Conservatory Programming
Private Lessons
Great teachers are the reason why PCM is Southern Maine's largest private music school. Individually-designed music lessons are available for beginners or experienced musicians of all ages. Although PCM is a semester-based school, you can register for private lessons at any time. We make an effort to accomodate your schedule.
PCM offers instruction on any instrument, and our faculty is made up of 30 of the most gifted teachers in Maine. Click here for more information on our faculty.
Classes & Ensembles
In addition to private lessons, PCM also offers engaging music classes and ensembles for adults and children. More information is available on our registration page.
Summer Camps
The Portland Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce that it will again be offering a variety of wonderful music camps during the summer 2008. Jazz, Rock composition, guitar, chamber music, and strings camps will be offered this year for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. Students need not be enrolled in PCM programs to apply. Please call 775-3356 for more information.
2007-2008 Programs
MusikGarten
Suzuki Instruction
Fiddling and Folk Music
Pedagogy and Skills
Ensembles
Rock/Jazz Studies
MusikGarten Click the link below to find out more MusikGarten classes at PCM.
for young children
Danielle Gorman
MUSIKGARTEN is a solid early childhood music education program covering children birth to
age nine - a complete bridge from early childhood to piano lessons. The curricula are uniquely effective because they have been designed with sequences that repeat and build patterns to continually reinforce and stimulate students.
MusikGarten Brochure
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Suzuki Instruction
Group instruction, private lessons, and parental involvement are essential components of this internationally acclaimed approach, which guides students through learning in the way children approach language. Students experience success in small steps to cultivate the ear and an ability to play with a beautiful tone.
Suzuki Guitar (4+ years)
Nathan Kolosko and Darrel Blackwell
Individual lessons by arrangement.
Group lesson time: Thursdays 5:15 to 6:00.
Suzuki Violin and Viola
Margaret Hopkins and Heather Kahill
Individual lessons by arrangement.
Group lesson times:
Pre-Twinkle: Thursdays 4:00-4:45
Early Book 1: Thursdays 4:45-5:30
Late Book 1-Book 2: Thursdays 4:00-4:45
Book 3 and above: Thursdays 4:45-5:30
Suzuki Cello/Viola (4+ years)
Robin Jellis
Individual lessons by arrangement.
Group lesson times: TBD.
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Fiddling and Folk Music with Ed Pearlman
Beginning Fiddle
For anyone who has never touched a fiddle/violin before. Learn it all from scratch and come away with several tunes you can play with others, basics of good sound, learning by ear, and reading fiddle music. A new world of music and friends awaits!
Tuesdays 6:45 to 8:00 PM. 8 classes for $100.
Newcomers can speak with the teacher about joining this class after getting up to speed with some private lessons.
Fiddle for Advanced Beginners
For anyone with some experience on the fiddle, including those continuing from the Beginning Fiddle class. (Newcomers are welcome to contact the teacher about getting up to speed with private lessons before joining this class.)
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm
$80.00 for 8 classes non-members: $95.00
Tunes for Kids (ages 7-11), beginner/intermediate
Players on all instruments are invited to learn tunes from various fiddle traditions, especially Celtic, American, and Canadian. This is a sociable class where kids will learn by ear, with no pressure and an emphasis on enjoying the process, learning about the tunes, and coming away with several tunes to play with the others.
$80 for 10 classes
Wednesdays 4:30-5:15 pm
Tunes for Teens (& preteens: ages 11-17), intermediate/advanced;
Players on all instruments are welcome; learn tunes from various fiddle traditions, especially Celtic, American, and Canadian. This class will learn at least a tune or two a week and will arrange sets for an optional performance at an event or two.
$100.00 for 10 classes
Wednesdays 5:30-6:40
Tune Learning (all ages & instruments), intermediate/advanced
Learn a tune (or two) each week and build a common repertoire with fellow musicians, based on Celtic, American, and Canadian music and occasionally other styles. All instruments welcome. Learning is by ear but recordings and sheet music are provided.
$125.00 for 10 classes $125
Tuesdays, 5:15-6:30 pm.
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Pedagogy and Skills
Piano for Little People
Dale Churchill (4 1/2 to 6 years)
Innovative small group instruction for children ages 4 1/2 to 6. All classes conducted in a warm, fun atmosphere. Instruction includes composition, reading, piano technique and theory. Piano or keyboard in home strongly recommended. Placement coordinated after interview with student and parents. 3 class options: Tuesday 1:00-2:00 or 4:00-5:00, Wednesday 1:00-2:00. $300.00 for 15 weeks.
Songwriting and Improvisation
Robert Gans (12+ years)
This course will stimulate musical creativity through formal (songwriting) and informal (improvisation) means in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Improvisation will be used to engage the student's creative energy in a way that makes the student feel safe to explore new musical ideas without fear of playing the "wrong" note. Listening skills, sensitivity, and responsiveness to other performers will also be emphasized. Mondays 4:00 to 5:00. $200 for 10 weeks. Starts Oct 9.
Music Theory
As part of an effort to deepen and enrich the musical experiences and skills of its students, the Conservatory offers music theory classes to students 8 years and older for a fee of only 5 dollars/session. Course materials are tailored to each age group and are structured to conform with the certification program of the Royal American Conservatory Examinations.
Class Schedule: 8-10 year olds Wednesdays 4:00-4:45, 11-13 year olds Wednesdays 4:45-5:30, 14 and above/adults Wednesdays 5:30-6:15.
10 classes per term, $30.00 for enrolled students/$150.00 for non-enrolled students, starts October 4.
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Ensembles
Choral Skills
Michael Albert (10+ years)
For the amateur singer who would like to participate in a chorus or improve basic skills. Learn to read music, hold your own part in a round or part song. Relax and enjoy singing using movement to complement your voice! Get pointers on how to find your way through a choral. Special emphasis on rhythm and vocal technique. Fridays 3:30-4:30. $175 for 10 weeks.
Early Music Ensemble
Michael Albert
The Conservatory's Baroque Studies department will lead you back in time to study and perform Baroque Sonatas and Trio Sonatas. Open to both wind and string players. Study performance practice, Baroque sound production, and history of the Baroque style. $160.00 for 10 sessions. Call for time and dates.
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Strings
Beginner/Intermediate Open String Ensembles
Susanna Adams
Two classes based on age. Just getting back to your instrument or learning to play a new one? Join this ensemble and play accessible music with others at your skill level. Enjoy the camaraderie and the tunes. 10 weeks for $160.00; Children's class: Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:15 am. Adult class: Tuesdays 10:15 to 11:00.
Advanced Youth String Quartets
Portland String Quartet (all ages by audition)
Some of the region's most highly regarded professionals coach young players in advanced repertoire, culminating in a recital. Mondays or Thursdays 6:30 to 7:30. $192.00; Starts October 2nd
Cello Ensemble
Robin Jellis (all ages)
Embarrassed about learning "Twinkle, Twinkle" at age__? Whether you're a Suzuki kid, an experienced traditional student, or an adult learning for the first time - this is an opportunity to play with an ALL CELLO ensemble (support group!) led by an experienced Suzuki-trained/traditional teacher. Open to all ages! (Kids under 8 bring your parents). Parts vary based on ability /comfort level. Saturdays at 2:00. 8 sessions.
Member Fee: $80.00/Non-Member Fee: $100.00
Intermediate/Advanced Open String Ensemble
Vinny Fuerst (12+ years)
Join other musicians in playing traditional favorites and specially composed arrangements under an experienced and congenial teacher. Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30. 20 weeks for $160. Starts October 5th.
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Rock/Jazz Studies
Jazz Combo
John Johnstone (12+ years)
(Instruments only/limited spots available) Learn jazz standards, read charts, learn how to solo, and accompany with an experienced teacher and performer in a professional manner. End of semester performance. Thursdays 7:00 to 8:15 12 weeks for $180.00.
Rock Bands
John Johnstone (12+ years)
(Instruments and vocals/limited spots available) Learn classic and contemporary rock music, understand the structure of a rock piece and work towards an end-of-semester performance. Wednesdays 7:45 to 9:00. 12 weeks for $185.00. Starts Jan 23.
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