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• Music, general
• Band and Orchestra
• Vocals and Choir
• Piano
• Guitar and Ukulele
• Harmonica

Music, general

NEW! Folk Music in North America

Discover the history of folk music in North America with recordings and demonstrations of different types of songs including cowboy, blues, spirituals, country and mountain music, maritime, hobo, union and work songs, and Child ballads. Discussion will also include the impact of the Folk Music Revival of the 1950s and 1960s that brought this music to the forefront in coffee houses, on campuses, on TV and radio, and in concert halls, and its influence on the singer-songwriter movement of that period. Please enter school from the Essex lot.
MUSC:701 | 2 sessions | $19 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
P01 W 7-9 p.m. | James Renz
April 22-29 | Kirkwood Sr. HS, W 115

Songwriting: The Art and Discipline

Discover the intricacies of crafting original songs, the pleasure and therapeutic value of this mode of self-expression, 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. Students have the opportunity to share favorite songs from the popular music canon and bring in works of their own to share and receive feedback.
MUSC:725 | 7 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P01 Tu 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Kevin Renick
Feb. 18-April 7 | MC-HE, 123
• NOTE: No class 3/17.

Band and Orchestra

Symphonic Band

Study and performance of representative symphonic band literature. Available for credit as MUS 134 650 (CRN 10652). Auditions for seating purposes only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:716 | 15 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG
P01 Th 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstatter
Jan. 23-May 7 | MC-HW, 102
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Meramec Orchestra

Study and performance of representative chamber and symphonic literature. Additional studio hours required. Available for credit as MUS 132 651 (CRN 10651). Auditions for seating purposes only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:714 | 13 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG
P01 M 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstatter
Jan. 27-May 4 | MC-HW, 102
• NOTE: No class 2/17, 3/16.

Vocals and Choir

Meramec Concert Choir

Study and performance of representative choral literature. Emphasis on vocal technique and development. Additional studio hours required. Available for credit as MUS 131 601 (CRN 10998). Auditions for part assignment only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7638.
MUSC:717 | 30 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG
P01 TuTh 12:30-1:50 p.m. | Gerald Myers
Jan. 21-May 7 | MC-HW, 102
• NOTE: No class 3/17, 3/19.

Piano

Beginning Piano

In this enjoyable, relaxed approach to the piano, learn the letter names of notes and where they are on the keyboard, simple chords to accompany melodies, easy rhythm patterns and pedaling. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required.
MUSC:710 | 12 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
P01 Sa 8-9:25 a.m. | Christina Springer
Jan. 25-May 2 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/29, 3/7, 3/21.
Bring required text to first class: "Play Piano Now! Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Book 1" ISBN 978-0739007648.
MUSC:710 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P02 Tu noon-12:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Jan. 28-May 5 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/17.
Bring required texts to first class: "Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1" ISBN 978-0882846163, "Alfred's Basic Adult Theory Piano Book, Level 1" ISBN 978-0882846354, "Note Speller, Book 1" ISBN 978-0769234533.

Advanced Beginning Piano

Learn more advanced rhythms (dotted rhythms and triplets), major chords and their functions, staccato playing, major scales and exercises, and expression marks and phrasing. Songs are played in major keys and pop music is introduced. A review is provided at the course’s beginning if needed. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of keyboard and letter names of notes. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required.
MUSC:711 | 12 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
P01 Sa 9:30-11 a.m. | Christina Springer
Jan. 25-May 2 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/29, 3/7, 3/21.
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 | 14 sessions | $54.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P02 Tu 1-1:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Jan. 28-May 5 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/17.
Bring required texts to first class: "Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level 1" ISBN 978-0882846163, "Alfred's Basic Adult Theory Piano Book, Level 1" ISBN 978-0882846354, "Alfred's Basic Adult All-Time Favorites, Level 1" ISBN 978-0739009093.

Intermediate Piano I

Finishing major scales, explore minor chords and songs in minor keys, 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. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required. Required texts discussed at first class.
MUSC:712 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P01 Th noon-12:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Jan. 30-May 7 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Intermediate Piano II

Continue to explore minor keys, chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano I or equivalent experience. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required. Required texts discussed at first class.
MUSC:712 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P02 Th 9-10 a.m. | Cheryl Conley
Jan. 30-May 7 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Advanced Piano

For those who enjoy playing all types of music, learn a variety of songs from the classics to jazz to pop. Class covers continuation of minor scales and chords, more pieces in minor keys and more difficult rhythm patterns such as trills, turns and tremolos. Many techniques taught through fun songs! Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano II or equivalent experience. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required. Required texts discussed at first class.
MUSC:713 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P01 Th 1-1:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley
Jan. 30-May 7 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Guitar and Ukulele

Beginning Guitar

Offered for students who have never played a guitar and have no background in music, this class covers tuning, changing strings, how to select a new guitar and a brief history of the instrument. Learn to play first position and open position chords, simple scales, melodies and right hand strumming techniques; tablature and guitar notation are introduced. Must bring acoustic guitar and extra set of strings.
MUSC:705 | 12 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P01 Sa 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Christina Springer
Jan. 25-May 2 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/29, 3/7, 3/21.
Bring required text to first class: “Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 1” ISBN 978-1569392812.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P02 W 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz
Feb. 19-April 15 | Kirkwood Sr. HS, W 115
• NOTE: No class 3/18. No text required.

Advanced Beginning Guitar

Continue reading standard music notation, play chords (including barre chords) and ensemble-based music, and strengthen basic improvisation skills. Must bring acoustic guitar and extra set of strings. Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar. Bring required texts to first class: “Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 1” ISBN 978-1569392812, “Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 2” ISBN 978-1569393956.
MUSC:705 | 12 sessions | $65 AGE 60+ | $109 REG
P03 Sa noon-1:25 p.m. | Christina Springer
Jan. 25-May 2 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/29, 3/7, 3/21.

Finger Picking for Guitar

Play folk, blues and ragtime, and explore general accompaniment patterns that create a complete, solo sound. Course emphasizes alternating bass style and music in both guitar tablature and traditional notation. Open tuning concepts discussed if time permits. Bring a six-string acoustic guitar and guitar capo to each class; music stand is recommended. Prerequisite: Ability to tune the guitar, knowledge of first position chords and experience making basic chord changes with the left hand. Previous students welcome and will be provided new songs. Please enter school from the Essex lot. No text required.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P04 Tu 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz
Feb. 18-April 14 | Kirkwood Sr. HS, W 115
• NOTE: No class 3/17.

Fun With Ukulele: Part II

This is a continuation of Fun With The Ukulele: Part I. Get basic music theory, train your ear and coordinate your fingers in this easy and fun class. The ukulele’s comfortable size and fingerboard make the uke a perfect starter instrument for the guitar. Fee includes music and use of a ukulele. Last session held off-site.
MUSC:722 | 8 sessions | $50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P01 Tu 7-9 p.m. | Karl Markl
Feb. 4-March 31 | STLCC-South County, 120
• NOTE: No class 3/17.

Harmonica

Beginning Harmonica

The harmonica is a fun and easy musical instrument to learn. In just three sessions be able to play dozens of folk and campfire type songs. Fee includes student guide/song-book and a 10-hole, “C” diatonic harmonica. Instructor is a member of the Gateway Harmonica Club.
MUSC:720 | 3 sessions | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
P01 W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy and Jessie Hirsch
Feb. 5-Feb. 19 | MC-CE
P02 W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy and Jessie Hirsch
April 8-22 | MC-CE

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