Caffe Lena School of Music

SMALL GROUP LEARNING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

online + in-person options

"Rooted in folk tradition we learn and play in small, friendly groups, master a repertoire of enduring folk songs, and write some new classics too. With a focus on learning to play by ear rather than reading sheets of music, we hope playing music will become your go to social pass time because when you learn to play an instrument, you have a companion for life."

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Fiddle Tunes Online, with Oona Grady 

Weekly online class for students 11+ 

TUESDAYS 5:45-6:30 PM ET on Zoom - tune in from Anywhere! 

10 weeks: March 22 - May 31 (No class on April 19) 

This class focuses on building dance tune repertoire and technique for youth fiddle players. Taught via Zoom, Oona breaks the melodies down phrase-by-phrase, offering a number of repetitions.  Students are invited to learn at their own pace while on mute and also invited to take turns unmuting to play for each other.  In addition to learning and playing, students spend class time listening to recordings of fiddle players and discuss how to learn by ear and notate melodies. Plus there will be ample time for questions. 

The workshop will be taught on the Zoom internet platform. Headphones or earbuds will be really helpful. Instructions for signing on will be sent to registrants when they enroll.

Folk Ensemble, with Oona Grady + James Gascoyne + Matt Griffin

Weekly in-person classes for students 7-14 

WEDNESDAYS 3:45-4:30 PM ET //or// 4:35-5:20 PM ET at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY 

10 weeks: March 23 - June 1 (No class on April 20) 

MUSIC IS A GIFT BEST SHARED WITH FRIENDS! 

Folk Ensemble is an exciting and unique way of teaching real world music skills. From the first lesson, students experience the power of making music together and hear how interdependent each note and strum is as they learn to play. 

Focus on repertoire: 

--Learn classic tunes from the American folk tradition as well as favorite contemporary songs 

Explore string instruments, learning basic skills: 

--Opportunities to focus on Violin/Fiddle, Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, and Bass 

Learn music fundamentals: 

--Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm 
--Learn how to listen and hear musically 
--Explore singing with your own authentic voice 

Learning valuable life skills: 

--Working in a group setting 
--Listening 
--Creative contribution and compromise 
--Being part of a team and playing your part 
--Building friendships 

Please choose the time slot that works best (and let us know if you are flexible!) or join us for both. 

All levels welcome, including beginners.  Each class meeting will feature a combination of breakout groups focusing on skill building and repertoire, as well as larger group ensemble time.

QUESTIONS about the Caffe Lena School of Music can be directed to musicschool@caffelena.org