GROUP MUSIC LESSONS
There is no feeling quite like playing music with a group. Whether it’s you and an instructor playing through a song or an entire symphony orchestra, playing musical instruments with a group is a fun and unique experience that brings people together!
We are excited to be able to offer group music lessons and opportunities for lots of different types of ensembles, available to both private lesson students and non-students without an audition. Bands, ensembles, adult student jam sessions, open mics, and more will all be found here. There is no better way to put your lesson skills into practice and boost your confidence with an instrument than playing with a group!
GROUP PIANO CLASSES
We are proud to bring the first group piano classes to the Hagerstown, MD area! This is a course aimed at beginner to intermediate skill level, or for someone who would like to try to see what piano lessons are like. Open to ages 18 and under. Classes are 50 minutes once per week at a set time, with class sizes of 3-5 people. Learn basic skills and music fundamentals in an entertaining setting with skilled, experienced instructors.
SLOAN BAND PROGRAM
Want to play with a group?
This is the most fun supplement to private music lessons out there. Weekly practice sessions led by an experienced instructor, jam with like-minded musicians of a similar skill level, perform in our state-of-the-art facility and out in public in real venues. Learn how to write and record music, develop band etiquette, how to build your brand as a musician, and do much, much more. Rock, blues, country, jazz, metal, any genre. Open to all ages and all instruments. Classes are 60 minutes once per week at a set time. Students can perform in more than one band upon signing up for this program. Limit of six people per band.
ENSEMBLES
Sloan School of Music is excited to be able to offer ensembles for traditional instruments outside of traditional academic settings. On a demand basis, we offer ensembles for the following instruments:
- Woodwinds and Brass
- Strings
- Ukelele
- Classical Guitar
DRUMS
As students improve their skills as time keepers and the beat that drives a band, improvisational skills need to be developed to continue growing as a drummer. This skill set can grow independently or with 1:1 instruction, however; research shows that group setting for improvisation greatly accelerates a student’s soloing ability and comfort playing with other musicians.
In this course, 2-4 players will enjoy keeping time while taking turns soloing for 4 bars before passing the torch to the next player. Students will learn how to improv in many styling’s including: Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk and various time signatures. Ages 8 and up, classes are 60 minutes once per week at a set time. Limit four students for tradeoff courses.
TRADING PHRASES GUITAR IMPROVISATION
Learn how to make your instrument a tool for self expression. Work on your improvisational skills, develop a sense of phrasing and musicality, work on your rhythm skills, see how your tone works in a group, and more in this class that feels more like a jam session.
Led by an experienced guitar instructor, take part in a musical conversation and play in a setting where there are no wrong notes and there is no intimidation. Research shows that group settings geared towards improvisation greatly accelerate a student’s soloing ability and their comfort level playing with other musicians. Classes offered for beginner, advanced, and adults only. Limit of 4 guitar players and two bass players per group, and are open to lesson students and non-lesson students.
FIRST BEATS
PARENT AND CHILD MUSIC CLASSES
6-24 MONTH CLASS
Not just for Moms! One 30-minute class per week, with a Saturday morning or weekday morning option. Classes are led by experienced and certified instructors with all materials provided by Sloan School of Music. Primary goals for this class are:
- Caregiver Bonding
- Creative Movement
- Cognitive and Physical Development
- Involves Singing, Dancing, and Musical Instruments
24-48 MONTH CLASS
One 30-minute class per week, with a Saturday morning or weekday morning option. Classes are led by experienced and certified instructors with all materials provided by Sloan School of Music. These classes are designed to grow a students’ ability to learn music and develop their basic music skills. Primary goals for this class are:
- Caregiver Bonding
- Gross Motor Skills
- Social Skills
- Creativity and Self-Expression
- Involves Singing, Dancing, and Musical Instruments
- Grow Ability to Learn Music
- Develop Basic Music Skills
