With its chunk-a-chunk sound, whispery nylon strings, and diminutive body, the ukulele is having a moment. Find out why the ukulele is making a strong comeback in this beginner-level class. Students who have some experience with the ukulele are also welcome. Learn about tuning, strumming, fingerpicking, chords, reading tab...then put it all together to learn your first songs. Scales, technique, and easy music theory will also be discussed. Ukulele should be soprano, concert, or tenor size. Ukuleles are available to purchase at local music stores, eBay, or Amazon. Please bring an electric tuner. Students are asked to purchase Hal Leonard Ukulele Method, Book 1, ISBN 9780634079863, from bookseller of their choice.

 

You'll be playing songs on the first night...guaranteed! Learn all the basic chord shapes that you will need to have fun with the UKE! Learn about scales, chord formations, chord transitions, progressions and why and how they work, how to read tablature, sheet music notations, counting and strumming patterns. Bring a ukulele, tuner and music stand.  No class 2/19.

Bring your horn out of the attic. This class can help beginners get started and oldsters return to playing trumpet. Build your embouchure, sight reading, breathing, and confidence. Tom plays in bands at PMAC in Portsmouth: Wind Ensemble, Beginner Band, Big Band, Blues Band. He has 15 years experience playing the cornet, trumpet, and euphonium. Materials needed: Instrument, Trumpet Book 1, Essential Elements for Band From Hal Leonard, on line, bring to first class.

Chords Are Key to Piano

Some music teachers may not want you to know this, but you don’t need years of weekly lessons to learn piano.  In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give yourself years of musical enjoyment.  How do we do it?  While regular piano teachers teach note reading, piano professionals use chords.  You can learn all the chords you will need to play any song in this one session.  Any song!  Any style!  Any key!  If you can find middle C and know the meaning of Every Good Boy Does Fine, you already know enough to enroll in this workshop.  Topics include: how chords work in a song, how to get more out of sheet music by reading less of it, how to form the three main types of chords, how to handle different keys and time signatures, how to avoid “counting,” and how to simplify over 12,000 complex chords.  Beginners can print out a free pamphlet on reading music by going online to this link http://www.pianofun.com/downloads/notes.html.

Instructor: Don Pride

Monday, 12/3, 6:00 – 8:30 PM for 1 session

Location: Windham Middle School - Music Room

Fee: $24, plus a $29 book fee

Bio:  Don Pride is a professional musician, teacher, and composer who plays throughout the United States. He is a member of the Portland Jazz Orchestra, and leads The Don Pride Band. Don teaches at St. Joseph’s College, the Portland Conservatory of Music, and in his private studio.

Remember that great party you went to last summer? Remember when you got up and tried to channel Saturday Night Fever and everyone just stared? Don't let that happen again! If you learn how to Swing, you'll be the life of the party, impress the boss and probably get a raise. Who doesn't want that? Swing can be danced to a wide variety of music, making it one of the most "useable" dances. No experience necessary, just a desire to have fun! Both couples and singles are welcome.

This is your chance to try Zumba® for FREE! Pre-registration is not required. Robin's adult education Zumba® classes have been running strong for over 5 years. The moves are easy to follow and set to fun, high-energy Latin and international music. No dance experience necessary! This is truly fun exercise that doesn't feel like exercise. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers with good support but not a lot of tread. Don't forget your water! Robin is a certified Zumba® instructor and has been teaching fitness classes in southern Maine for many years. Visit Robin’s website at http://robinlovell.zumba.com/home. 2 FREE Zumba® dates: W, 9/5; W, 1/2

This dance fitness class includes music of Salsa, Swing, Merengue, Tango, Cha Cha, Reggaeton, Bellydance, African and more. For 45 minutes, participants will bust stress, boost energy and burn calories while using traditional and unique moves to fabulous music. Improvisation encouraged. This course also includes 15 minutes of core work to support your back, your dance, and your life. Bring a mat, sneakers and water bottle. $5 drop in or $40 for 10 class card can be used for all Emma's M/T/W classes. Online Registration is not available for this course. It may be subject to certain prerequisites or inventory requirements. Please contact PAE in person or by phone (874-8155) to discuss the requirements for this course or for more information.

Just ONCE Guitar for Busy People

Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time?  In just a few hours, you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you will not have to take private lessons to do it.  This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away.  Bring your acoustic guitar. For more information go to justonceclasses.com Topics include: How chords work in a song, How to form the three main types of chords, How to tune your guitar, Basic strumming patterns, How to buy a good guitar (things to avoid), How to play along with simple tunes.

Instructor: Don Pride

Monday, 11/19, 6:00 – 8:30 PM for 1 session

Location: Windham Middle School - Music Room

Fee: $24, plus a $29 book fee

Instructor Bio: 

Don Pride is a professional musician, teacher, and composer who plays throughout the United States. He is a member of the Portland Jazz Orchestra, and leads The Don Pride Band. He teaches at St. Joseph’s College, the Portland Conservatory of Music, and in his private studio.