at ccmc@crowden.org or 510.559.294.