Private lessons are the foundation of a total music education! Individual Instruction
 effectively  encourages the growth of motor and aural skills and basic music literacy
 making it an important  tool in a student’s musical development. AASPA offers
 individual instruction for all ages and  abilities in the following areas:

 What are the benefits of private lessons through AASPA?
 • Weekly lessons with highly accomplished, carefully screened teachers.
 • Instructor styles, experience and special interests are matched to student needs.
 • Performance opportunities—semester recitals, studio classes, community
    performances and special workshop opportunities.
 • Exposure to a broad palate of musical styles and instruments.
 • Access to the National Music Certification Program (formerly the Royal American
   Conservatory Examinations), now hosted by AASPA.

 How can I begin music lessons for myself or my child?
   Call the school at 734-213-2000 for teacher referral information. Staff will then
   match the student with an instructor who best meets the student’s needs.
   That teacher will contact you within one week to discuss the lesson schedule.
   Fees are prorated for students beginning mid-semester.

 Should we rent or buy an instrument?
   Students enrolled in instrumental study should have regular access to an
   instrument for practice purposes. Faculty is happy to advise students
   and parents in their efforts to acquire a suitable instrument. For piano
   students, a traditional (acoustic) piano is recommended. For beginning
   students, electronic keyboards are advisable only if the instrument has a
   minimum four-octave keyboard, normal width keys and weighted keys.

 Tuition (please note: higher fees may apply for study with some of our more
       experienced faculty):

       Semester of 30 minute lessons: $525, 15 sessions
       Semester of 45 minute lessons: $750, 15 sessions
       Semester of 60 minute lessons: $975, 15 sessions

 Please call 734-213-2000 or email info@aa-spa.org to arrange private lessons.

 Scholarships are available. Click here for scholarship information.

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 Early Childhood Arts

AASPA is committed to providing the very best start for a child’s musical journey. We know that boys and girls learn best when an experience is engaging and educationally sound. Structured, but fun early music learning opportunities make basic concepts such as rhythm and pitch second nature. Children cultivate listening and attention skills, self-confidence, reading readiness, language, creativity, self-motivation, physical coordination, social skills and cognitive reasoning.

 Music Play

OPEN TO PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, TODDLERS, INFANTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS.
Children will build a musical foundation through active music making, including singing, playing and moving to music of diverse styles, tonalities and meters. Children (and caregivers) will be physically and musically engaged in creative and fun experiences to begin a life-long musical journey.

   Day/Time: Mondays 6-7pm (first class 9/13)
                  Tuesdays 9-10am (first class 9/14)
                  Saturdays 9-10am (first class 9/18)

   Instructors Jessica Anderson, Carla Margolis
   Fall Semester Tuesdays: Sept 13—Nov 19
   Fall Semester Fees: $180, 10 sessions

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 Keyboard Musicianship Club

The Keyboard Musicianship Club offers the perfect bridge from preschool music readiness to life-long music learning. This keyboard-based class for beginners from four and a half to eight years old, emphasized ear training, keyboard skills, rhythm, phrasing, fingering, singing, movement, staff reading, improvisataion and composition. Our philosophy is that learning the piano should be a joyful, social and creative experience for children. This new curriculum is based upon sound educational research and it has been designed to develop a foundation in the skills necessary to read music, improvise at the piano and master the proper technique. This class is excellent preparation for future individual  instruction. Students, meeting for one hour per week, are taught in small groups in a FUN, positive enthusiastic atmosphere. Parental participation within the class and regular supervised practice at home are encouraged. A piano or an electronic keyboard with at least four octaves with standard width keys is recommended for practice at home

   Instructor: Melissa Coppola
   Time: Saturdays 9-10am , Ages 4 ½—6
            Saturdays 1-2pm,  Ages 6-8    
    Fall semester fee: $295,  15 sessions   

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Kinder Strings Group Classes

These classes are designed for very young beginners and their adult caregivers. This class is perfect for young students who are eager to begin their musical training, but who are not quite ready for the rigors of private instruction. The children and their caregivers will learn the fundamentals of violin or cello playing and will explore the concentration, technical foundation and enjoyment of the violin or cello that will be necessary before the students pursue private lessons. Please call 995-4625 to determine the appropriate section for your child. For ages 4—6.

   VIOLIN CLASSES
   Dates: Returning students—Wednesdays 5:30-6:15pm, 15 sessions
             Returning students—Saturdays 10—10:45 AM, 15 sessions
             New student beginners—Saturdays 11—11:45 AM, 10 sessions

   CELLO CLASSES
   Time TBA—Please call 995-4625 to be added to the list of interested students.
                                 
   Instructor:  Monica Fry                       
   Fall semester fee: $160, 10 sessions  $240, 15 sessions.

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Dalcroze Eurhythmics

 Dalcroze Eurhythmics is the study of rhythm, musical concepts and nuance through the use of gross and fine motor skills. The use of left/right brain integration helps students to solve musical and coordination challenges, as part of a group, one-on-one, and independently. Lifelong tools are developed as students find their inner music, learn musical concepts, learn balance, timing and coordination.

   Instructor:  Carla Margolis
   Ages: 4-8
   Time:  TBA, Please call 734-213-2000
   Fall semester fee:  $160,  10 sessions

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Recorder Club and Recorder Ensemble

Because recorders are a wonderful first wind instrument for elementary school age children, Recorder Club is an engaging introduction to instrumental music for children ages six to eight. First year students experience music by listening to the teacher and learning the letter names of fingerings. By the end of this first year, students will be playing duets with the other club members. Second year students learn note reading and continuing technique, playing multi-part ensemble music. This is a wonderful first chamber music experience!
Members of Recorder Club will be invited to perform on AASPA recitals and other Ann Arbor community venues. In addition, this club will serve as a fun and effective preparation for those students who are interested in preparing for study on a wind instrument.

   Instructor:  Debra Gombert
   Time: Tuesdays 4-5pm,  Recorder Club, Ages 6-8
            Tuesdays 5-6pm,  Recorder Ensemble,  Ages 8+
   Fall semester fee:  $230, 10 sessions

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Flute Choir

NEW!  The AASPA flute choir is open to players of all members of the flute family; piccolos, flutes, alto flutes, bass flutes, etc.  It is a great opportunity for ensemble playing in a non-competitive environment. Participants in this class should have at least 2 years of playing experience.

   Instructor:  Rena Gresh
   Ages:  12+
   Time:  Wednesdays 7-8pm (first class 9/29)
   Fall semester fee: $180,  10 sessions

Musical Theatre

Give your dramatic child an outlet for expression (or lure that “emerging star” out of his/her shell) in this imaginative and energetic class filled with songs, music, acting games and creative movement Offering basic voice instruction, acting games, and musical theatre-style movement/dance, this is a great preparatory class for school and community theatre programs.                 

   Instructor:  Carla Margolis
   Ages: 5-12
   Time: Saturdays 3-4pm (first class 9/18)
   Fall semester fee:$180,  10 sessions

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Jazz Studies

The Jazz Studies Program is designed for instrumentalists and vocalists looking for small ensemble experience with jazz styles. The Jazz Studies Program is open to musicians from elementary age to adult students. All instruments are welcome: winds, string, voice, piano, vibraphone, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. Auditions for all programs will include scales, sight reading, some improvisation and a prepared piece. Auditions will be held on September 8 from 4-6pm. Call 213-2000 to schedule your audition. Please note – all rhythm section players, including pianists, guitarists, drummers, bassists, and vibraphonists – new and returning need to audition and should call to make an appointment.

Introductory Jazz Workshop  

Students who are beginners and new to the world of jazz will be encouraged to participate in this class. This workshop will be both a class and a band and will focus primarily on jazz theory, improvisation and how to operate in a small group setting. Standard jazz repertoire will be studied and will provide the vehicle for development in several domains: playing melodies, chord and scale study, melodic development, player interaction, soloing, differing instrumentalist’s roles, and other group-related concepts. Some facility on an instrument, as well as knowledge of three scales and basic reading skills are required.

   Instructor:  Paul Finkbeiner
   Time:  Saturdays 10-11:30am (first class 9/18)
   Fall semester fee:  $375,  15 sessions

Jazz Combos

These small, intermediate to advanced ensembles perform throughout the year at AASPA recitals, in special showcase appearances, for community service projects and in local jazz venues. Special event performances have included the Taste of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Summer Festival and the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fairs. Combos focus on traditional small group jazz
from New Orleans to Swing to Bebop and modern styles. Students from elementary age kids to adult with intermediate – advanced facility on their instrument, ability to play all major scales, good music reading skills and some knowledge of jazz theory and chord structures can be in a combo! Placement in a combo is by audition or by the recommendation of Paul Finkbeiner, our Jazz Program Coordinator. Paul will place students in combos according to experience and will schedule weekly rehearsals after auditions have been completed.

   Instructor:  Paul Finkbeiner & Kurt Krahnke
   Time:  TBA
   Fall semester fee:  $415,  15 sessions
   If you have not yet auditioned, please call 734-213-2000
   Audition date:  September 8, 4-6pm at AASPA

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New Horizons Senior String Orchestra

NEW!  Open to new and returning string players, this ensemble is geared toward both mature learners who have never played violin, viola, cello or double bass and also toward former players wishing to revive their skills.  This ensemble will meet once each week at the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts and will culminate in an informal performance.
              NOW is a wonderful time to take up music!

   Instructor:  Gabe Villasurda
   Time: Tuesdays 1-3pm (first class 9/28)
   Annual Fee: $215, approximately 25 sessions
 
Note: Bring your instrument if you have one, or by special arrangement with Shar Music in Arbor, players needing an instrument can be fitted and are eligible for special New Horizons rental or purchase packages that are as low as $19/month.

        "Retirement can be the beginning of a new chapter in one's life.   
         Seniors soon realize,  "It's now or never!"  It's not too late to enjoy 
         the pleasures of making music,  and playing an instrument affords
         the opportunity to be inside the music.   The New Horizons program 
         makes it possible for seniors to learn an instrument from scratch or 
         to brush up on skills that may have lain dormant for years."
                                                   -- Gabe Villasurda
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AASPA Orchestra Program

The AASPA Youth Orchestra Program offers a comprehensive sequence of developmental ensembles that prepare young musicians for membership in advanced high school orchestras. The goal of the program is to nurture musicianship and foster joy in orchestral playing.  Click here to view a video about our orchestra program.

Highlights:
  • A dedicated, enthusiastic and highly accomplished team of teachers
  • Three orchestra levels with a pre-reading preparatory ensemble class
  • Two annual performances at the historic Michigan Theater
  • Instrument enrichment classes with local professional musicians
  • A kick-off retreat to foster skills and build ‘esprit de corps’
  • A lifetime of musical and personal memories        

AUDITIONS: Fall auditions are held for new members and for continuing members who wish to play in a different orchestra. Students will be asked to play up to two of the required scales, a solo of their choice, and a sight reading excerpt. Please see www.aa-spa.org/orchestra.html for more details. Students wishing to play in the same orchestra need to contact AASPA at (734) 213-2000 or info@aa-spa.org to let us know they will be returning.

   Audition Dates:  September 9,  6-8pm at AASPA  (call 213-2000 for specific audition time)

Junior String Orchestra (JSO)
Instructor:  Leslie Capozzoli
Time:  Thursdays 5:30-6:30 (first rehearsal 9/23)  NEW TIME! (Changed from 5:15 - 6:15)
Annual fee:  $400 per year ($200/yr for parent musicians who join also!)

Skill Level: first position note reading on A, D and G strings; read simple rhythmic combinations of half, quarter, and eighth notes; understanding of legato, staccato and slurring 2-4 notes per bow. Scales: One octave G, D, C and A major scales.

Sterling String Orchestra (SSO)
Instructor:  Ben Allen
Time:  Mondays 5:30 - 7pm  (first rehearsal 9/20)
Annual fee:  $430/yr ($215/yr for parent musicians who join also!)

Skill Level: ability to read on all strings; understanding of 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, and 2/4 time signatures; ability to read rhythmic combinations of dotted quarter, eighth, triplet, sixteenth notes/rests; shifting to 3rd position for violin/viola, 1st-4th for cello/bass; developing vibrato, tonal and dynamic contrast, phrasing and interpretation skills. Scales: two octave G, D, A and C scales; two octave harmonic minor of your choice.

Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO)
Instructor:  Leslie Capozzoli
Time:  Mondays, 5:30-7:30 (first rehearsal 9/20)
Annual Fee:  $460/yr  ($230/yr for parent musicians who join also)

Skill Level: execution of complex rhythmic combinations; shifting positions for violin 1st- 5th, viola1st-4th, cello 1st through beginning thumb, Bass 1st-5th; advanced bow strokes (detaché, spiccato, brush, martele, flautando), well-developed vibrato, mature musical phrasing and interpretation. Scales: three octave major and two octave melodic minor of your choice.

See www.aa-spa.org/orchestra.html for more information and regular updates throughout the year.

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