Ensemble Options

Ensembles provide opportunities for students of all ages to jam, improvise, and learn collectively. In these 60-minute classes, students study different instruments to create a band experience over the course of the semester.

We strongly recommend students who would like to enroll in a group also enroll in private lessons. To help facilitate this, MCMA offers a 10% discount on ensemble registrations for any student who also studies privately.

If you’re interested in joining an ensemble, please send us a message to inquire about availability and skill or instrument fit. We would love to. hear from you!

If you are looking for a particular option and don’t see it, let us know what you’re looking for! We create our ensembles based on interest and demand.

Summer 2026 Ensembles

  • taught by Dan Wenger

    Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

    Want to become a more confident and versatile musician? Ear training helps you recognize and understand music by listening; an essential skill for playing with others, learning songs, and improvising.

    In this introductory workshop, you'll explore:

    • Solfege (Do, Re, Mi) to better understand pitch and melody

    • Audiation—the ability to hear and understand music in your mind

    • Music notation and the basics of reading and writing on the grand staff

    Through guided singing, improvisation, and notation exercises, you'll build practical listening skills that strengthen your overall musicianship. No instrument is required, and handouts will be provided so you can continue practicing at home.

  • Tuesdays, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

    taught by Amory Raymond

    July 7, 14, 21, 28

    August 3, 10, 17

    This is the ideal ensemble for the adult who has always wanted to experiment with other musicians and learn how to play in an ensemble setting. Join this ensemble and explore a wide variety of genres, learn how to improvise and communicate with other musicians, learn music theory, and build your own personal confidence by learning to take musical risks with improvisation.

    Prerequisites: For adults with a baseline of theory who are comfortable on at least one instrument

  • Wednesdays, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

    taught by Zachary Bence

    July 1, 15, 22; August 5

    This guitar group is open to adults of any gender on any type of guitar, from those with a passing ability to change between chords to more advanced players. Great for retirees, those who work from home, or anyone who can take a break on Wednesday afternoons. Learn new skills and improve old ones while developing repertoire chosen by the group.

  • Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm

    taught by Dr. Heather Beers

    This strings ensemble is intended for beginning and intermediate learners of any age who are comfortable with using the bow and wish to improve their string technique in a group setting. Our pieces will draw from a mixture of styles including classical, folk, and popular music.

  • Tuesdays 6:30 pm -7:30 pm

    taught by Tom Luther

    July 1, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12

    Join fellow musicians in a rock band setting! This class is perfect for adult players who want to rehearse and perform in a supportive, collaborative environment. You'll develop ensemble skills, improve your timing and dynamics, and prepare for a live performance each semester.

    Prerequisites: For adults with a baseline of theory who are comfortable on at least one instrument.

  • Thursdays, 4:00-4:30pm

    taught by Dr. Heather Beers

    Ages 5 -7

    This group is for younger violin students who are not yet ready to combine bow and violin or just beginning to combine the two.

  • Summer Session: July 16 - August 20

    Thursdays 5:30pm-6:30pm

    Girls Rock is a space for girls to get together and be in a band! It's important for women in music to stick together and empower each other. This group is an opportunity to dig deep into skills, repertoire and the experience of rocking out with other musicians in a supportive, creative, FUN space.

    Ages 11 - 16

    Instructor: Kate Fiano

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