Ensemble Options

taught by Kate Fiano

Mondays 4:15-5:15pm

all ages

Songwriting Lab is a small, collaborative class of 2–4 students focused on developing songwriting skills and creative voice. Students will write, share, and refine original songs in a supportive environment.

taught by Kate Fiano

Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

ages 11 - 16

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.

taught by Dan Wenger

Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

all ages

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.

taught by Amory Raymond

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm

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

taught by Zack Bence

Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 pm

This guitar group is open to adults of any gender on any type of guitar. Great for retirees, those who work from home, or anyone who can take a break on Wednesday afternoons. This class is intended for players who are comfortable changing between chords and are willing to take some risks and ready to play with others.

taught by Jeff Densmore

Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm

all ages

Hand Drumming explores traditional and contemporary rhythms from West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean through a variety of hand percussion instruments. Develop technique, rhythmic awareness, and a deeper understanding of these rich musical traditions while playing together in an engaging, supportive setting.

taught by Amelia Campbell

Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 pm

ages 7-11

The MCMA Youth Choir is open to students who want to learn more about singing in a group, exploring new music and genres, and making friends along the way.

taught by Zack Bence

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm

ages 12-17

The ideal ensemble for the teenage rockstar! This weekly ensemble is open to students who play guitar, bass, drum set, keys, or vocals. Students will form a rock band and study fundamentals and performance techniques, and learn awesome songs that help develop their group playing skills. Students have the opportunity to perform at the end of each semester.

taught by Dr. Heather Beers

Thursdays 4:00-4:30pm

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.

taught by Tom Luther

Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm

ages 10 and up

MCMA’s Jazz Ensemble takes a group-centered approach and gives students a chance to play jazz and its related sub genres in a supportive learning environment. Students are counseled and encouraged to improvise, sight read, and become exposed to new styles and new modes of creating music. 

taught by Tom Luther

Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm

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.