Athens Community Music School Program Offerings

Students who study piano should have daily access to an acoustic piano or, if using an electric piano, a keyboard with weighted keys. 

Violins, violas, cellos, and string basses come in different sizes which enable them to be played by young children and adults alike. We recommend that a student is measured for the appropriate sized instrument by a professional. Please contact our office for recommendations of instrument dealers in our area.

Students who study voice will receive foundational training which includes note reading and general music theory. Vocal styles taught include classical, pop, rock, folk, country, jazz, and music theater. 

Students who study guitar will learn to read music. Lessons are offered on both acoustic and electric guitar, and students are expected to bring their own instrument to lessons.

Wind and percussion instruments come in one size which is why it is generally recommended that students delay study until they are big enough to physically handle the instrument (usually 5th grade). We offer instruction on: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, mallet and battery percussion. Please contact our office for recommendations of dealers in our area where you can buy or rent an instrument.

Meet the Piano Safari Friends as your 5-6 year old starts on their piano journey.  Piano Safari Friends is intended to prepare students for Piano Safari Level 1. Its aim is to provide young children with rich and enjoyable musical experiences through movement, singing, imitating, improvising, and learning the fundamentals of rhythmic notation and pre-staff reading. Ownership of a piano is required. Book is provided.  

​This class begins in the fall and runs a full school year.

Brienna Weigner, instructor
Mondays, 4:15-5:05 p.m.
Room 550, Glidden Hall
For 5-6 year olds

$285 for fall semester

​First class - August 31, 2026

Set off on a musical journey to explore fundamental musical and technical concepts at the piano. Piano Safari is an exciting approach that combines the best of established pedagogical traditions with innovative ideas. Students will be taught the basics of music theory, reading notation, and how to play with excellent technique and musicianship. Ownership of a piano is required. Books are included.  

This class begins in the fall and runs a full school year.

Brienna Weigner, instructor
Mondays, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Room 550, Glidden Hall
For 2nd and 3rd graders

$285 for fall semester

​First class - August 31, 2026

Returning students may join the Piano Safari Friends as they continue on their piano journey.  Piano Safari Friends is intended to prepare students for Piano Safari Level 1. Its aim is to provide young children with rich and enjoyable musical experiences through movement, singing, imitating, improvising, and learning the fundamentals of rhythmic notation and pre-staff reading. Ownership of a piano is required. Book is provided.  

​This class begins in the fall and runs a full school year.

Katherine Fisher, instructor
Mondays, 4:15-5:05 p.m.
Room 540, Glidden Hall

$285 for fall semester - returning students from '25-'26 only

​First class - August 31, 2026

Children will learn the FUNdamentals of music through games and play and develop their singing voices in preparation for participation in the Athens Children’s Chorus.

Melanie Horne, instructor
Saturdays, 9:15-10:00 a.m.
Room 550, Glidden Hall
For 1st and 2nd graders

$95 for 8 classes in fall semester

​First class - September 12, 2026

Join Mr. Z on an expedition where we will explore all things music! This course is intended for young musicians who are either 2-3 or 4-5 years old. We will explore music through the lenses of storytelling, arts & crafts, singing, dancing, drumming, games and more!  

Matthew Zatko, instructor
Room 561, Glidden Hall
$95 for fall semester

Ages 2-3
Saturdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Ages 4-5
Saturdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

​First class - September 12, 2026

Melanie Horne, director

The Athens Youth Chorus is a performance ensemble which focuses on healthy and expressive singing habits, rehearsal and performance techniques, and music reading skills.  The ensemble performs 2- and 3-part songs, partner songs, and canons at various concerts throughout the year.  Students learn musical concepts by singing quality music appropriate to the child voice from a variety of periods and a wide range of styles and cultures.

Apprentices - for children in grades 3-5; non-auditioned; meets 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Thursdays in room 550, Glidden Hall

Advanced Ensemble - for children in grades 6-9; audition required; meets 7:00-8:15 p.m. on Thursdays in room 550, Glidden Hall

​Tuition is $275 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Fall semester will begin September 10, 2026. 

More information about the Athens Youth Chorus

The ACMS Cadet Strings group focuses on developing group performance skills in beginning students. One concert will be presented per semester. Music is provided. Students must provide their own instruments.

Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Room 472, Glidden Hall
Tuition is $100 for fall semester OR free with private lessons on your string instrument.

First rehearsal - September 1, 2026

The ACMS community strings programs were begun in the fall of 2019 and started in partnership with the Athens City Schools and the City of Athens in the fall of 2022. Based on the successful Cadet Strings program at the Athens Community Music School at Ohio University, the community strings program is available at The Plains Intermediate School, Athens Middle School, and Arts/WEST in the 2026-2027 school year.

These programs offers group instruction on orchestral string instruments highlighting a variety of music styles and celebrating the rich string heritage already revered in Appalachia.

Please contact the ACMS office at 740-593-4241 or acms@ohio.edu to receive more information and to register.   

Dr. Lauren Ramey, director

​Choral Union is a large, mixed chorus of students, faculty, and townspeople. The ensemble unites annually with the Ohio University Symphony to perform outstanding major choral works each spring. Community members rehearse on Mondays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

Choral Union is open to all singers regardless of experience. No audition is required for community members, although students must complete a choral hearing. Choral Union's repertoire includes pieces from various time periods, cultures, and languages.

Registration must be completed online, and only a $10 registration fee is required.

​First rehearsal - August 24, 2026

Dr. José Rocha, director

​The Campus Orchestra is intended for intermediate to advanced orchestral stringed instrument players and is open to qualified members of the community from middle school through adults. Meets on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Glidden Hall Room 550.

University student participants may register for OU credit. Contact Dr. Rocha at rocha@ohio.edu for more information about credit.

​Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required.

​First rehearsal - August 25, 2026

The Camerata Strings is for intermediate string players to build group performance skills required of orchestra musicians as well as introduces members to a mix of classical works and contemporary favorites. One concert will be presented per semester. Music is provided. Students must provide their own instruments.

The Southeast Ohio Youth Wind Ensemble (SOYWE) seeks to establish itself as one of Ohio’s premier student musical organizations. Once each fall and spring following a weekly series of 3-5 rehearsals, the bands will present concert performances on the campus of Ohio University or within the Southeast Ohio community. Students from Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia will audition and be selected to perform with the Southeast Ohio Youth Wind Ensemble, in partnership with the Athens Community Music School. Members of SOYWE will build upon foundational skills to prepare students for success in collegiate music programs.

For more information, please contact the Ohio University Director of Bands, Dr. William Talley, at wtalley@ohio.edu or Asst. Professor of Music Education, Prof. Emily Talley, at talleye@ohio.edu.