Private Lessons
Ages six and older
16-week semesters
Lessons scheduled by mutual arrangement
Tuition: Tuition for private lessons varies depending upon the lesson length and entrance date; please contact the CCMC office for details and to schedule an interview.
Private lessons are the foundation of a musical education, providing the concentrated work and individual attention needed to develop a student’s skills and enthusiasm.
We offer private lessons for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, flute, clarinet, guitar, and composition.
CCMC private lesson faculty members are selected from among the area’s finest musicians and music educators to provide a focused, supportive, and well- rounded musical education for every ability level. (See faculty roster.)
Students are matched with a teacher following a placement interview with the CCMC director, taking into account playing level, personality, and schedule.
Private lesson tuition includes weekly lessons and free opportunities to participate in CCMC student recitals and master classes. Private lesson students receive a 25% discount on tuition for CCMC chamber ensembles and musicianship classes.
^ Back to top
Suzuki Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
Göran Berg, director
Ages 3 & older, with parents
17-week semesters
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays by mutual arrangement
Tuition: please see options below.
The cornerstone of the Suzuki program at Crowden is the creation of a cooperative relationship between teacher, parent, and student. Parents take an active role in the educational process by attending all lessons and classes, and by practicing daily with their children at home.
To enroll in the Suzuki Strings program, families follow this four-step
process:
Contact the CCMC office to arrange an interview with the CCMC director.- Attend a free Suzuki Seminar (for parents only) at the beginning of each semester.
- Enroll in the four-week Suzuki Music & Movement class, beginning the week after the Seminar.
- Students and parents are now ready to begin Suzuki Strings classes, which occur twice weekly. In master class instruction, students share lessons, taking turns. The group class supports master classes by providing the benefits of playing in an ensemble with peers.
Tuition for Suzuki Strings varies depending on the length of lessons and masterclasses as follows:
| Lesson length | Class length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 30 minutes | $935 |
| 20 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,105 |
| 30 minutes | 30 minutes | $1,190 |
| 30 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,360 |
| 45 minutes | 45 minutes | $1,615 |
| 60 minutes | 60 minutes | $2,125 |
^ Back to top
General Music Classes
Program in Residence: Music Together®
Songs • Dance • Instrument Play • Rhythmic Chants
Ages 0–7 years
For class schedules and registration, please call 510-848-SING (7464) or visit www.eastbaymusictogether.com.
Both children and adults learn songs, movement activities, and dances that are fun in themselves and provide for family music making at home.
Music Fundamentals in the Orff Schulwerk Tradition
Hadley Louden, instructor
Ages 4–7
10-week sessions
Wednesdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (ages 4 & 5)
Wednesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. (ages 6 & 7)
Fall: September 28–December 7 (no class November 23)
Winter: January 4–March 7
Spring: March 21–May 30 (no class April 4)
Tuition: $185 per session
The Orff approach weaves together musical concepts, creative movement, instrument exploration, singing games, and dramatic storytelling to build a foundation for a lifetime of joyful music making. Classes include introductions to improvisation, conducting, and notation using a wide repertoire of songs, games, and activities from around the world, as well as our collection of xylophones and world music instruments.
Kodály for Kids
Liz Engan, instructor
Ages 4–7
10-week sessions
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:30pm (ages 4 & 5)
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15pm (ages 6 & 7)
Fall: September 27–December 6 (no class November 22)
Winter: January 3–March 6
Spring: March 20–May 29 (no class April 3)
Tuition: $185 per session
The voice is every child’s first instrument. Grounded in the philosophy of composer Zoltán Kodály, this playful class uses traditional songs, chants, and singing games in a systematic way to teach children the basic building blocks of music: the ability to hear, to feel and reproduce rhythm and melody, to understand dynamics and tempo, to sing in tune, and to create music of their own. Younger children learn solfège; older children learn to read and write basic musical notation. Both age groups use games, songs, movement, percussion instruments, and puppets.
Songbirds Chorus
Ondine Young, director
Ages 4–6
10-week sessions
Saturdays, 9:30–10:15 a.m.
Fall: October 1–December 10 (no class November 26)
Winter: January 7–March 10
Spring: March 24–June 2 (no class April 7)
Tuition: $185 per session
For the youngest singers, this chorus introduces group singing using songs from around the world and throughout time—from chants and canons to folk songs and spirituals. Students learn age-appropriate vocal technique in a fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on body movement, hand gestures, some sign language, and drama. Sessions culminate in a casual recital.
Meet the Orchestra
Ages 5 & older
4-week session spring semester only
Saturdays, 11:30 am–12:15 am
Spring: March 3-March 24
Tuition: $75
A fun, hands-on introduction to the instruments of the orchestra! Each week members of our faculty introduce different instrument families—strings,
woodwinds, brass, and percussion—in this
interactive class. Students will learn to produce
sound on each instrument, observe live instrument
demonstrations, and listen to recordings of great
performers. This is a
terrific opportunity for your child to discover and
experiment with different types of instruments before
choosing a beginning instrument class or making the
commitment of private lessons.
Crowden Children's Chorus
Betsy Marvit, director
Ages 7–12
14-week sessions
Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Fall: September 10–December 17 (no class November 26)
Spring: January 28–May 5 (no class April 7)
Tuition: $275 plus a non-refundable $15 registration fee
Children learn to sing in a supportive, fun, positive learning environment. Musical self-confidence and basic vocal technique are taught using the kind of excellent repertoire kids deserve but rarely experience, including classical and folk music from all parts of the world. Each child discovers that his or her voice is an essential part of something bigger and more wonderful than they might have imagined. Choristers will be singing all the way home! Classes culminate in a casual recital at the end of the semester.
Music Mind Games: Building a music vocabulary
Pia Siegwart, instructor
Ages 6–9
10-week sessions
Fridays, 5:15–6:00 p.m.
Fall: September 30–December 16 (no class November 25)
Winter: January 6–March 9
Spring: March 23–June 1 (no class April 6)
Tuition: $185 per session
A unique and fun introduction to the basic aspects of music literacy, beginning with note reading, ear training, notation, and the understanding and hearing of rhythmic patterns. Games slowly progress to include more advanced topics such as intervals, chords, tempi, signs, and the basics of composition. Music Mind Games not only teaches musical concepts, but also supports the development of the child’s mind by asking questions rather than giving answers, encouraging the children to open up to exploration and discovery. The result is joyful confidence and the desire to learn more.
^ Back to top
Musicianship Classes
Michael Kaulkin, instructor
Ages 10–18
16-week semesters
Tuesdays, 3:40–4:30 (elementary)
Tuesdays, 4:40 –5:30 (intermediate)
Tuesdays, 5:40 –6:30 (advanced)
Tuition: $285 per semester
Learning to play an instrument is only part of learning to be a musician. Musical skills, like listening, analyzing, memorizing, and sight reading are best acquired using the student’s own body as the instrument. In CCMC Musicianship classes, students are trained to listen critically, analyzing and absorbing melodies and rhythms, and to accurately perform melodies and rhythms without the crutch of a musical instrument. Inner Hearing—the ability to simultaneously process multiple musical lines—is also developed along with musical memory. Music theory concepts are introduced sequentially as prerequisite musical skills are mastered. Classes are formed according to student ages and levels of experience.
25% discount for CCMC private lesson students.
^ Back to top
Beginning Group Classes
Introduction to Strings: Violin and Cello
Dawn Madole, violin instructor
Elaine Kreston, cello instructor
Ages 6–10
14-week sessions
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m (beginning)
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. (elementary)
Fall: September 6–December 13 (no class November 22)
Spring: January 24–May 1 (no class April 3)
Tuition: $265 per session
A group class for young students who are exploring the violin or cello for the first time. At the beginning level, students learn the parts of the instrument and bow as well as proper positioning and form. They will be introduced to basic rhythms, note reading, and introductory pieces on each string of the instrument. The elementary level strengthens these foundations and introduces elements of ensemble playing.
Beginning Piano
Christy Kyong, Alyona Marenchuk, Pia Siegwart, instructors
Ages 5–10
14-week sessions
Tuition: $265 per session
Fridays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (ages 5 & 6) Sorry, this section is full for spring.
Fridays, 4:30–5:15 a.m. (ages 7–10)
Fall: September 9–December 16 (no class November 25)
Spring: January 27–May 4 (no class April 6)
Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 a.m. (ages 5 & 6; ages 7–10)
Fall: September 10–December 17 (no class November 26)
Spring: January 28–May 5 (no class April 7)
In this fun group setting, students learn basic piano skills and are introduced to note reading and basic rhythms. This introductory class provides a solid foundation from which each student may develop a stronger sense and appreciation of music.
Beginning Guitar
Mori Achen, instructor
Ages 8 & older
14-week sessions
Fridays, 4:45–5:30 p.m. (ages 8–12)
Fridays, 5:30–6:15 p.m. (ages 13 & up)
Fall: September 9–December 16 (no class November 11 & 25)
Spring: January 27–May 4 (no class April 6)
Tuition: $265 per session
Beginning guitar teaches students to play both solo and ensemble music with an emphasis on left and right hand technique. Music includes classical and folk styles. Simple chords are introduced to use as accompaniment to songs. As a goal for this course students will be able to play easy solo guitar pieces, perform music with other guitarists, and read music notation.
Beginning Flute
Laura Scarlata, instructor
Ages 5–9
14-week sessions
Thursdays, 3:45–4:30 p.m.
Fall: September 8–December 15 (no class November 24)
Spring: January 26–May 3 (no class April 5)
Tuition: $265 per session
Students develop a solid foundation in basic flute technique and sound production through use of the fife (a small plastic flute). Students learn to read music notation, and work toward developing musical expression, pitch awareness, and ensemble skills in a fun group class setting.
^ Back to top
John Adams Young Composers Program
Martha Stoddard, program director
Alexis Alrich, program consultant
Ages 7–18
16-week semesters
Tuition: $1,550 per semester
The Young Composers program was founded in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams, who has a long association with Crowden, on his 60th birthday.
Students are encouraged to find their own voices while following a structured, traditional approach to musical training. Participation in this multi-layered program consists of:
- Weekly private composition lessons with a member of the program faculty
- Weekly Composers Seminar (includes musicianship)
- Student salons
- Lectures and demonstrations by visiting artists
- Performances of student works by professional ensembles
A highlight of the program is the collaboration with professional musical ensembles—each session culminates in a recital of original student compositions performed by professional musicians. Participating ensembles are selected to progress through the families of instruments, covering all the instruments of the orchestra in turn.
Students also attend informal salons in which they play and discuss one another’s music. Throughout the year, visiting composers and musicians are invited to give presentations to the group.
New prospective students who would like to enroll should submit an original notated musical composition along with their registration forms. Acceptance into the program and faculty assignment will be based on a placement interview with the director of the John Adams Young Composers Program.
Download a John Adams Young Composers Program Scholarship Application Form here!
^ Back to top
CCMC Ensembles
Chamber Ensembles for Youth
Ages 12–18
16-week semesters
Scheduled by mutual arrangement
Tuition: $285 per semester
Chamber music requires each participant to concentrate and perform independently, while maintaining an awareness of and sensitivity to the other players in the ensemble. CCMC offers chamber music coaching for strings and mixed ensembles of students at intermediate and advanced levels.
To participate in the chamber music program, contact the CCMC office to schedule a placement interview. Based on the pool of participants, CCMC forms trios, quartets, or quintets of compatible instrumentation, age, and ability. Pre-formed groups are welcome to apply.
Rehearsals are scheduled on weekday afternoons according to the availability of the members of each group. Each ensemble receives sixteen 60-minute coached rehearsals per semester, and the opportunity to perform in an informal end-of-semester recital.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Chamber Music For Adults
Jim Shallenberger, artistic coordinator
10-week sessions
Scheduled by mutual arrangement
Fall: September 26–December 10
Winter:
January 2–March 10
Spring: March 19–June 2
Tuition: $285 per session
The Chamber Music for Adults program is designed for adult musicians who would like to play in a small group with others of comparable experience and ability. Over the course of ten weeks, each group meets for eight 90-minute coached rehearsals; the session culminates in an informal recital.
Intermediate- to advanced-level string, wind, and piano players are encouraged to participate in Chamber Music for Adults. Compatible participants are placed in chamber groups of three to five players according to instrumentation, playing level, musical interests, and schedule availability. Pre-formed groups are welcome. Prospective participants should contact the CCMC office to schedule a brief placement interview.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
Flute Choir
Laura Scarlata, director
Ages 10 & older
16-week semesters
Thursdays, 4:45–5:30 p.m.
Tuition: $215 per semester
Flutists develop and strengthen ensemble-playing skills, and explore the flute ensemble literature. Each session culminates in a casual recital on the last day of class. For flutists with at least two years of playing experience. Audition required.
25% tuition discount for CCMC private lesson students.
^ Back to top
Ready to enroll?
You can download a registration form by clicking this link! If you're applying for financial aid you can find our application (and also the registration form) on our Registration Forms page.
Need guidance or have questions? We can help!
Contact the friendly folks at CCMC with questions or advice on the best program for your child (or you) at ccmc@crowden.org or 510.559.2941.