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• General Music
• Vocals
• Band and Orchestra
• Harmonica
• Ukulele
• Guitar
• Piano

General Music

American Musical Theater: From Show Boat To Hamilton

From “Show Boat” and “West Side Story” to “Company” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” enjoy a fast-paced and entertaining look at the history of American musical theater through video clips of musical numbers from stage, concert and film versions of musicals and in-class commentary by the instructor. Discover the importance of 21 significant shows during this expansive look at the history of musical theater led by a musical theater director, performer and teacher.
MUSC-702 | 4 sessions | $29.50 AGE 60+ | $49 REG
F01 Tu 7-9 p.m. | Ken Ross
Sep. 7-28 | Online

Songwriting: The Art and Discipline

Discover the intricacies of crafting original songs and the pleasure and therapeutic value of this mode of self-expression. Explore the many stylistic approaches to writing a song, barriers (both realistic and self-imposed) to finishing and sharing an original song, and examples throughout history of successful and unsuccessful songs including the personal stories behind them. You’ll have the opportunity to share favorite songs from the popular music canon and bring in works of your own to share and receive feedback.
MUSC-725 | 6 sessions | $54.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F01 Tu 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Kevin Renick
Sep. 14-Oct. 26 | MC-BA 124
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.

The Folk Revival

Discover the history of the Folk Music Revival of the 1950s and 1960s that brought folk music to the forefront on campuses, TV and radio, and in coffee houses and concert halls. This discussion includes recordings and demonstrations of different types of songs that played a part in the Revival. You’ll understand the difference between cowboy, blues, spirituals, country and mountain music, maritime, hobo, union, work songs and British ballads. We’ll discuss the influence of this music on the singer-songwriter movement of the period.
MUSC-701 | 2 sessions | $37 AGE 60+ | $49 REG
F01 W 7-9 p.m. | James Renz
Nov. 3-10 | MC-SO 108

Vocals

Meramec Choir

Study and performance of representative choral literature. Emphasis on vocal technique and development. Available for credit as MUS 131 601 (CRN 33136). Auditions for part assignment only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7638. Contact the program coordinator at 314-984-7638 or MeramecMusic@stlcc.edu with any questions.
MUSC-717 | 31 sessions | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 Tu Th 12:30-1:50 p.m. | Gerald Myers
Aug. 24-Dec. 16 | MC-HW 102
• NOTE: No class Nov. 5, Nov. 25.

Band and Orchestra

Meramec Orchestra

Study and performance of representative chamber and symphonic literature. Additional studio hours required. Available for credit as MUS 132 651 (CRN 32634). Auditions for seating purposes only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636. Contact the program coordinator at 314-984-7638 or MeramecMusic@stlcc.edu with any questions.
MUSC-714 | 16 sessions | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 M 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstacker
Aug. 23-Dec. 13 | MC-HW 102
• NOTE: No class Sep. 6.

Meramec Symphonic Band

Study and performance of representative symphonic band literature. Available for credit as MUS 134 651 (CRN 32636). Auditions for seating purposes only; contact the conductor at 314-984-7636. Contact the program coordinator at 314-984-7638 or MeramecMusic@stlcc.edu with any questions.
MUSC-716 | 16 sessions | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 Th 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstacker
Aug. 26-Dec. 16 | MC-HW 102
• NOTE: No class Nov. 25.

Harmonica

Harmonica: Beginning

The harmonica is a fun and easy to learn. In just three sessions, learn to play dozens of folk and campfire songs. Fee includes student guide/song-book, and a 10-hole, C diatonic harmonica. Instructor is a member of the Gateway Harmonica Club. Materials will be mailed to the students prior to the first class.
MUSC-720 | 3 sessions | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy Hirsch
Sep. 1-15 | Online
F02 W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy Hirsch
Nov. 3-Nov. 17 | Online

Ukulele

Fun With Ukulele

Because of its small body and fingerboard, the ukulele is a perfect starter instrument for those that aspire to play the guitar. Have fun learning basic music theory while training your ears and fingers to strum a tune by the end of the first class.
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $65.50 AGE 60+ | $105 REG
F06 Tu 7-9 p.m. | Karl Markl
Sep. 14-Nov. 9 | STLCC-SoCo 122
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.

Guitar

Guitar: Beginning

No experience? No sweat! If you’ve never played guitar and have no music background, this is your opportunity to learn. Play first position and open position chords, simple scales, melodies and right hand strumming techniques. Gain an introduction to tablature, guitar notation and tuning. You must provide own acoustic guitar and an extra set of strings. Bring required text to first class: “Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 1” ISBN 978-1569392812.
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
F02 Sa 2-3 p.m. | Christina Springer
Aug. 28-Oct. 30 | Online
• NOTE: No class Sep. 4, Oct. 9.

Guitar: Beginning

Students will learn proper handling of guitars, basic chords with both hands while improving tone and coordination. Students will be provided songs to practice. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar and extra set of strings. No text required.
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
F01 W 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz
Sep. 8-Oct. 27 | MC-SO 108

Guitar: Advanced Beginning

Learn more advanced rhythms. Examine dotted rhythms and triplets, major chords and their functions, staccato playing, major scales and exercises, and expression marks and phrasing. Play songs (in major keys), including some pop music. A review at the course’s beginning is provided as needed. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of keyboard and letter names of notes. Bring required texts to first class: Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 1; ISBN 978-1569392812 and Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 2; ISBN 978-1569393956.
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $57 AGE 60+ | $99 REG
F03 Sa 12:30-1:55 p.m. | Christina Springer
Aug. 28-Oct. 30 | Online
• NOTE: No class Sep. 4, Oct. 9.

Fingerpicking for Guitar I

Begin to play folk, blues and ragtime, and general accompaniment patterns that create a solo guitar sound, using alternating bass and arpeggio styles. Bring a six-string acoustic guitar and guitar capo to each class. Prerequisite: Ability to tune the guitar, knowledge of first position chords, and experience making basic chord changes with the left hand. Handouts will be provided. No text required.
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $63 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F04 M 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz
Sep. 13-Nov. 1 | MC-SO 108
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.

NEW! Fingerpicking for Guitar II

Continue to explore and develop concepts introduced in the Fingerpicking for Guitar I class, including right hand alternating bass and arpeggio patterns and styles, playing melodies, and accompanying other instruments and voice. Bring acoustic guitar and guitar capo to each class. Handouts will be provided. No text required. Prerequisite: Prior to enrolling in this class, students must have completed “Beginning Fingerpicking for Guitar I” or the previously titled “Fingerpicking for Guitar.”
MUSC-705 | 8 sessions | $63 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F05 Tu 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz
Sep. 7-Nov. 2 | MC-SO 111

Piano

Piano: Beginning

During this enjoyable, relaxed approach, learn the letter names of notes and where they are on the keyboard. Play simple chords to accompany melodies. Learn easy rhythm patterns and pedaling.
MUSC-710 | 8 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
F01 Sa 9-10:25 a.m. | Christina Springer
Aug. 28-Oct. 30 | Online
• NOTE: No class Sep. 4, Oct. 9.
- Bring required text to first class: “Play Piano Now! Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Book 1” ISBN 978-0739007648.
MUSC-710 | 16 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F02 Tu 12-1 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 24-Dec. 14 | Online
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.
- Bring required texts to first class: “Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1” ISBN 978-0552846163; “Alfred’s Basic Adult Theory Piano Book, Level 1” ISBN 978-0882846354.

Piano: Advanced Beginners

Learn more advanced rhythms. Examine dotted rhythms and triplets, major chords and their functions, staccato playing, major scales and exercises, and expression marks and phrasing. Play songs (in major keys), including some pop music. A review at the course’s beginning is provided as needed. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of keyboard and letter names of notes.
MUSC-711 | 8 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
F01 Sa 10:30-noon | Christina Springer
Aug. 28-Oct. 30 | Online
• NOTE: No class Sep. 4, Oct. 9.
- Choose from the following texts depending on skill level and bring to first class: “Play Piano Now! Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Book 2” ISBN 978-0739012048; “Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course, Level 2” ISBN 978-0882849959; or “Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course, Level 3” ISBN 978-0739000687.
MUSC-711 | 16 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F02 Tu 1:10-2:10 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 24-Dec. 14 | Online
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.
- Bring required texts to first class:  “Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Lesson Book, Level 1” ISBN 978-0882846163; “Alfred’s Basic Adult Theory Book, Level 1” ISBN 978-0882846354; “Alfred’s Basic Adult All-Time Favorites, Book 1”  ISBN  978-0739009093.

Piano: Intermediate I

Complete the major scales. Explore minor chords and songs in minor keys. Practice chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. Prerequisite: Advanced Beginning Piano or equivalent experience. Student must know letter names of notes and where they are located on the keyboard. Bring required text to first class: “Alfred’s Adult Piano Course Lesson Book Level II” ISBN 9780739014080; “Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 2” ISBN 978-0882846347; “Alfred’s Basic Adult Theory Piano Book, Level 2” ISBN 978-0882846378.
MUSC-712 | 16 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F01 Tu 2:15-3:15 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 24-Dec. 14 | Online
• NOTE: No class Oct. 5.

Piano: Intermediate II

Continue to explore minor chords and songs in minor keys while practicing chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. This class is for students that understand the basics of Advanced I and want to continue exploring and strengthening skills. Prerequisite: Advanced Beginning Piano or equivalent experience. Student must know letter names of notes and where they are located on the keyboard. Required text discussed at first class.
MUSC-712 | 16 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F02 Th 12-1 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 26-Dec. 16 | Online
• NOTE: No class Nov. 25.

Piano: Advanced I

Dive deeper into minor keys, chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano II or equivalent experience. Required texts discussed at first class.
MUSC-713 | 15 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F01 Th 1:10-2:10 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 26-Dec. 16 | Online
• NOTE: No class Nov. 25.

Piano: Advanced II

Enjoy playing all types of music from Classics to Jazz and Pop. Pieces explored are more advanced and include a variety of composers. Prerequisite Advanced I or equivalent experience. Required text discussed at first class.
MUSC-713 | 16 sessions | $80 AGE 60+ | $129 REG
F02 Th 2:15-3:15 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Aug. 26-Dec. 16 | Online
• NOTE: No class Nov. 25.

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