Walnut Creek's Civic Arts Education provides a variety of music offerings for the beginner or the pre-professional student. From individual music lessons, to pre-professional opportunities and group jam sessions, CAE's Music Program has something for everyone. If you are just exploring an instrument or looking to hone your skills, our music program is the place for you.
INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS
Click here to see a list of Civic Arts Education Approved Music Lesson Instructors, including biographies. Please contact the instructors directly for information on fees and lesson availability.
Offerings include: BRASS- Baritone, Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone & French Horn. PERCUSSION- Caribbean steel drums, Drumset, Hand Drums, Marimba, Vibes. STRINGS- Bass & Guitar (acoustic and electric), Cello, Harp, Piano, Viola, Violin. WOODWINDS- Clarinet, Flute, Oboe Recorder,Saxophone. ALSO- JazzImprov, Voice, and Music Therapy for the special needs student.
MUSIC CLASSES
AGES 3 mos-5
A musical buffet! At any level of your child’s music development, whether newborn, toddler or preschooler, everything he/she needs for basic music competence is laid out both in class and in the materials used at home, for them to sample, learn from and enjoy. Classes are mixed age--bring siblings together! (Siblings under 8 months by class start date attend free!). Winner of Bay Area Parent Magazine’s ‘Best Children’s Music Program’. Now in its 25th year.
INSTRUCTOR: Music Together Tri-Valley, Inc.
LOCATION Classroom, Tice Valley Gymnasium
$108: 6 classes
$78: Siblings over 8 months
$45 supply fee per family payable to Instructor at first class.
Class 22710 Mon 5:00pm-5:45pm 7/1-8/5
Class 22711 Mon 6:00pm-6:45pm 7/1-8/5
Class 22715 Tue 4:30pm-5:15pm 7/2-8/6
Class 22716 Tue 5:30pm-6:15pm 7/2-8/6
Class 22712 Sat 9:15am-10:00am 6/29-8/3
Class 22713 Sat 10:15am-11:00am 6/29-8/3
Class 22714 Sat 11:15am-12:00pm 6/29-8/3
AGES 3-5
An introductory course to piano for young children. Learn basic note reading, rhythms and simple songs in a fun supportive environment.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Evans
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22717 Tue 11:00am-11:50am 6/18-8/6
AGES 5-7
Let your child join in the fun and enjoyment of learning the world of music. A beginning piano and music fundamentals class where, through singing, body movement and rhythm work, each child learns beginning piano fundamentals and elementary note reading. Parents are encouraged to stay during class.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Evans
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
$88: 8 classes
$3 supply fee payable at first class
Class 22729 Tue 12:00pm-12:50pm 6/18-8/6
AGES 5-11
Parents and children affected by autism or related symptoms participate in this fun-inspired class and collaborate creatively using arts and music games. These games are great tools for home and school to interact more easily with others, create lasting friendships, navigate transitions, and cope with upset based on the premise that no child needs to be different than they already are--they just need tools to deal with today’s world. Facilitated by a music therapist. Some health insurances may cover.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephan Betz
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22822 Sat 10:00am-11:00am 6/22-8/10
AGES 6-9
Develop music reading, good practice habits, musicianship and solid technique at the piano. Must have a piano or keyboard at home for practice. $7.50 supply fee due at first class.
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
INSTRUCTOR: Monica Williams
$88: 8 classes
$7.50 supply fee due at first class.
Class 22816 Wed 12:00pm-12:50pm 6/19-8/7
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Evans
$78: 7 classes
$7.50 supply fee due at first class
Class 22815 Thu 4:00pm-4:50pm 6/20-8/8
No class 7/4 $7.50 supply fee due at first class.
AGES 6-10
The recorder is an inexpensive end blown instrument--and it’s easy to play! Learn proper posture, how to read and play music, basic music theory, and music appreciation. By the end of the class, be able to play several songs. Students must provide their own recorder. $10 supply fee for music book payable to instructor.
INSTRUCTOR: Monica Williams
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
$86: 8 classes
$10 supply fee due at first class
Class 22814 Wed 10:00am-10:50am 6/19-8/7
AGES 7 & up
Class emphasizes ensemble skills, more advanced technique and repertoire. A great class to prepare your child for YPO and DRYO. For students with at least 9 months experience.
INSTRUCTOR: Rem Djemilev
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22820 Fri 4:20pm-5:20pm 6/21-8/9
AGES 7-12
An introduction to the violin in a supportive group. Learn how to hold the violin, read notes, and play simple melodies in a friendly, fun setting. Enrollment limited. Rental of instruments to be discussed first class.
INSTRUCTOR: Rem Djemilev
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22819 Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm 6/21-8/9
AGES 9 & up
Have fun learning to play a brass instrument in a group setting. We’ll work out of an ensemble book, have individual guidance and play fun games. Get ready to blow your parents and friends away with an informal demonstration on the last day! Please come to first class with a rented or your own trumpet, French horn, or trombone and mouthpiece. $10 supply fee due at first class.
INSTRUCTOR: Suzanne Chasalow
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
$71: 7 classes $10 supply fee payable at first class
Class 22826 Thu 10:00am-11:00am 6/20-8/8
No class 7/4 $10 supply fee due at first class.
AGES 8-14
For flute players with one or more years’ experience on the flute. Should know how to read music and play scales in one octave up to 2 flats and 2 sharps. Play classical, jazz and popular repertoire in a fun, supportive environment. Improve tone, posture, technique and musicality over the summer. Last class is an informal concert
INSTRUCTOR: Monica Williams
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
$62: 8 classes $10 supply fee due at first class
Class 22738 Wed 11:00am-11:50am 6/19-8/7
AGES 9-13
Young Performers String Orchestra for Summer
Sharpen your playing skills with intensive training in this orchestra. Foster friendships, teamwork and musical excellence. Participate in chamber music. No audition necessary. YPO students should remain in YPO throughout the summer. Concert is 8/6 at 7:30pm.
INSTRUCTOR: Rem Djemilev
LOCATION Auditorium, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22731 Tue 5:00pm-6:15pm 6/18-8/6
AGES 12-18
Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra Summer
See a big improvement in your personal technique and ensemble skills while playing in a noncompetitive, fun, full symphony orchestra. Explore a wide range of repertoire. No auditions necessary. DRYO students should remain in DRYO throughout the summer. Concert is 8/6 at 7:30pm.
INSTRUCTOR: Rem Djemilev
LOCATION Auditorium, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22730 Tue 6:30pm-8:30pm 6/18-8/6
AGES 9-14
Classical Guitar for Tweens (Beg)
Learn some of the basics and discover how fun and easy the guitar can be! Proper technique, tone production, tuning, note reading and single line melodic playing. Move on to ensemble playing and basic solo repertoire. No experience in music or guitar necessary. Note: Nylon string classical guitar in appropriate size is required.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Mendle
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
$93: 8 classes $18 supply fee due at first class.
Class 22737 Tue 6:00pm-7:00pm 6/18-8/6
AGES 13 & up
The ukulele is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, which originated in Hawaii but has gained popularity in the U.S. You will learn several chords and melodies from familiar repertoire and will be able to play a song after two classes! Bring your own ukulele.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Mendle
LOCATION Youth Art 2, Shadelands Art Center
$81: 8 classes
$10 supply fee payable to instructor
Class 22823 Sat 11:00am-12:00pm 6/22-8/10
AGES 10 & up
Violin, Viola, and Cello students with 2 years of experience will draw on a range of fiddle styles, from Scottish, Irish, and Quebecois to American Old-time and Scandinavian. Folk music is transmitted orally, and there will a special emphasis on learning music by ear. Students are encouraged to bring a recording device.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephan Betz
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22821 Fri 6:00pm-7:00pm 6/21-8/9
AGES 10-16
Do you want to learn to sing your favorite pop songs with proper vocal technique? In this class you will learn to sing your favorite pop songs. You will also learn to accompany yourself with basic chords at the piano. All levels welcome!
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Brehm Enders
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22708 Mon 5:00pm-6:00pm 6/17-8/5
Ages 12 & up
Achievement Program Theory Class
Designed for students preparing to take the music theory int/adv rudiments test or any student who would like a better understanding of music theory. This is not a beginning theory class. Students must know how to read treble and bass clef, all major and minor scales. Emphasis also on ear training as part of the preparations for practical tests. Four years on a musical instrument recommended.
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Evans
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22817 Thu 5:00pm-6:00pm 6/20-8/8
No class 7/4
AGES 14 & up
Learn new songs each quarter! If you love to sing and appreciate the health benefits of singing--deeper breathing, multi-sensory and memory stimulation, and social interaction--join our ‘no pressure, just for fun’ hour of song. We will review healthy singing practices then sing oldies but goodies as well as more recent favorites. You do not need to know how to read music, just have a love for it!
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Brehm Enders
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22709 Mon 6:00pm-7:00pm 6/17-8/5
ADULT
Piano in a Flash for Adults
Love music and want to play the piano? Are you busy and do not have time to take years of lessons? Did you know that by learning three chords you can play hundreds of songs? Get started playing piano quickly! In this beginning class learn the basics of music and the piano and put it all together to create some beautiful music!
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Evans
LOCATION Music Classroom, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22825 Wed 6:0pm-7:00pm 6/19-8/7
AGES 14 & up
NEW | Guitar in a Flash for Adults
Learn to play a perennial instrument, including effective playing postures, finger style and pick style techniques, reading tablature and standard music notation while playing beautiful melodies. Acoustic nylon or steel string guitars preferred but electric guitars are acceptable if accompanied with a small practice amplifier. Open to teens and adults. No experience necessary.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Mendle
LOCATION Youth Art 2, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22824 Sat 12:00pm-1:00pm 6/22-8/10
AGES 12 & up
Feel the thrill of being part of a full jazz ensemble. Play music of the jazz masters from the 30s to present day. At least four years of experience, knowledge of four major scales and sight reading skills are required. For auditions, please call (925) 676-8203. Last class is a concert.
INSTRUCTOR: Max Pricco
LOCATION Dance Studio, Shadelands Art Center
Class 22818 Thu 7:30pm-9:30pm 6/20-8/8
No class 7/4
