Program Offerings
Piano
Students who study piano should have access to an acoustic piano or, if using an electric piano, a keyboard with weighted keys.
Stringed Instruments
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.
Vocal Study
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, music theater, and gospel. Private vocal study for young children requires an assessment for readiness.
Guitar
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.
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Instruments
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 from which you can rent an instrument.
Piano Safari Friends
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 included.
This class begins in the fall and runs a full year.
Spring enrollment for continuing students only.
Katherine Fisher, instructor
Mondays, 4:30-5:20 p.m.
Room 540, Glidden Hall
For 5-6 year olds
$275 for 12 classes
First class - January 23, 2023
Piano Safari - Level 1
Set off on a musical journey to explore fundamental musical and technical concepts. Piano Safari is an exciting new approach to learning piano 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 year.
Spring enrollment for continuing students only.
Wendy Blackwood, instructor
Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Room 586, Glidden Hall
For 2nd-4th graders
$275 for 12 classes
First class - January 23, 2023
KidSing!
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 494, Glidden Hall
For 1st & 2nd graders only
$80 for 8 classes
First class - January 21, 2023
Sonic Yoga for Kids
Sonic Yoga is a children’s yoga class with songs, stories, and sound! In this class, children will improve their strength, balance, and coordination through fun yoga games, yoga pose sequences, and dance. We will explore breathing and meditation techniques to develop healthy stress and anxiety coping mechanisms. Children will learn about self-love, kindness to others, and community through songs, stories, and exploration of sound and music making. Yoga mats will be provided.
Melissa Brobeck, instructor
Not available in spring 2023
Yoga for Singers + Musicians
This yoga class is designed for singers and musicians with a focus on the somatic demands of their performance practices. The yoga postures in this class will help restore alignment, build strength, and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation will also be incorporated to help develop anxiety coping techniques and improve focus. Yoga mats will be available for use. This 60-minute class is for all levels—beginners welcome!
Melissa Brobeck, instructor
Not available in spring 2023
Parent and Me: FUNdamental Music
Bring your 6mo-3yr old child for an interactive, fun, and movement-filled musical experience! Singing, dancing, and playing instruments together builds lasting memories for parent and child, helping to lay the foundation for a life-long bond with music.
Abigail Olson & Chelsea Wong, instructors
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Room 565, Glidden Hall
For children 6 month - 3 years and a parent/caregiver
$80 for 8 classes
First class - January 17, 2023
This class is now FULL!
Athens Youth Chorus
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 including a children’s chorus festival. 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 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Thursdays in room 494, Glidden Hall.
Advanced Ensemble - for children in grades 6-9; audition required; meets 6:45-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays in room 494, Glidden Hall.
Tuition is $250 for the 2022-2023 school year.
New students welcome in January!
Tuition is $125 for those joining in the spring semester.
First class - January 19, 2023
Piano Ensemble Project
Laura Silva, director
Join the piano orchestra!
This group aims to promote collaborative music making in young piano students. Orchestral scores are arranged for piano at varying levels, both in terms of difficulty and number of performers. Each pianist’s part represents a different section of the orchestra, and percussionists play the symphonic repertoire with the ensemble! This targets many musical skills, including rhythmic accuracy, following a conductor, sight reading, artistic interpretation, and aural skills. This unique model of chamber music keeps students motivated and engaged while offering a team atmosphere that they can enjoy. The rehearsals and onstage performing experience also provide psychosocial enrichment for the children and teenagers involved. Students must be able to read music at the piano.
Not available in spring 2023!
Cadet Strings
The Cadet Strings group focuses on developing individual string technique as well as group performance skills. One concert will be presented per semester. Music is provided. Students must provide their own instruments.
This group is for 3rd-6th graders who are new to the string family or have beginning string experience.
Fall and Spring; meets 6:00-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays in Glidden 476.
Tuition is $75 for the spring semester.
First rehearsal - January 24, 2023
ACMS Cadet Strings
The ACMS Cadet Strings program was launched in the fall of 2019 to provide string instruction in communities around Southeast Ohio where string education is not readily available.
2020 caused a pause in the rollout, but the Cadet Strings will be expanding in Athens in the 2022-2023 school year. This program will offer group instruction on orchestral string instruments highlighting a variety of music styles and celebrating the rich string heritage already revered in Appalachia.
Based on the successful Cadet Strings program at the Athens Community Music School at Ohio University, the Cadet Strings program will be available at The Plains Intermediate School in the 2022-2023 school year.
Please contact the ACMS office at 740-593-4241 or acms@ohio.edu if you are interested in seeing this program at your school or town in the Southeast Ohio region.
Athens Community Jazz Ensemble
Dr. Matt James, director
Join the Athens Community Jazz Ensemble - a band for instrumentalists 19 and up celebrating America's music. Rehearsals will be twice a month on Sundays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, and piano welcome.
Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required per semester.
First rehearsal - TBA
Choral Union
Dr. Dominique Petite, 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. Community members rehearse on Mondays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Glidden Hall 494.
Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required.
First rehearsal - January 23, 2023
Campus Orchestra
Dr. José Rocha, director
The Campus Orchestra is intended for intermediate to advanced orchestral stringed instrument players and is open to all members of the community from middle school through adults. Meets on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
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 - January 24, 2023
Camerata Strings
The Camerata Strings advances group performance skills required of orchestra musicians, introducing 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. This group is for students who are at an intermediate or early advanced level on violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Room 480, Glidden Hall
For intermediate and early advanced string players
$75 for spring semester
First rehearsal - January 24, 2023