Performing Arts: Music

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• Music Business
• Music History
• Guitar and Ukulele
• Harmonica
• Piano
• Vocals and Choir
• Band and Orchestra

Music Business

NEW! The Business of Music: From Performing to Publishing

Achieve success with your music! From writing better and more memorable songs to how and where to record them, this class prepares students for the business of music. Learn the truth about copyright laws, where to upload songs for maximum exposure, preparation tips for recording in a professional studio, and how to market yourself and book shows to perform for audiences. Whether music is for work or fun, this class covers what you need to know! Performance and marketing tips are heavily emphasized and students perform in class to receive feedback from their peers. Instructor provides private assessment to advise level of readiness to begin marketing or performing their songs.
MUSC:765 | 6 sessions | $59.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG

Music History

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.
MUSC:701 | 2 sessions | $19 AGE 60+ | $29 REG

Guitar and Ukulele

Fun with Ukulele Part I

Play an instrument so easy you can strum a tune after the first session! Learn basic music theory, train your ear and coordinate your fingers in this easy and fun class. The ukulele’s small body and fingerboard make it a perfect starter instrument for the guitar! Fee includes music and use of a ukulele. Last session held off-campus.
MUSC:722 | 8 sessions | $50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG

Guitar: Beginning

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. Students will learn to play first position and open position chords, simple scales, melodies and right hand strumming techniques. We will introduce tablature and guitar notation. Must bring own acoustic guitar and an extra set of strings.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
MUSC:705 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG

Guitar: Advanced Beginning

Continue reading standard music notation, play chords (including barre chords) and ensemble-based music, and strengthen basic improvisation skills. Prerequisite: Guitar: Beginning. Must bring own guitar and an extra set of strings. 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 | 14 sessions | $68 AGE 60+ | $119 REG

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. 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. Bring a six-string acoustic guitar and guitar capo to each class; music stand is recommended. No text required.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG

NEW!  Introduction to Songwriting on Acoustic Guitar

Learn how songs emerge from fairly simple structures, and creative ways to add intriguing changes to a song’s composition and performance style. Aimed at beginning guitarists or aspiring songwriters who are just starting to play guitar (or intermediate players wanting to start writing songs), this class focuses on basic chord progressions and easy picking patterns used as the basis for original songs. Equal time will be given to elemental acoustic guitar technique and how to approach the art of writing a song, especially for guitar. Write then perform your original songs in class and receive feedback. Bring acoustic guitar, notebook and pencil.
MUSC:725 | 6 sessions | $59.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG

Harmonica

Harmonica: Beginning

The harmonica is a fun and easy musical instrument to learn. In just three sessions you will 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

Piano

Piano: Beginning

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 | 14 sessions | $68 AGE 60+ | $119 REG
MUSC:710 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG 

Piano: Advanced Beginning

Learn more advanced rhythms - dotted rhythms and triplets, major chords and their functions, staccato playing, major scales and exercises, and expression marks and phrasing. Pop music introduced. Songs will be played in major keys. There is a review at course’s beginning if needed. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of keyboard and letter names of notes recommended. Headphones with 1/4 inch adapter required. 
MUSC:711 | 14 sessions | $68 AGE 60+ | $119 REG
MUSC:711 | 14 sessions | $55 AGE 60+ | $89 REG 

Piano: Intermediate I

Finishing major scales, explore minor chords and songs in minor keys, chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. Prerequisite: Piano: Advanced Beginning 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

Piano: Intermediate II

Continue to explore minor keys, chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and pop songs. Prerequisite: Piano: Intermediate 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

Piano: Advanced

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: Piano: Intermediate 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

Vocals and Choir

Singing With Impact

Examine unique vocal styles from around the world, the power and intimacy of singing with a concentration on popular music idioms, and how to develop your own vocal style for maximum pleasure and impact. Learn and demonstrate elements of singing such as enunciating lyrics effectively, harmonies, projecting, proper breathing, and creative “emoting” in order to command audience attention and receive useful guidance. Professional performance techniques will be covered. No text required, just a desire to sing at the height of your potential!
MUSC:765 | 6 sessions | $59.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG 

Meramec Concert Choir

A study and performance of advanced choral literature including vocal technique and development. Available for credit as MUS 131 601 (CRN 33181). Auditions for part assignment only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7638.
MUSC:717 | 30 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG

Band and Orchestra

Symphonic Band

Study and performance of representative symphonic band literature. Available for credit as MUS 134 650 (CRN 30316). Auditions for seating purposes only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:716 | 15 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG

Meramec Orchestra

Study and performance of representative chamber and symphonic literature. Additional studio hours required. Available for credit as MUS 132 651 (CRN 30266). Auditions for seating purposes only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:714 | 15 sessions | $35 AGE 60+ | $35 REG

 

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