Music & Singing   

Get started with the ukulele by learning basic chords and strums at a pace designed for first-time players. The uke is a popular choice for students who have never picked up an instrument before. You'll be surprised by how soon you're playing songs while picking up core musical skills through a variety of musical genres, from traditional Hawaiian music to post-war jazz, the folk revival, to current folk, pop, and rock favorites. This class is recommended for students who have never played an instrument before and want a gradual introduction to the ukulele.

In this beginner-level guitar course, students will learn fundamental guitar techniques in an engaging and social environment. The course covers essential musical elements such as rhythm, melody, and notation. Students will be taught proper posture and basic techniques for both the right and left hands. The curriculum includes learning to play simple songs using notes and chords in their open positions, as well as right-hand finger-picking patterns to play simple chord progressions.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, learn picking techniques, strumming patterns, and barre chords. Learn to play a simple solo piece and with others in an ensemble setting. Learn basic music theory, such as scales, arpeggios, and common chord progressions to jam out. Learn to transpose using a capo.

Have you always wanted to sit down at a piano and play your favorite songs? What if you could accompany yourself singing a Joni Mitchell, or Beatles, or Cole Porter song? You could be the hit of the party – even if you are the only one there! Even if you’ve never touched a piano or read a note of music, Dr. Regina Zona will teach you everything you need to know to be able to play simple and complex chords, read a lead sheet, and create simple accompaniments so you can sing and play almost any song. This will be a small class so you will get lots of personal attention to support your learning. The only requirement is that you have a keyboard or piano at home so you can practice and play to your heart’s content! Please note this is not a singing class. This class is focused on learning how to play the piano so that you can accompany yourself or others as you sing your favorite songs.

This class covers the basics of playing the harmonica, including how to hold it and proper breathing and embouchure techniques. Students will learn essential skills like playing single notes, basic chords, bends, simple blues improvisation, and songs, fostering a solid foundation for further musical exploration and fun playing music.

The role of women’s lives in society from the 18th century to the 19th Amendment is highlighted in popular song. Playing mountain and hammered dulcimers and guitar, Linda sings broadsides, laments, love songs, work songs, parlor melodies, and suffrage anthems. The songs reflect the changing status of women in society. Interspersed with the music are excerpts from women’s diaries and letters. Among the stories included will be those of Deborah Samson, who fought as a soldier in the Patriot army in the Revolutionary War battles in White Plains and Tarrytown, and the New York and New Jersey women who led the fight for Women’s Suffrage.