Community Music at Shepherd

The Shepherd University School of Music has many opportunities for children, youth, and adult community members to study music through our Community Music at Shepherd program. If you are looking for private music lessons, an opportunity to play in an ensemble, continued development as a musician, or Early Childhood Music classes with your young child, Shepherd can fulfill your musical goals. Every June, we also offer summer Jazz and String Orchestra, and Woodwind camps for middle school and high school youth, and a Jazz Flute Institute for college and serious high school flutists. Look below for links to registration forms and tuition/fee information. Open Enrollment For All Programs!

Please note that the wearing of a face mask indoors regardless of vaccination status is optional.

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Adult Piano Fun Class

This class, with instructor Susan Petzold-Carpenter, is just for fun and offers a social, supportive atmosphere with no grades, deadlines, or recitals.  Students may enroll in three levels based on experience. Level I is for those with no previous note-reading or keyboard experience. Level II is for those who have completed the Level I class or have minimal previous experience. Level III  is for those who have completed Level II or have 1 year of previous keyboard experience.

Kids’ Guitar Group Class

Early Childhood Music Classes

Music classes for the youngest of our students, ages 18 months – 6 years old. Taught by experienced instructor, Frauke Higgins, these classes benefit a child’s musical skills, and also improve language and verbal development and spatial-temporal skills!  The students will learn the rudiments of music (rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and melodic movement) by working on children’s songs from around the world. Click here to learn more.

MUSICAL DISCOVERIES
Ages 18 months – 3 years old (with parent/caregiver)
This in-person interactive class for children and caregivers will introduce the young student to the rudiments of music. The class will explore songs, echo songs, creative movement, rhymes and finger-play. We are going to play a large variety of rhythm instruments (such as drums, rhythm sticks, wood blocks, triangles and many more).
Tuition: $74 for 5 weeks    

MUSIC FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 3-5 years old (with parent/caregiver)
This popular in-person class is designed to prepare the child for later instrumental studies or voice lessons. The group will play wood, metal, and shaker instruments, sing songs and echo songs, develop their listening skills (ear training), and work with creative movement and circle dances. Younger children love to observe and copy older children. Older students will help to lead the group in musical activities and songs. Everybody will have fun! 
Tuition: $86 for 5 week sessions     

Trombone Choir

The Trombone Choir invites all trombonists to Shepherd Community Music to read classic low brass choir music, and new works by emerging composers of all styles.  All low brass instruments welcome! Designed for ages above 16 years old (students 16-18 years old should have a recommendation from their instructors.) The instructor is James Martin, an adjunct faculty for trombone at Shepherd University School of Music. 

Shepherd University Community Orchestra

The Shepherd Community Orchestra is for advanced string players in elementary, middle and high school through adult performers. The Shepherd Community Orchestra is directed by Camilo Peréz-Mejía.  Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble is directed by Renee Shaw Nutwell. Click here to learn more.

Shepherd Youth Chorus

For all vocalists, currently in grades 3-8, who love music and would like to learn choral singing techniques in a fun, creative atmosphere. All children are invited to participate—no audition necessary. Dr. Austin Showen, Shepherd University’s Director of Music Education, will lead the students through fun music activities, including singing, song writing, and group music games.

Shepherd Community Recorder Ensemble

Andrea Diggs, Shepherd University’s Flute Adjunct Professor, directs this ensemble for recorder lovers to learn a wide variety of music and perform together.  Anyone who can read music, and knows basic recorder fingerings can participate.  Bring your own recorder (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass). 

Adult Piano Fun Class

This class, with instructor Susan Petzold-Carpenter, is just for fun and offers a social, supportive atmosphere with no grades, deadlines, or recitals.  Students may enroll in three levels based on experience. Level I is for those with no previous note-reading or keyboard experience. Level II is for those who have completed the Level I class or have minimal previous experience. Level III  is for those who have completed Level II or have 1 year of previous keyboard experience.

Private Music Lessons

Private music lessons provides the opportunity for area music students, both school-age and adults, to take applied lessons through a community music program offered at the university. Experienced faculty, alumni and Shepherd student instructors offer instruction for all levels, from beginner to advanced.  Enrollment is ongoing, based on instructor availability. For information on lessons and instructor placement, please contact communitymusic@shepherd.edu.
Click here to learn more
Private Lesson Registration Form
Community Music Program Private Lesson Policies and Procedures

Introduction to Music Theory for high school and adult learners, Anthony Stoika, instructor

For Instrumental and vocal students looking to improve their knowledge of Music Theory, we are happy to offer a Music Theory class to complement your music instruction. The class is offered in 10 pre-recorded lessons that you will gain access to once you have registered. This course will cover the fundamentals of pitch and rhythm up to voice leading tonic and dominant chords. Tuition: $140 for 10 weeks, plus materials. 10 pre-recorded lectures you can begin anytime. To register, please email astoika@shepherd.edu.