Lessons & Classes 2011-2012
Private Instruction, Ages 3½ - Adult
Music for Early Childhood, Newborn - Age 7
Group Instruction, Ensembles and Master Classes
If you don't see what you're looking for, send an email to the PCM Registrar or call (207) 775-3356.
Please note: Many classes will not be offered without a minimum number of students.
Private Instruction 
Most people consider the study of an instrument to be the cornerstone of musical training. The lessons are offered at all levels from beginner to advanced. Individual instruction is available in 30, 45, 60 minutes in length to fit the need of the student. While most students register for the full semester of 16 lessons, arrangements may be made for fewer lessons. Instruction is offered in piano, guitar, voice and a wide range of orchestral and wind ensemble instruments.
There is limited financial aid available for qualifying families based on total family income and the number of family members. There are also scholarships available for extended lesson time, based on audition.
The Karger Scholars program will provide a second private lesson, each week, for a selected group of students based on audition. This program will also provide special performance opportunities, ensemble training, and music theory.
♦ Fundamentals of Music
Fundamentals of Music, offered at no charge for all private lesson students 8 years and older, will provide students at all levels with a thorough understanding of the rudiments of music and an introduction to the various styles of music. Students will focus on reading notes and rhythms, and learn to construct and understand scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures.
| Fundamentals of Music Free to PCM students enrolled in private instruction |
10 Weeks | $180.00 |
♦ Lessons
| 30 Minute Lesson 45 Minute Lesson 60 minute Lesson |
Fall Semester 16 Lessons Fall Semester 16 Lessons Fall Semester 16 Lessons |
$512.00 $768.00 $960.00 |
| 30 Minute Lesson 45 Minute Lesson 60 minute Lesson |
Spring Semester 16 Lessons Spring Semester 16 Lessons Spring Semester 16 Lessons |
$512.00 $768.00 $960.00 |
| 30 Minute Lesson 45 Minute Lesson 60 minute Lesson |
Summer Semester 10 Lessons Summer Semester 10 Lessons Summer Semester 10 Lessons |
$320.00 $480.00 $600.00 |
Music for Early Childhood
♦ Suzuki Instruction - Violin, Viola, Cello, and Guitar
Group instruction, private lessons, and parental involvement are essential components of this internationally acclaimed approach, which guides students through learning the same way children approach language. Students experience success in small steps to cultivate the ear and develop the ability to play with a beautiful tone. Group lessons are to be taken in conjunction with weekly private lessons.
Suzuki Guitar (4+ years)
Nathan Kolosko
Weekly individual lesson times are set with your teacher. Group lesson time: Last Friday of each month with exception for December class held on Friday, December 9.
12 sessions, September - June; 3:30-4:15, 4:15-5:00, and 5:00-6:30. Students' group lesson time will be determined by teacher.
Suzuki Violin and Viola (3+ years)
Margaret Hopkins, Heather Kahill and Deirdre Oehrtmann
Weekly individual lesson times are set with your teacher.
Suzuki Group Violin Classes
Heather Kahill
Classes begin September 15th. No classes on November 24th,Thanksgiving, or April 5th, Maundy Thursday. Pre-Twinkle-Early Book 1: Thursdays 4:00-5:00; Book 2 and above: Thursdays 4:30-5:30.
| Group I (Book 1) Group II (Book 2 and up) |
12 weeks 12 weeks |
$180.00 $180.00 |
Suzuki Cello (4+ years)
Robin Jellis
Individual lesson times by arrangement.
Group Instruction, Ensembles and Master Classes
Youth Piano Master Classes with Afternoon Recital
Instructor: Tamara Poddubnaya, noted pianist and teacher
| October 29,2011 | Fee per class: | $80.00 |
Instructor: Naydene Bowder, teacher of award-winning students
| December 10,2011 | Fee per class: | $80.00 |
Instructor: Patricia Stowell, guest faculty. Director of Kneilsel Hall’s Maine Young Musicians program, Next Generation program at Bay Chamber Concerts in Rockport
| February 4, 2012 | Fee per class: | $80.00 |
Instructor: Tamara Poddubnaya, noted pianist and teacher
| March 17, 2012 | Fee per class: | $80.00 |
| Master Class Schedules | |
| 10:00am-1:00pm Includes 15 minute break midway) |
Master Class |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:30pm | Recital |
| Please bring a box lunch. Drinks will be provided. |
|
♦ Learning and Playing Fiddle Tunes
For fiddlers, violinists, and other melody instruments—learn a new tune each week, and review previous tunes by playing with others in class. Tunes are taught by ear, phrase by phrase, emphasizing structure, rhythm and musicality to make the tunes easy to learn and retain. Students will have online access to recordings and sheet music for all tunes learned. Part of the class includes a session, where people play the tunes they've learned together in a spontaneous way, developing group etiquette and camaraderie. For advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced players.
Learning and Playing Fiddle Tunes Kids (8-14 years)
| Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm Classes begin October 12th |
12 weeks | $144.00 |
Learning and Playing Fiddle Tunes (adults and high school students)
| Wednesdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm Classes begin October 12th |
12 weeks | $144.00 |
♦ Adult Beginning Violin/Fiddle
Learn violin/fiddle from scratch at any age. Gain solid basics of sound, bowing, timing, and musical phrasing. Start by ear and learn (in a special painless method!) how to read as well. It's more fun to do with others, so join the class! Most violin methods start with folk tunes anyway; we'll be using fiddle music as our repertoire, but you can proceed to any kind of music after getting started. Contact instructor through the Conservatory office if you have any questions about the class or about obtaining an instrument.
| Wednesdays, 5:15pm-6:15pm Classes begin October 12th |
12 weeks | $144.00 |
Edward Pearlman has specialized in nonclassical violin music, i.e. fiddle music, for 30 years, particularly Scottish fiddling (which Yehudi Menuhin described as a "distinct and inimitable style"), but has also enjoyed playing other styles such as Cape Breton, Irish, French Canadian, contra dance, klezmer, jazz, bluegrass, Hungarian, classical and musical theater.
His original classical training was with members of the Chicago Symphony and the Boston Symphony, and he performed with the Yale Symphony and many chamber ensembles. He has a family band, Highland Soles, which performs Scottish and Cape Breton music and dance, and has performed, taught and judged fiddling throughout the US and in Canada and Scotland. He is the music columnist for Scottish Life magazine.
♦ Popular Music Ensembles
Rock, Jazz, and Blues Ensemble free to PCM students enrolled in private lessons!
Jazz Ensemble
Instructor: John Johnstone
(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.
| Mondays, 5:00pm-6:15pm Classes begin September 12th |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
Rock Ensemble
Instructor: John Johnstone
(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.
| Mondays, 6:15pm-7:30pm Classes begin September 12th |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
Blues Ensemble
Instructor John Johnstone
Play music of Blues All-stars Robert Johnson, B. B. King, and Eric Clapton and work towards an end-of-term concert. All instruments and voices welcome.
| Mondays, 7:30pm-8:45pm Classes begin September 12th |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
♦ Vocal Ensembles
Vocal Ensembles free to PCM students
enrolled in private lessons.
How can I improve my singing skills?
Whether you're thinking about auditioning for the community choir, musical or simply wishing to improve your singing skills, this class offers practical vocal solutions and brings confidence back to you!
Instructor: Julia Popov
- Improve Breath Control
- Sing in Tune
- Learn to Harmonize your Part
- Sight-Read Music
- Study Score Marking
- Establish Basics of Rhythm, Beat, Tempo, and Dynamics
- Read and Pronounce the Sound of Foreign Language
- Develop your Confidence
Beginner Vocal Ensemble
| Wednesdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm Classes begin September 28th |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
| Minimum of 4 students for enrollment | ||
Intermediate Vocal Ensemble
| Mondays, 6:00pm-7:00pm Classes begin September 26th |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
| Minimum of 4 students for enrollment | ||
Singing for Seniors
Only requirement—you must be 60+, want to sing and have fun. Practice the basics of breathing and how to strengthen your voice for both speaking and singing. Learn new songs and ways to practice old favorites. Keep your brain active while learning new techniques. (apply 5% Senior discount)
| Thursdays, 1:30pm-2:30pm Classes begin September 22nd |
12 weeks | $180.00 |
| Minimum of 4 students for enrollment | ||
♦ Chamber Ensembles
Chamber Music Ensembles are free to
PCM students enrolled in private lessons.
The small ensemble is a unique and valuable way to experience the joys of making music with others. The Conservatory welcomes all who would like to take part in this small group setting. After a placement audition groups will be formed according to ability and assigned repertoire for the skill levels of the members. We envision duos, trios,-- with woodwinds, strings, piano – many possibilities. Perhaps you already have a group that would like to be coached. Ensemble coaching will be done for 12 weeks during the semester by members of the PCM faculty. Coaching sessions are arranged at mutually agreeable times for members and coaches.
Chamber Music Ensemble
| Time by Arrangement | 12 weeks | $180.00 |
Please contact the Conservatory at 775-3356 for audition information.
♦ Advanced String Quartets
Advanced String Quartets free to PCM
students enrolled in private lessons.
Some ot the region’s most highly regarded professionals, Julia Adams, Paul Ross, Ron Lantz, and Stephen Kecskemethy, coach young players in advanced repertoire, culminating in a recital.
| Mondays or Thursdays, 7:15pm-8:15pm (by audition) |
12 weeks | $180.00 |