Registration is open for fall music classes at the Darien Arts Center
The DAC Music Program includes private lessons for guitar, flute, violin, voice, piano, and music theory, as well as group classes for both adults and children. DAC instructors are professionals chosen for their individual artistry and teaching skills. Through one-on-one instruction, students discover their full potential by strengthening their technique, creativity, self-awareness and individuality.
Focus is placed on building the skills needed to read and perform music. Children as young as five may be ready to begin private instruction. Once children begin, private instruction focuses on basic skills in an engaging environment with attention paid to the developmental needs of each child. Two recitals are produced each year to develop performance skills, poise, self-confidence, and self-control. Middle and high school students develop skills to play the type of music they enjoy that includes rock, video game, and anime, classical, jazz, and pop. Adults who have decided to acquire a new skill or to keep minds and hands nimble, also comprise the DAC student body.
Qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music Program, which offers adjudicated testing in both music theory and practical application. For more information about the RCM program contact DAC Music Director, Juanita Bosee at juanita@darienarts.org.
A recent testimonial to the DAC Music Program: “In a town where sports are so heavily emphasized, it was important to us to find a way to support other aspects of our children’s growth in addition to athletics. Our son was interested in learning how to play the piano, so we signed him up for lessons at the Darien Arts Center. Within a few weeks of starting lessons, we were amazed by his progress, but even more so by how much he loved to play. To this day (more than a year after starting lessons), he frequently chooses to play piano without being asked, and loves to play both pieces that he has memorized and his new pieces. He has gained a lot of confidence in the past year, and I attribute much of this to his piano lessons. I am also thrilled to see him gaining a skill that he will be able to enjoy for the rest of his life.” (Megan M.)
To register for private music instruction, which begins on September 3rd, email Juanita Bosee at Juanita@darienarts.org or call the DAC office at (203) 655-8683.
DAC GROUP MUSIC CLASSES:
NEW SING! SING! ELEMENTARY GROUP VOICE with CHRISTINA DEMAIO
Grades 1–5 | Thursday | 5:30 – 6:15pm | Sept. 19 – Dec. 5 | 10 classes
$210 plus $35 Registration Fee
Does your child like to sing? Through musical games and activities, students will learn proper vocal techniques while receiving an introduction to music literacy. The group will be invited to participate in the Darien Arts Center Holiday Recital in December.
Grades 3–5 | Saturday | 3:00 – 4:00pm | Sept. 21 – Nov. 23 | 10 classes
$210 plus $35 Registration Fee
Beginning composition students will learn the basics of writing music. We will cover topics including setting up a score, identifying pitches on the staff and simple rhythms, as well as other aspects of music notation. Students will compose simple pieces that explore specific parts of the compositional process. These will include melody writing, harmonic progressions, form, and orchestration. At the end of the course students will have written several short pieces. Students’ pieces may be performed at the DAC Holiday Recital in December.
ADVANCED YOUNG COMPOSERS with DAN SAULPAUGH
Grades 5–12 | Saturday | 1:15 – 2:45pm
Sept. 21 – Nov. 23 | 10 classes
$320 plus $35 Registration Fee
Student composers with more experience will work in a workshop setting, writing and critiquing each other’s music. More advanced harmonic progressions, forms, and elements of melody and counterpoint will be explored. Students will write short pieces that explore specific aspects of the compositional process such as imitation and different types of chromaticism. Students will also work on their own self-directed pieces, to be performed at the DAC Holiday Recital in December.
NEW ADULT ROCK BAND with DAN SAULPAUGH
Tuesday | 8:00 – 9:30pm | Oct. 1 – Dec. 3 | 10 classes
$210 plus $35 Registration Fee
Adult Rock Band musicians will choose, learn, and perform music from the rock and blues traditions. Students will deepen their technical facility on their instruments. They will also learn about group interplay in a band and how to create a cohesive band sound. Improvised solos will be covered, as well as playing ensemble parts. Students will work with the instructor to choose songs which may include covers and original material.
Register for Group Music Classes
The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For more information, visit darienarts.org. For questions, please call the DAC office at (203) 655-8683 or email DAC Music Director Juanita Bosee at Juanita@darienarts.org.