A REFRESHING APPROACH TO MUSIC LESSONS
FOCUSED ON MUSIC YOU LOVE!
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Get inspired by mastering the piano with an innovative & creative teaching approach focused on the music you love
"The piano lessons at CHMA are exactly what I was looking for!" - Michael S.
Piano Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To encourage creativity, improvisation, and a personal connection to the piano, while teaching fundamental skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Discovering the Piano
- Introduction to the piano and its history
- Understanding the piano keyboard layout
- Learning the musical alphabet and the concept of octaves
Lesson 2: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values and time signatures
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Playing simple rhythmic patterns on the piano
Lesson 3: Introduction to Melody
- Learning to read and play treble clef notes
- Identifying and playing intervals
- Introduction to major and minor scales
Lesson 4: Developing Hand Coordination
- Hand and finger exercises for dexterity
- Playing simple melodies with both hands
- Practicing hand independence exercises
Lesson 5: Chords and Harmony
- Introduction to chords and chord progressions
- Understanding and playing triads
- Playing simple chord progressions in different keys
Lesson 6: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through improvisation
- Basic techniques for improvising melodies and harmonies
- Practicing improvisation over simple chord progressions
Lesson 7: Playing by Ear
- Introduction to ear training
- Identifying intervals and chords by ear
- Playing simple melodies and chord progressions by ear
Lesson 8: Exploring Piano Genres and Styles
- Overview of different piano genres and styles (classical, jazz, blues, pop, etc.)
- Learning characteristic techniques and patterns for each genre
- Playing short pieces or excerpts in different styles
Lesson 9: Creative Composition
- Basics of music composition
- Developing a theme or motif
- Creating a short original piece or arrangement
Lesson 10: Performance and Expression
- Techniques for expressive playing (dynamics, articulation, phrasing)
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen piece or original composition
Unleash your potential with a guitar lesson experience designed to show you how to develop the skills needed to become a true master
"CHMA has helped me improve my skills as well as my feel for the music I’m playing." - Emmett G.
Guitar Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To foster creativity, improvisation, and a personal connection to the guitar, while teaching fundamental skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Getting Acquainted with the Guitar
- Introduction to the guitar and its history
- Understanding the parts of the guitar and proper posture
- Basic guitar care and tuning
Lesson 2: The Foundations of Guitar Playing
- Learning the musical alphabet on the guitar
- Introduction to open chords and basic chord shapes
- Simple strumming patterns
Lesson 3: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values and time signatures
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Playing rhythmic patterns on the guitar
Lesson 4: Exploring Melody on Guitar
- Learning to read and play guitar tabs and sheet music
- Identifying and playing intervals on the guitar
- Introduction to major and minor scales and basic fingerpicking
Lesson 5: Developing Hand Coordination and Dexterity
- Hand and finger exercises for both hands
- Practicing chord transitions and basic fingerpicking patterns
- Introduction to alternate picking and palm muting
Lesson 6: Guitar Techniques and Styles
- Overview of different guitar techniques (hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, etc.)
- Exploring different guitar styles (rock, blues, jazz, classical, etc.)
- Learning characteristic techniques and patterns for each style
Lesson 7: Power Chords and Barre Chords
- Introduction to power chords and their use in rock music
- Learning to play barre chords and chord inversions
- Playing songs and riffs that incorporate power and barre chords
Lesson 8: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through improvisation on the guitar
- Basic techniques for improvising melodies and harmonies
- Practicing improvisation over simple chord progressions and backing tracks
Lesson 9: Playing by Ear and Ear Training
- Introduction to ear training for guitarists
- Identifying intervals, chords, and scales by ear
- Playing simple melodies and chord progressions by ear
Lesson 10: Creative Composition and Songwriting
- Basics of music composition and songwriting for guitar
- Developing a theme, riff, or chord progression
- Creating a short original piece, arrangement, or song
Lesson 11: Performance and Expression
- Techniques for expressive playing (dynamics, articulation, phrasing)
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen piece, song, or original composition
Reach your fullest singing potential with a personalized voice lesson experience focused on improving pitch, support and overall tone
"I love this studio because I get to choose my own songs and they’re taught effectively." - Robin O.
Voice Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a personal connection to singing, while teaching fundamental vocal skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Voice
- Understanding the anatomy of the vocal mechanism
- Exploring vocal range and voice types
- Basic vocal care and warm-up exercises
Lesson 2: Breath Control and Support
- Techniques for diaphragmatic breathing
- Exercises for breath control and support
- Practicing breath management during singing
Lesson 3: Vocal Tone and Resonance
- Identifying and manipulating vocal tone and resonance
- Exercises for improving vocal resonance and projection
- Singing with a balanced and healthy vocal tone
Lesson 4: Vocal Agility and Flexibility
- Introduction to vocal agility and flexibility
- Exercises for developing vocal agility (scales, arpeggios, trills)
- Practicing vocal runs and riffs in various styles
Lesson 5: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values and time signatures
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Practicing rhythmic accuracy while singing
Lesson 6: Pitch Accuracy and Intonation
- Techniques for improving pitch accuracy
- Exercises for developing intonation and relative pitch
- Singing in tune and correcting pitch discrepancies
Lesson 7: Diction and Articulation
- Understanding the importance of clear diction in singing
- Practicing proper articulation of vowels and consonants
- Singing in different languages and styles with correct pronunciation
Lesson 8: Vocal Expression and Dynamics
- Exploring vocal expression through dynamics, phrasing, and articulation
- Techniques for connecting emotionally with a song
- Singing with a sense of storytelling and interpretation
Lesson 9: Vocal Styles and Genres
- Overview of different vocal styles and genres (classical, jazz, pop, musical theater, etc.)
- Learning characteristic techniques and approaches for each genre
- Singing short pieces or excerpts in different styles
Lesson 10: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through vocal improvisation and scat singing
- Basic techniques for improvising melodies and harmonies
- Practicing improvisation over simple chord progressions and backing tracks
Lesson 11: Stage Presence and Performance
- Building stage presence and overcoming performance anxiety
- Techniques for engaging with an audience
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen song or original composition
Lesson 12: Songwriting and Creative Composition
- Basics of songwriting and lyric writing
- Developing a theme or motif
- Creating a short original song or arrangement
Make an impact to become a next level drummer with a lesson experience that focuses on developing control, dexterity and creativity.
"CHMA's virtual drum program has been awesome. To be honest, I was reluctant about the switch to virtual. I can't believe how well it is working out." - James D.
Drum Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To inspire creativity, self-expression, and a personal connection to drumming, while teaching fundamental skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Drum Kit
- Understanding the different components of the drum kit
- Exploring the history and evolution of the drum set
- Basic drum kit setup and maintenance
Lesson 2: Developing a Solid Foundation
- Learning to hold drumsticks and proper grip techniques
- Introduction to drumming posture and ergonomics
- Basic drumming warm-up exercises and rudiments
Lesson 3: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values, time signatures, and subdivisions
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Playing simple rhythmic patterns on the drum kit
Lesson 4: Groove and Beat Creation
- Understanding the concept of groove and its role in drumming
- Learning basic drum beats in different styles (rock, pop, funk, etc.)
- Developing a steady tempo and strong sense of timing
Lesson 5: Exploring Dynamics and Articulation
- Techniques for controlling dynamics and articulation on the drum kit
- Exercises for improving dynamic range and control
- Playing beats and fills with varied dynamics and accents
Lesson 6: Drum Fills and Transitions
- Introduction to drum fills and their role in music
- Learning and creating drum fills in various styles
- Practicing smooth transitions between beats and fills
Lesson 7: Advanced Techniques and Coordination
- Introduction to advanced drumming techniques (double strokes, paradiddles, etc.)
- Developing limb independence and coordination
- Exercises for improving overall drumming dexterity and control
Lesson 8: Exploring Different Drumming Styles
- Overview of various drumming styles and genres (jazz, Latin, metal, etc.)
- Learning characteristic rhythms, beats, and techniques for each style
- Playing short pieces or excerpts in different styles
Lesson 9: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through rhythmic improvisation
- Basic techniques for improvising beats, fills, and solos
- Practicing improvisation over backing tracks and chord progressions
Lesson 10: Playing by Ear and Ear Training
- Introduction to ear training for drummers
- Identifying and transcribing rhythms and drum patterns by ear
- Playing along with songs and recreating drum parts by ear
Lesson 11: Creative Composition and Arrangement
- Basics of rhythmic composition and arranging drum parts
- Developing a unique drum groove or pattern
- Creating a short original piece or arrangement
Lesson 12: Performance and Expression
- Techniques for expressive drumming and stage presence
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen piece, song, or original composition
Learn the skills to be the backbone of the band by learning bass and how to hold down the groove.
"I’ve gone from having no idea how to playing anything, to be able to play my favorite songs." - Matt B.
Bass Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To foster creativity, self-expression, and a personal connection to bass playing, while teaching fundamental skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Bass Guitar
- Understanding the parts of the bass guitar and its history
- Exploring the role of the bass in various music genres
- Basic bass guitar care, tuning, and proper posture
Lesson 2: Navigating the Fretboard
- Learning the musical alphabet on the bass
- Introduction to major and minor scales and finger patterns
- Basic fretting hand exercises for dexterity
Lesson 3: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values, time signatures, and subdivisions
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Playing simple rhythmic patterns on the bass
Lesson 4: Building Basslines
- Understanding the foundations of basslines and their role in music
- Learning to create basslines using root notes and chord tones
- Developing basslines in different styles (rock, pop, funk, etc.)
Lesson 5: Hand Coordination and Picking Techniques
- Introduction to various plucking and picking techniques (fingerstyle, slap, pick)
- Hand and finger exercises for both hands
- Practicing basslines using different techniques
Lesson 6: Chords and Harmony on Bass
- Introduction to chords and arpeggios on the bass
- Learning to play chord shapes and inversions
- Incorporating chords and harmony into basslines
Lesson 7: Groove and Dynamics
- Exploring the concept of groove and its importance in bass playing
- Techniques for controlling dynamics and articulation
- Playing basslines with varied dynamics and accents
Lesson 8: Playing by Ear and Ear Training
- Introduction to ear training for bassists
- Identifying intervals, chords, and scales by ear
- Playing simple basslines and chord progressions by ear
Lesson 9: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through bass improvisation
- Basic techniques for improvising basslines and solos
- Practicing improvisation over backing tracks and chord progressions
Lesson 10: Exploring Different Bass Styles
- Overview of various bass styles and genres (jazz, Latin, reggae, etc.)
- Learning characteristic rhythms, techniques, and patterns for each style
- Playing short pieces or excerpts in different styles
Lesson 11: Creative Composition and Songwriting
- Basics of music composition and songwriting for bass
- Developing a unique bass groove, riff, or chord progression
- Creating a short original piece or arrangement
Lesson 12: Performance and Expression
- Techniques for expressive bass playing and stage presence
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen piece, song, or original composition
Learning ukulele will give you the ability to play all your favorite songs with ease and the ability to easily take your instrument anywhere.
"With the extra time on my hands, I decided to try ukulele lessons." - Kate S.
Ukulele Lesson Curriculum Overview
Objective: To encourage creativity, self-expression, and a personal connection to ukulele playing, while teaching fundamental skills and techniques.
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Ukulele
- Understanding the parts of the ukulele and its history
- Exploring different ukulele sizes and tuning systems
- Basic ukulele care, tuning, and proper posture
Lesson 2: Navigating the Fretboard
- Learning the musical alphabet on the ukulele
- Introduction to major and minor scales and finger patterns
- Basic fretting hand exercises for dexterity
Lesson 3: Rhythm and Timing
- Introduction to note values, time signatures, and subdivisions
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Playing simple rhythmic patterns on the ukulele
Lesson 4: Chords and Strumming Patterns
- Learning basic open chords and chord shapes
- Introduction to various strumming patterns and techniques
- Developing a steady tempo and strong sense of timing
Lesson 5: Fingerpicking Techniques
- Introduction to fingerpicking patterns and techniques
- Hand and finger exercises for both hands
- Practicing fingerpicking patterns and playing simple melodies
Lesson 6: Playing by Ear and Ear Training
- Introduction to ear training for ukulele players
- Identifying intervals, chords, and scales by ear
- Playing simple melodies and chord progressions by ear
Lesson 7: The Art of Improvisation
- Creative exploration through ukulele improvisation
- Basic techniques for improvising melodies and harmonies
- Practicing improvisation over simple chord progressions and backing tracks
Lesson 8: Exploring Different Ukulele Styles
- Overview of various ukulele styles and genres (Hawaiian, folk, pop, etc.)
- Learning characteristic techniques, rhythms, and patterns for each style
- Playing short pieces or excerpts in different styles
Lesson 9: Chord Progressions and Song Structure
- Understanding common chord progressions and song structures
- Learning to play and recognize chord progressions in various keys
- Playing songs in different styles and genres
Lesson 10: Creative Composition and Songwriting
- Basics of music composition and songwriting for the ukulele
- Developing a unique chord progression, melody, or riff
- Creating a short original piece or arrangement
Lesson 11: Performance and Expression
- Techniques for expressive ukulele playing and stage presence
- Overcoming performance anxiety
- Preparing and presenting a short performance of a chosen piece, song, or original composition
Lesson 12: Advanced Techniques and Expanding Your Repertoire
- Introduction to advanced ukulele techniques (chord inversions, harmonics, etc.)
- Developing your unique playing style and repertoire
- Exploring further resources for continued learning and growth