Our music department offers recreational music opportunities for children, teens, adults and seniors. We emphasize an all-inclusive, relaxed approach to playing popular music. Our students are provided with technical instruction, a place to practice their craft, and plenty of performance spots on festivals, celebrations, and parks events throughout the Music City. Many of our students have performed professionally in Nashville and around the nation as well as appearing in TV, radio and multi-media venues.
Note: Some classes have different start and end dates. Please examine schedule carefully.
Fall 2019 Class Offerings
African Percussion
This class is great for first time drummers who want to learn African rhythms in a fun group setting. Get the tools you need to play traditional African music and feel confident at a drum circle or next drum jam. Each class will build on simple patterns, concepts and sounds from week to week. Have a great time drumming with new friends.
- Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
- Class session is September 9 through October 28.
- Cost is $120.
Beginning Keyboard Private Lessons
These individual lessons are for students between the ages of 8 and 18. The student needs to have access to a keyboard or piano to practice with. Taught by staff member Rashad Sylvester
- This is a free class.
- Space is limited; all spots are full for this semester, we do have a waiting list for those that are interested, please email Samuel.Frazee@Nashville.Gov
Nick’s Harmonica Hang
Led by Nick Bernard. This class is for those interested in all thing’s harmonica. Time will be spent exploring playing techniques, listening to recordings. Talking about harps, mics and gear, as well as jamming. All are welcome to come a share their experience and expertise. Blues styles and techniques will be covered.
jamBand
Our jamBand program takes young people who are already playing an instrument and places them in a group with other students their own age and skill level; while teaching them how to be in a band. We have many performance opportunities throughout the year. We are always accepting new students who play guitar, keys, bass, drums, and/or other instruments.
jamBand Jr
This is an entry level class for students ages 8-11. It is helpful if the child has had some sort of lesson or class on their instrument. We will be covering the very basics of how to be in a band.
Gig Band
This class is great for teens who are a bit more advanced on their instrument or have been in JamBand for several years. There will be several performance opportunities throughout the semester
Standards Only
This is a chance to play jazz tunes from the American songbook with other musicians. Some sight-reading and improv skills are helpful; although not required. Open to all instruments and vocalists.
Songwriting
This class will explore different strategies for writing original material. Students will have an opportunity to perform their work in an end-of-semester concert.
Beginning Guitar Class
This class is designed for those who do not have any guitar experience. We will be learning simple melodies and basic chords. The student needs to have access to a guitar in good playing condition. Space is limited. This is a fee-based class.
- Cost is $60 for a 5-week session:
- September 4 through October 2, 2019
- October 16 through November 13, 2019
Intermediate Guitar Class
This class is for students that have completed beginning guitar class. Also appropriate for young students that have had guitar lessons elsewhere. Students should be proficient in playing the basic open chords C, A, G, E, and D. Cost is $60 for a 5-week session.
- Cost is $60 for a 5-week session:
- September 4 through October 2, 2019
- October 16 through November 13, 2019
Acoustic Picking Party
These are held every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m.-9 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 and developing chops. Come with at least a couple tunes you'd like to play and an open mind. Ages 12 and up. Hosted by Mike Teaney.
The Hartman Park Band
This laid-back class gives older adults a fun opportunity to play together in a band. Some experience on an instrument is recommended. We play great tunes from the blues, R&B and oldies catalog. This group will have several performance opportunities throughout the year.
Important Dates
- September 3: Classes begin.
- October 7-11: No classes this week.
- November 22: Student Showcase at Looby Theater.