Metro Parks Music

Fall Music Classes Start September 3

School's back and so are we! With classes in piano, guitar, songwriting, harmonica, and jamBand for various ages and skill, there is something for everyone. We are adding a new class this semester focusing on jazz standards for all instruments and vocalists too. And, there is the weekly acoustic picking party on Tuesday nights, as well as the Hartman Park Blues and Rhythm Revue every Friday. Come Join us! You can download the schedule: Music Class Schedule.

The Hartman Park Band

Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hartman Park

The Hartman Park Band (HPB) is a group of retirees who come together once a week to socialize and play music. Always glad to, as they say, “Make a Little Noise” with their leader, Parks music instructor Sam Frazee, the group has played regularly for more than five years. Co-founded by Hartman Community Center manager Adrean Gregory, they practice on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rehearsals are open to new-comers and visitors.

You can also see them performing around town for special parks events and concerts. The band focuses on popular music form the last 50 years, mainly Rock n Roll, but also blues, country and some jazz. The band includes keys, guitars, drums, electric bass, and saxophones. They feature several outstanding vocalists. Some of the musicians have a lifetime of experience, playing in churches, clubs or with friends and family. However, some band members are beginners, having found a new passion in their golden years. The oldest member is in his 80’s, with the youngest being in his 40’s.

Instructor Sam Frazee says that his favorite part of working with the Hartman Park Band is listening to the musicians joke around and enjoy themselves. He feels that it’s important for aging adults to continue to learn and try new things. “No one is born knowing how to play,” says Frazee, “we all have to learn sometime; and it’s never too late to start!”

You can see the Hartman Park Band in action April 6, 2019 at Bells Bend Park's Outdoor Expo event!

Acoustic Pickin' Parties

These are held every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. in the Centennial Black Box Theater. Bring an acoustic instrument, join the circle and play along. All styles of music welcome, including originals. Great for ear training, developing chops, and learning new tunes. Relaxed environment similar to porch-sitting and pickin' with friends. Come with at least a couple tunes you'd like to play and an open mind. Ages 12 - up. Hosted by Mike Teaney.

African Percussion

Come join the hand drumming class on Monday evenings at the Centennial Performing Arts Studios. All drums are provided and no experience is required. We will be learning authentic styles, techniques and rhythms. The class is led by Nashville based drummer and percussionist Clifford Koufman. He shares his passion for percussion through music education. A lifelong student of drumming, he is a masterful payer and has traveled extensively throughout America to West Africa to immerse himself in and learn the culture, creativity and various traditions of the percussive arts.

• Monday September 9 through October 28 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• $120 registration

Register for Music Classes

Centennial jamBands

We are getting ready for an exciting fall semester, and we are accepting new students. We have teen and youth rock band classes as well as beginning and intermediate guitar and piano for kids and teens. There are even adult and senior bands and harmonica. You can email Samuel.Frazee@Nashville.Gov for more information.

Upcoming Dates

• September 3: First day of fall semester
• October 5: Celebrate Nashville Teen Performance
• November 22: Looby Semester Showcase