Individual Instruction
Private and Semi-private Lessons
Ages six and older
Fall session:
September 2, 2008–January 17, 2009
Spring session:
January 20–June 1, 2009
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, recorder, 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. Semi-private instruction is available for pre-formed pairs of students of a similar playing level.
Private and semi-private lessons are offered in 17-week sessions. 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.
| Private Lesson Tuition*: | Semi-Private Instruction Tuition*: |
| 30-minute lessons: $595.00 | 30-minute lessons: $340.00 per student |
| 45-minute lessons: $892.00 | 45-minute lessons: $510.00 per student |
| 60-minute lessons: $1,190.00 |
*A $15 non-refundable registration fee per session is required for each private and semi-private lesson student.
*Select faculty members require different tuition rates. Please contact the CCMC office for more information.
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Pre-Instrument Classes
Program in Residence: Music Together®
Songs • Dance • Instrument Play • Rhythmic Chants
Ages newborn to seven years
For class schedules and registration, please call 510-843-8641 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.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics
Louise Milota, instructor
Saturdays 10:30 – 11:15 am • Ages four and five
Winter session: January 17–March 7 (no class on February 14)
Spring session: April 18–June 13 (no class on May 23)
Eurhythmics is an introduction to the language of music. Developed by the Swiss music educator and composer Emile Jaques-Dalcroze more than 100 years ago, the Dalcroze Method is widely taught throughout the world. Children learn to listen for specific musical elements through games that surprise and challenge, sharpen reactions and reflexes, and give an outlet for imagination. Using this approach, children are exposed to the concepts of rhythm, tempo, dynamics, meter, pitch, accent, and pattern, while making use of their natural instincts to react to music by moving and singing.
Participants are urged to wear comfortable clothing for movement (shorts or leotards). Bare feet are preferred, although nonslip light dance shoes may be worn (not sneakers).
Tuition per 7-week winter session: $130 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Tuition for 8-week spring session: $145 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Pre-Instrument Exploration: Music Fundamentals in the Orff Schulwerk Tradition
Greacian Goeke, certified Orff Schulwerk instructor
Ages four to seven
Wednesdays, age 4: 3:45–4:30 pm; age 5: 4:30–5:15 pm; ages 6–7: 5:15–6:00 pm
Fall session: September 10–November 12
Winter session: January 14–March 25 (no class on February 18)
Spring session: April 15–June 3 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only.)
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. Children will gain skills and experience both individually and within the group, equipping them for instrumental study and participation in ensemble music making.
Tuition per session: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Kodály for Kids
Liz Engan, instructor
Ages four to seven
Thursdays, ages 4–5: 3:45–4:30 pm; ages 6–7: 4:30–5:15 pm
Fall session: September 11–November 13
Winter session: January 15–March 26 (no class on February 19)
Spring session: April 16–June 4 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only.)
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.
Tuition per session: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
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Chorus
Songbirds Chorus
Ondine Young, Director
Saturdays 9:30 – 10:15 am • Ages four to six
Fall session: September 13–November 15
Winter session: January 17–March 28 (no class on February 14)
Spring session: April 18–June 13 (no class on May 23; 8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only.)
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.
Tuition per session: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Crowden Children's Chorus
Betsy Marvit, Director
Saturdays 9:30 – 10:30 • Ages seven to ten
Fall session: September 13–December 20 (no class on November 29)
Spring session: January 24–May 9 (no class on February 14 or April 11)
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.
Tuition: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee per semester.
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Instrument Classes
Meet the Orchestra
Saturdays 11:30 – 12:15 pm • Ages five and up
March 7–March 28
A four-week introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Each week members of our faculty introduce a different instrument family—strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion—in a fun, interactive class. Students learn to produce sound on each instrument, observe live instrument demonstrations, and listen to recordings of great performers.
Tuition per session: $75 plus non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Beginning Piano
Ages seven to ten
Thursdays, ages 5–6: 3:45–4:30 pm; ages 7–10: 4:30–5:15 pm
Fall session: September 11–November 13
Winter session: January 15–April 2 (no classes on February 12 or 19)
Spring session: April 16–June 4 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only)
Saturdays, ages 7–10: 10:30–11:15 am
Fall session: September 13–November 15
Winter session: January 17–March 28 (no class on February 14)
Spring session: April 18–June 13 (no class on May 23; 8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only.)
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.
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee per semester.
Beginning Guitar
Ages eight and older
Wednesdays, ages 8–12: 4:00–5:00 pm; ages 13 and older: 7:00–8:00 pm
Fall session: September 10–December 17 (no class on November 26)
Spring session: January 21–May 6 (no class on February 18 or April 8)
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.
Tuition per session: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Beginning Flute
Thursdays 3:45–4:30 pm • Ages five to nine
Fall session: September 11–November 13
Winter session: January 15–March 26 (no class on February 19)
Spring session: April 16–June 4 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only)
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.
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee per semester.
Flute Choir
Laura Scarlata, Director
Thursdays • Time TBA • Ages ten to eighteen
Fall session: September 11–November 13
Winter session: January 15–March 26 (no class on February 19)
Spring session: April 16–June 4 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only)
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.
Tuition per session: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
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Strings Programs
Suzuki Strings: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Goran Berg, Director
Ages three and older, with parents
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays by mutual arrangement
Fall session: September 3, 2008–January 17, 2009
Spring session: January 21–May 30, 2009
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 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.
The next seminar will be held on January 24, 2009 (9-11 am) as well as a September 2009 date to be announced.
- Enroll in the four-week Suzuki Music & Movement class. Classes meet on Saturdays from 9:00—11:15 am, January 31—February 28, 2009 (no class on Feb. 14). Tuition $225*
9:00—10:00 am: Parents only (childcare and light snacks provided) 10:15—11:15 am: Parents and children together
- Students and parents are now ready to begin regular Suzuki strings lessons. Twice weekly classes include one private lesson and one group class. The group class supports private lessons by providing the benefits of playing in an ensemble with peers.
Tuition per 17-week session:
| Tuition: | Lesson length : | Group Class length : | |
| $935* | 20 minutes weekly | + | 30 minutes weekly |
| $1,020* | 20 minutes weekly | + | 45 minutes weekly |
| $1,105* | 30 minutes weekly | + | 30 minutes weekly |
| $1,275* | 30 minutes weekly | + | 45 minutes weekly |
*plus a $15 non-refundable registration fee required for each student.
Introduction to Strings: Violin and Cello
Tuesdays • Ages six to ten
Fall session: September 9–December 16 (no class on November 11)
The Basics: 4:30–5:15 pm; Building Blocks: 3:45–4:30 pm
Spring session: January 20–May 5 (no class on February 17 or April 7)
The Basics: 3:45–4:30 pm; Building Blocks: 4:30–5:15 pm
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.
The Basics
Students with no prior experience on their instruments learn comfortable and appropriate posture, basic instrumental technique, and beginning music reading skills. Simple musical examples are chosen, and familiar melodies are used to reinforce techniques.
Building Blocks
In this continuation of The Basics, students focus on the development of solid elementary technique and improvement of music reading skills. Students begin to build a small repertoire of simple pieces.
Tuition per session : $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
Beginning Ensemble Skills: Violin or Cello
Tuesdays 4:30–5:15 pm • Ages six to ten
Fall session: September 9–December 16 (no class on November 11)
Spring session: January 20–May 5 (no class on February 17 or April 7)
An introduction to the basic skills required for ensemble playing, including listening, following directions, and cooperation among fellow players. Intended for students with at least one year of study on their chosen instruments; students are expected to study privately with a teacher of their choice in conjunction with the class. Session culminates in an informal class performance. Placement interview or teacher recommendation required.
Tuition per session: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Homeschool String Ensemble
Rem Djemilev, Director
MONDAYS 1:00–2:00 pm • Ages eight to eighteen
Fall session: September 8–December 15 (no class on October 13)
Spring session: January 26–May 18 (no class on February 16 or April 6)
Meet other homeschool students and make music together in an orchestra! This program is for homeschooled string players with at least six months of experience and who currently study with a private teacher. Bring a short piece to play for the ensemble placement auditions, which occur on the first day.
Tuition per session: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students
Crowden Community String Ensembles
Ages seven and older
Preparatory Ensemble
Eugene Sor, Director
TUESDAYS • 4:00–5:00 pm
Auditions by appointment during the weeks of August 25 and September 1, 2008.
Fall session: September 9–December 16, 2008 (no class on Nov 11)
Spring session: January 6–May 19, 2009 (no class on February 17 or April 7)
In this ensemble for mixed strings, students work on following a conductor, counting, playing as a group, intonation, bowing, and phrasing. Repertoire includes beginning-level arrangements of standard string repertoire. Intended for violin, viola, cello, and bass students who have facility with basic shifting and bowing techniques. Note-reading skills are expected, and students are required to study privately with a teacher of their choice. Audition required.
Tuition: for 14-week fall session, $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee; for 18-week spring session, $340 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Chamber Strings
Eugene Sor, Director
Tuesdays • 5:00–6:30 pm
Auditions by appointment during the weeks of August 25 and September 1,
Fall session: September 9–December 16, 2008 (no class on Nov 11)
Spring session: January 6–May 19, 2009 (no class on February 17 or April 7)
Crowden Chamber Strings participants develop and strengthen ensemble- playing skills through the study of standard string orchestra and chamber music literature. For string players with advanced reading and technical skills. Audition required.
Tuition: for 14-week fall session, $300 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee; for 18-week spring session, $385 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Chamber Ensembles for Youth
Doris Fukawa, Artistic Coordinator
Ages twelve and older
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by mutual agreement
Auditions by appointment during the weeks of August 25 and September 1, 2008
Fall session: September 15–November 10, 2008
Winter session: January 12–March 16, 2009
Spring session: April 13–June 8, 2009
Playing chamber music is one of the highest forms of music making, requiring 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 Monday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoons according to the availability of the members of each group. Each ensemble receives eight 60-minute coached rehearsals per session, and the opportunity to perform in an informal end-of-session recital.
Tuition per session: $225 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
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Musicianship and Composition
Music Mind Games
Building a music vocabulary
Pia Siegwart, instructor
Ages six to nine
Thursdays, Level 1: 4:30–5:15 pm; Level 2: 5:15–6:00 pm
Fall session: September 11–November 13
Winter session: January 15–April 2 (no classes on February 12 or 19)
Spring session: April 16–June 4 (8 classes; prorated tuition for this session only.)
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.
Tuition: $185 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee per semester.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Building the Complete Musician
Imagining, Hearing, Reading, & Writing
Ages ten and older
Wednesdays, Elementary: 3:40–4:30 pm
Tuesdays, Intermediate: 4:40–5:30 pm; Advanced: 5:40–6:30 pm
Fall session: September 9, 2008–January 14, 2009 (no classes on November 11, November 24, or December 23–31)
Spring session: January 20–May 27, 2009 (no classes on February 17–18 and April 7–8)
In this class, students listen to and analyze a great variety of music— contemporary works as well as masterpieces of established music literature. In addition to this guided listening, students engage in sight singing, ear training, and written exercises, building the fluency that is required of a proficient musician.
Class topics include interval recognition and production, meter types and rhythmic idioms, melodic structure and harmony, phrasing, and form. At the more advanced levels, participants study counterpoint, advanced harmony, orchestration, 20th century techniques, and other topics pertaining to high- level composition and performance of repertoire.
Prospective students should have at least two years of study on an instrument. Elementary, intermediate, and advanced groups are formed according to student ages and experience. There is a 20-minute placement interview and written exam for all applicants to determine the appropriate level of study.
Tuition per session: $265 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
John Adams Young Composers Program
Alexis Alrich, Program Director
The John Adams Young Composers Program was founded in 2007 to honor Pulitzer prize–winning composer John Adams, who has a long association with the Crowden Music Center. The program offers an opportunity for young composers to learn from each other in a community, and to have their works performed by professional musicians.
Participation in this multi-layered program consists of:
- Weekly private composition lessons with a member of the program faculty
- Weekly musicianship classes (Building the Complete Musician)
- Student salons
- Lectures and demonstrations by visiting artists
- Performances of student works by professional ensembles
Students are encouraged to find their own voices while following a structured, traditional approach to musical training. A highlight of the program is the collaboration with professional musical ensembles—each session culminates in a recital of original student compositions performed by professional musicians. Participating ensembles are selected to progress through the families of instruments, covering all the instruments of the orchestra in turn. In the 2008-2009 season, students will work with a string quartet and a percussion ensemble.
Students also attend informal salons in which they play and discuss one another’s music. Throughout the year, visiting composers and musicians are invited to give presentations to the group.
Enrollment Information
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. A financial aid application form may also be submitted.
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 the appropriate level of musicianship class and given a recommendation for a private composition teacher from the program faculty.
Students are responsible for the costs of private composition lessons and the class Building the Complete Musician. Guest lectures, demonstrations, and collaborations with professional ensembles are provided at no charge through the generosity of donors to the John Adams Young Composers Program.
Additionally, thanks to these donors, scholarships are available to students in the program based on merit, commitment, and demonstrated financial need. For further information, contact the CCMC office.
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Adult Classes
Chamber Music For Adults
Intermediate- to advanced-level string, wind, and piano players are encouraged to participate. Pre-formed groups are welcome.
Jim Shallenberger, Artistic Coordinator
Days & times by mutual arrangement
Fall session: September 8–November 16, 2008
Winter session:January 5–March 15, 2009
Spring session: March 30–June 7, 2009
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 the 10-week session, each group meets for eight 90- minute coached rehearsals. The session culminates in an informal recital. Intermediate- to advanced-level instrumentalists are encouraged to participate. 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.
Tuition: $285 per session plus non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
The Rose Ensemble
An informal ensemble for adults
Jim Shallenberger, Director
Wednesdays • 7:30–9:00 pm
Fall session: September 10–November 12
Winter session: January 7–March 11
Spring session: April–June 3
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 10-week session culminates in an end-of-session recital during the last class meeting.
Tuition per session: $115 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.