At SFCM, we encourage collaboration and conversation, sparking the artistic and intellectual engines that make learning worthwhile and engaging. Discover your talent and feed your mind through our Continuing Education classes!
A non-refundable $25 registration fee will be charged once per term.
Instructor: Christian Paarup
Dates: 6:30-8:00 PM on Tuesdays from September 3 to November 19 (no class September 17)
Location: In-Person at SFCM
The Low Brass Choir ensemble is open to adult trombone, euphonium, and tuba players who are eager to play in a chamber music setting with fellow brass players in the community. No audition required. Rehearsals will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings beginning September 3. We will be preparing a program of mixed styles and genres for a public performance on November 19. The program will be determined based on enrollment and ability levels. This ensemble is intended to be a relaxed, fun environment with repertoire that will be appropriately challenging for everyone!
Feel free to contact Christian Paarup with questions at cpaarup@sfcm.edu.
Instructor: Scott Cmiel
Dates: 4:30-5:30pm (PT) on Saturdays from September 21 through November 23, 2024
Recital: Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Location: In-person at SFCM
Cost: $350
The SFCM Community Guitar Ensemble consists of guitarists interested in performing ensemble works in a wide range of musical styles from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. Under the direction of Scott Cmiel, the guitar ensemble will prepare for a performance at the end of the semester.
Each member will be assigned one of four parts and play together in a section with others playing the same part. We want players of all levels to be able to participate so while some members will play difficult music others will have their parts adjusted so they can play beautifully and with an expressive interpretation. Everyone is asked to learn their part before each meeting so during rehearsal we can work on the interpretation of each piece.
There is no need to be a virtuoso - good tone, good memory, and enthusiastic attitude are all that’s required.
If you have any questions about the orchestra please contact Scott Cmiel at scott.cmiel@sfcm.edu
Instructor: Mauricio Rodriguez, DMA
Dates: 7:00-8:30 PM (PT) on Wednesdays from September 18th to November 20th (10 weeks)
Location: Synchronous Online
Cost: $350
A practical approach to music will allow you to understand its elements by developing listening skills to identify patterns in different genres and styles. For instance, in this course, you will learn about the formal similarities between a Schubert Lied and a Beatles song while also looking at their different harmonic grounds. Appreciating music in context is not only about knowing its theoretical principles, a “structural” listening is needed to fully experience the form of a piece and its constituent elements.
This course includes a practical survey of fundamental music elements: rhythm patterns, scales and modes, melodic structure, chord construction, harmonic progressions, harmonic cadences, and music form. Students will hone their hands-on listening skills through reading, singing, and performance activities. By the end of this course, you will actively use your knowledge in your own music practice, as well as explore the basics of analyzing and creating music.
No prior music knowledge is required, but access to a musical instrument (acoustic or digital) is highly recommended.
Instructor: Harry Whitney
Dates: 5:30-7:00 PM (PT) on Wednesdays from (10 classes)
Location: Synchronous Online
Cost: $300
This workshop provides students an opportunity to apply analysis skills learned in class to a wide range of repertoire, either student- or instructor-selected. We will all get to appreciate excellent music together as a group. All students will see how composers through the ages use principles of dissonance and resolution of dissonance to create musical meaning. In addition to studying repertoire, there will also be a chance to discuss four-part writing following the classical rules of voice-leading. Students will have breakout sessions in small groups, and the opportunity to present a final project at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 100 or 200 of Musicianship and Music Theory, or contact Harry Whitney at hwhitney@sfcm.edu to see if this class would be a good fit for you.
Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00-7:25 PM on Thursdays from September 19 to November 21 (10 weeks)
Location: Synchronous Online
Cost: $350
Learn to read music and to construct chords and major scales. Put it all together
and you will be able to play two solos by the last class! Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes. Class limited to 8 students.
Required text: Keyboard Strategies – Master Text, Vol.1, by Stecher and Horowitz
ISBN: 9780793552917
Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 7:35-9:00 PM on Thursdays from September 19 to November 21 (10 weeks)
Location: Synchronous Online
Cost: $350
Continuing from Beginning Piano, add seventh chords (4-note chords) and minor scales to your
repertoire, polish scales and rhythm, and choose your favorite pieces to play! There will be an
informal performance at the final class. Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes. Class limited to 8 students.
Required text: Keyboard Strategies – Master Text, Vol.1, by Stecher and Horowitz
ISBN: 9780793552917
Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00-7:30 PM on Tuesdays from September 17 to November 19 (10 weeks
Location: Synchronous Online
Cost: $350
Pianists will work on repertoire of their choice. Selection of piece should precede the
first class.
Classes 1 - 6 will be devoted to repertoire analysis and practice techniques. Solos should be completed before Class 7
Classes 7 - 8 will focus on performance preparation.
Class 9 - Online Performance November 12th
Class 10 - Begin work on new repertoire
It is helpful if pianists are familiar with major and minor keys, triads and seventh chords, and key signatures. Students must have access to a personal keyboard or piano during online classes. To enable musical keyboard tone over the internet, an external microphone is recommended.. Limit 6 pianists.
Repertoire level: Bach Two-part Inventions, classical sonatinas, Chopin Waltzes etc
Instructor: Jacqueline Chew
Dates: 6:00-7:30 PM on Wednesdays from September 18 to November 20 (10 weeks)
Location: In-Person at SFCM
Cost: $350
Pianists will work on repertoire of their choice. Selection of piece should precede the
first class.
Classes 1–5 will be devoted to repertoire analysis and practice techniques. Solos should be completed before Class 6.
Classes 6-7 will focus on performance preparation
Class 8 – Performance in November
Class 9-10 - Begin work on new repertoire
It is helpful if pianists are familiar with major and minor keys, triads and seventh chords, and key signatures. Limit 6 pianists.
Repertoire level: Bach Two-part Inventions, classical sonatinas, Chopin Waltzes etc.
Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 6:00-7:30 PM on Wednesdays from September 18 to December 11 (no class on November 27)
Recital: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 7:30pm in Sol Joseph Recital Hall
Location: In-person at SFCM
Cost: $525
With a live pianist, you will work on improving your singing and performance skills in the art of Musical Theater. We will work on vocal technique, acting and expression, stagecraft, character work, and musicality. Students should be prepared to perform each class (memorization preferred) and can choose to work on one or more songs throughout the entire session.
An SFCM pianist will be available to accompany at all in-person classes and culminates in a live performance in the SFCM Recital Hall.
This class is available only to amateurs and semi-professional students with singing experience.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 7:30-9:00 PM on Wednesdays from September 18 to December 11, 2024 (no class on November 27)
Recital: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7:30pm in Sol Joseph Recital Hall
Location: In-person at SFCM
Cost: $525
This class is designed for learning Musical Theater Small Ensembles: duets, trios, & quartets! You will work on singing harmonies and expressing the story of the song together through character and text. Each number will be staged and culminates in a live performance in the SFCM Recital Hall. An SFCM pianist will be available to accompany at all in-person classes.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students.
Prerequisite: Completion of Musical Theater Vocal Performance Workshop or instructor approval. Contact Krista Wigle at kwigle@sfcm.edu to see if this class would be a good fit for you.
Instructor: Krista Wigle
Dates: 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesdays from September 17 to December 10, 2024 (no class on Nov. 26) (11 classes plus a recital)
Recital: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:30pm in Sol Joseph Recital Hall Thursday, May 30, 2024
Location: In-person at SFCM
Cost: $525
This class explores the many performance aspects of vocal music in a supportive and positive atmosphere. The emphasis is on opera and art song, but other genres are welcome. We work on expression, language, technique, stagecraft, drama, text, and many other aspects of this incredible art form. Students should be prepared to perform each class (memorization preferred) and can choose to work on one or more songs throughout the entire session. An SFCM pianist will be available to accompany at all in-person classes. The session culminates in a live performance in the SFCM Recital Hall. This class is available only to amateurs and semi-professional students with singing experience: at least 3 years of private lessons are required.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students per section.
