Classes & Programs

This course will explore the backgrounds of Elton John and Billy Joel and where they fit in the overall history of piano showmen from Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms to Jason Robert Brown. Students will be treated to performances and discussions of a wide range of popular piano music and history from the 19th century to the current day. 

Over the course of six weeks, students will learn how to compose as a class using techniques developed by Pulitzer-Prize-Winning composer Michael Colgrass and renowned conductor and educator Glen Adsit. Students will start with graphic notation to create their compositions and will learn how to turn these pictures into traditionally notated music. No music experience is needed! 

This course will explore comparisons between how legal judges and musical conductors work. It will focus primarily on the interpretational theories of Antonin Scalia and Gunther Schuller, offering valuable insights into both the music we hear every day and the laws by which we live. 

This course will dive into the history of what conductors do and how they do it. Participants will be given a peek behind the curtain into what a conductor thinks about, why they move the way they do, and why any of it matters. Performances by live players will be offered as well as question and answer sessions with the musicians. 

Over the course of six weeks, students will develop skills and gather resources needed to play some of their favorite songs on piano. No experience needed! 

Students in this class will explore the golden age of musical theater. Participate in round table discussions and listen to live performances of “The Sound of Music”, “Carousel”, “Guys and Dolls”, among others. Each week, participants will study a new song and discover the beautiful meaning behind the lyrics. Musical and song requests will be taken on the first day of class so be sure to bring a favorite tune for us to sing together!

Take a musical journey back to the golden age of rock, soul, and pop! In this 6-week interactive class, we’ll explore a new iconic artist each week—Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, and Bob Dylan.

Through lively discussions, sing-alongs, and historical insights, we’ll uncover the stories behind the songs that defined a generation. Come ready to reminisce, sing, and celebrate the music that shaped the soundtrack of our lives.

Madama Butterfly, Turandot, La Traviata, Pagliacci, the Barber of Seville. In this class, we will take a deep dive into discovering the world of Italian opera! Join Claire Taylor, professional opera singer and Hartt School trained vocalist, and listen to stories of her experiences singing in Italy and visiting Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's birthplace in Lucca! We’ll listen and discuss amazing singers like Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti who brought the music of these Italian composers to life. There is so much rich history to be learned, beauty to be revealed, and of course, drama to unfold!

Hartt School-trained singer Claire Taylor will take you on a journey exploring ABBA, a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm during the early 1970s. ABBA is well known for their hit tracks, “Dancing Queen”, “SOS”, “Fernando”, and more. You may have heard one their most famous songs, “Mamma Mia!” which was featured in the 2008 US Blockbuster movie “Mamma Mia!” starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfreid. Enjoy a class full of ABBA history as we unpack the occasionally drama-filled relationships between the band mates. We will also have local guest artists come and perform the songs of ABBA live so get ready to be the dancing queen!

Join our instructor for a 6-week adventure through the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, where sharp lyrics and unforgettable melodies come to life. Each week, we’ll explore a different show, from the dark humor of Sweeney Todd to the fairy-tale twists of Into the Woods, diving into Sondheim’s brilliant wordplay and innovative music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, you'll discover the wit and emotional depth behind his masterpieces, all while enjoying lively discussions and memorable tunes!

A class open to all levels of experience, participants will explore what it takes to put on a Shakespearean play. During each class, students will immerse themselves in famous storylines by reading from script excerpts. You’ll will have the chance to participate in both group scenes and solo monologues. For the final class, we will put on our very own show where family and friends will be welcome to come and enjoy the performances!

Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, and lift your spirits with Sing-Alongs & Movement—a joyful, engaging class designed especially for seniors in memory care or with limited mobility. This interactive session brings back the beloved songs of the past, the ones our participants grew up listening to on the radio.

With easy-to-follow seated movements and gentle standing exercises, everyone can join in at their own comfort level. Whether it's swaying to a familiar melody, tapping along to the beat, or simply singing from the heart, this class is all about connection, nostalgia, and fun. No experience necessary—just a love for music and a desire to move!

In this 60-minute immersive experience, professional sound healer Sarah Taylor guides you through a transformational journey using crystal and Himalayan singing bowls. As the bowls resonate, their rich harmonic tones wash over your body, gently releasing tension, calming the nervous system, and aligning your energetic field.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, participants reported significantly reduced tension, anger, fatigue, and depression after just one session of sound meditation using singing bowls.

This sound bath is designed to help you:
🌿 Reduce stress and anxiety
🌀 Enter a meditative state effortlessly
💫 Support cellular healing and energy flow
🌙 Improve sleep and emotional clarity