Performing Arts: Music

Beginning Guitar

This class is for students who have never played a guitar and have no background in music. The class will cover tuning, string changing, how to select a new guitar and a brief history of the guitar. 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. No text required.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $79 Age 60+ | $79 Regular
P03 | W 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz | Feb. 20-April 17 | Kirkwood Sr. HS, W 115
• NOTE: No class 3/20.

Guitar: Beginning and More

This class is for students who have never played a guitar and have no background in music. The class will cover tuning, string changing, how to select a new guitar and a brief history of the guitar. 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. Text required; bring to first class.
MUSC:705 | 12 sessions | $49 Age 60+ | $89 Regular
P08 | Sa 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Christina Springer | Jan. 26-May 4 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/23, 3/16, 3/23.

Advanced Beginning Guitar

A continuation of Beginning Guitar. Students need acoustic guitar only. Students will continue reading standard music notation; play chords, including barre chords; play ensemble based music and work on basic improvisation skills. Text required.
MUSC:705 | 12 sessions | $61 Age 60+ | $109 Regular
P10 | Sa Noon-1:30 p.m. | Christina Springer | Jan. 26-May 4 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/23, 3/16, 3/23.
• NOTE: Class time has changed.

Finger Picking for Guitar

Play folk, blues, ragtime and hear general accompaniment patterns using the thumb and fingers of the right hand along with left hand chords to create a complete, solo sound. Course emphasizes alternating bass style. Music in both guitar tablature and traditional notation. If time allows, instructor may discuss open tuning concepts. Prerequisite: Ability to tune the guitar, know first position chords and experience in making basic chord changes with the left hand. Previous students welcome and will be provided new songs. All must bring a six-string acoustic guitar and guitar capo to each class. Bringing music stand is recommended. No text required.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $79 Age 60+ | $79 Regular
P02 | Tu 7-8:30 p.m. | James Renz | Feb. 19-April 16 | Kirkwood Sr. HS, W 115
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Fun with Ukulele: Part II

Continue to learn about playing the ukulele in a fun and easy way. Prerequisite: Fun with Ukulele: Part I or permission of the instructor. The final class of the session will be spent off-site for a special performance for your friends and family! Fee includes music and use of ukulele.
MUSC:705 | 8 sessions | $57 Age 60+ | $95 Regular
P01 | Tu 7-9 p.m. | Karl Markl | Feb. 19-April 16 | STLCC-South County, 122

Piano: Beginning

In this enjoyable, relaxed approach to the piano, you will learn: 1) the letter names of notes and where they are on the keyboard, 2) simple chords to accompany melodies, 3) easy rhythm patterns, 4) pedaling. Text and headphones with 1/4" adapter required. Course is intended for those with little or no piano or music experience.
MUSC:711 | 12 sessions | $61 Age 60+ | $109 Regular
P03 | Sa 8-9:30 a.m. | Christina Springer | Jan. 26-May 4 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/23, 3/16, 3/23.
MUSC:710 | 14 sessions | $56 Age 60+ | $89 Regular
P01 | Tu 12:05-12:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley | Jan. 29-May 7 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/19.

Piano: Advanced Beginning and More

Learn more advanced rhythms like 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. Text and headphones with 1/4" adapter required.
MUSC:711 | 12 sessions | $61 Age 60+ | $109 Regular
P01 | Sa 9:35-11 a.m. | Christina Springer | Jan. 26-May 4 | FV-C, 114
• NOTE: No class 2/23, 3/16, 3/23.
P04 | Tu 1-2 p.m. | Cheryl Conley | Jan. 29-May 7 | MC-HE 112
• NOTE:  This new section was not included in the catalog.

Piano: Intermediate

Student must know letter names of notes and where they're located on the keyboard. Covers minor chords and songs in minor keys, finishing major scales and starting minor keys, chromatic scales, inverted chords, more advanced pedal study and more pop songs. Text and headphones with 1/4" adapter required.
MUSC:712 | 14 sessions | $56 Age 60+ | $89 Regular
P01 | Th 12:05-12:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley | Jan. 31-May 9 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: No class 3/21.

Piano: Advanced Workshop

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, more difficult rhythm patterns such as trills, turns and tremolos. Many techniques taught through fun songs. Text and 1/4" headphone adapter required.
MUSC:713 | 14 sessions | $56 Age 60+ | $89 Regular
P02 | CANCELED 
P01 | Th 1-1:55 p.m. | Cheryl Conley | Jan. 31-May 9 | MC-HE, 112
• NOTE: Class time has changed. No class 3/21.

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 classes | $39 Age 60+ | $39 Regular
P02 | W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy and Jessie Hirsch | Feb. 6-Feb. 20 | MC-CE
P01 | W 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Buddy and Jessie Hirsch | April 10-April 24 | MC-CE

Symphonic Band

Study and performance of representative symphonic band literature. Available for credit as MUS 134.650 (CRN 10387). Auditions for seating only. Call the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:716 | 32 sessions | $35 Age 60+ | $35 Regular
P01 | Th 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstatter | Jan. 24-May 19 | MC-HW
• NOTE: Start date has changed. No class 3/21.

Meramec Orchestra

Study and performance of representative chamber and symphonic literature. Additional studio hours required. Available for credit as MUS.132.651 (CRN 10386). Auditions for seating only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7636.
MUSC:714 | 16 sessions | $35 Age 60+ | $35 Regular
P01 | M 7-9:40 p.m. | Gary Gackstatter | Jan. 28-May 19 | MC-HW
• NOTE: Start date has changed. No class 3/18.

Singing with Impact

This course will examine the power and intimacy of singing (concentrating on popular music idioms), unique vocal styles from around the world, and how to develop your own vocal style for maximum pleasure and impact. We will look at elements of singing such as enunciating lyrics effectively, harmonies, projecting, proper breathing, and creative emoting in order to command audience attention. Everyone will get a chance to sing 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:725 | 7 sessions | $54.50 Age 60+ | $89 Regular
P05 | M 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Kevin Renick | Jan. 28-March 25 | MC-LH, 102
• NOTE: No class 2/18, 3/18. Course was incorrectly listed in catalog as meeting for eight sessions.

Meramec Concert Choir

A study and performance of advanced choral literature including vocal technique and development. Available for credit as MUS 131.601 (CRN 10388). Auditions for part assignment only. Contact the conductor at 314-984-7638.
MUSC:717 | 32 sessions | $35 Age 60+ | $35 Regular
P01 | TuTh 12:30-1:50 p.m. | Jerry Myer | Jan. 22-May 19 | MC-HW
• NOTE: No class 3/19, 3/21.