Group and 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 to see a list of 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 offers a variety of music camps every summer,
with individual camps for Jazz,
Rock composition, violin, bassoon and reed
making, and instrument making. View the complete camp
schedule.
2009-2010 Course Offerings
Costs are displayed on Registration page
New This Spring!
History of Rock
La Mia Piccola Orchestra
Children's Music
Group and Private Lessons
Suzuki Violin, Cello, and Guitar
Honors Track
Music Theory
History of Rock
The Jazz School
Orchestra and String Programs
Popular Music Ensembles
Choral Skills
Early Music Ensemble
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.
Families with more than one child will be given a discount of 20% for the 2nd child.
For MusikGarten class descriptions, see the MusikGarten Brochure
MusikGarten Schedule at PCM
8-Week sessions beginning Septeber 8, 2009
Tuesdays
10:00 - 10:45 Family Music for Babies and Toddlers
11:00 - 12:00 Cycles of the Seasons for Preschoolers, ages 3-4
Fridays
10:00 - 10:45 Family Music for Babies and Toddlers, infants through age 3
11:00 - 12:00 Cycles of the Seasons for Preschoolers, ages 3-4
Flutophone
This is a simple instrument. Please call the office for more information.
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 most instruments, and our faculty is made up of the most gifted teachers in Maine. Click here to see a list of our faculty.
Roughly 10,000 private lessons are taken at the Conservatory each year. PCM provides private music lessons in most instruments and voice in 30, 45, or 55-minute increments. Most lessons are taught weekly, but special lesson schedules can be adopted. See the registration form for lesson fees and policies.
Private Lessons with Tamara Poddubnaya
Noted piano teacher Tamara Poddubnaya teaches lessons by appointment during the school year. Lesson Fee for Members or Non-Members: $60.00. Call the Conservatory office at 775-3356 for more information on studying with Tamara Poddubnaya.
Suzuki 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.
Suzuki Guitar (4+ years)
Nathan Kolosko and David Bruenjes
Weekly individual lesson times are set with your teacher.
Group lesson time: Thursdays 5:15 to 6:00.
Suzuki Violin and Viola
Margaret Hopkins and Heather Kahill
Weekly individual lesson times are set with your teacher.
Group lesson times:
Pre-Twinkle-Early Book 1: Thursdays 4:00-4:45
Late Book 1 and above: Thursdays 4:45-5:30
Suzuki Cello (4+ years)
Robin Jellis
Individual lesson times by arrangement.
Honors Track
The Honors Track is a special category of study for students who wish to achieve a higher level of musical artistry and training than is found in regular lessons. Students will be recommended by their teachers to be considered for the Honors Track.
Honors Track musicianship courses may be considered for AP credits. Honors Track students at will receive special certificates at the end of the year for the successful completion of their work, which includes:
Year 1)
* Completion of two semesters of weekly lessons
* Receive a passing grade in Musicianship I class
* Performance on at least 1 recital during the year
* End-of-year Jury<
Year 2)
* Completion of two semesters of weekly lessons
* Receive a passing grade in Musicianship I class
* Performance on at least 1 recital during the year
* One semester of ensemble
* End-of-year Jury
Musicanship courses are held Saturdays at PCM and are taught by Joshua Descherer and Bob Gans, $10 per class, 10 classes per semester.
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. Course materials are structured to conform with the certification program of the Royal American Conservatory Examinations.
History of Rock
The Jazz School
Private Lessons in Jazz
Whether your goal is improvising, comping, or learning how to swing, our Jazz School faculty will help you get there. Call 775-3356 to get started with a teacher.
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.
Orchestra and String Programs
La Mia Piccola Orchestra
This young person's string orchestra will be
divided into two levels. Level One, which meets Saturdays 10:00 - 10:30am is all 1st
position with single bowings. Level Two, which meets Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00am, will
also be in 1st position with more complex rhythms and bowings.
10 weeks
Intermediate & Advanced Chamber Music
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 Thursday evenings.
Popular Music Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble
John Johnstone Mondays 5:00-6:15
(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.
Blues Ensemble
John Johnstone Mondays 6:15-7:45
(Instruments only/limited spots available) Learn how to play the blues, traditional improvisation techniques, and popular tunes. End of semester performance.
Rock Ensemble
John Johnstone Mondays 7:45-9:00
(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.
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 piece. Special emphasis on rhythm and vocal technique.Please call for times. $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.