Music Classes & Lessons at The Fine Arts Association

Music Classes & Performance Groups | Private Instruction | Suzuki Instruction

Music Therapy | Faculty List | Session Begin/End Dates

The Fine Arts Association offers private music instruction for pre-schoolers through seniors with all ability levels.  Click here to view our extensive list of instruments and outstanding instructors.

Private music lessons at Fine Arts can begin AT ANY TIME throughout the year.  Call our Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500 x100 to check available lesson times and tuition rates. 

piano lesson photoWhy should I/my child take private music lessons?

Hands-on music instruction benefits people of all ages throughout their lives. In addition to learning to read and play music, it also promotes self-expression and creativity. For children, music instruction also provides:

  • Development of motor skills
  • Enhancement of academic performance especially in math and literacy skills
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Enhanced brain development

The Fine Arts Association offers private music instruction for all ages from pre-school through seniors. All music lessons are taught by degreed professionals in well-equipped private studios. Most piano lessons are taught and all student piano recitals are performed on Steinway pianos. All music students have the opportunity to perform in recitals on our concert stage, and are also eligible to participate in our music ensembles which perform several times a year. Investment in private music instruction will benefit the child or adult for his/her entire life. Both achievement and need-based scholarships are available to music students throughout the year.

For Adapted Piano Lessons for children through adults with special learning needs, see Music Therapy.

Check out our Meet the Instruments Night on October 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

For more information on this free event, see the Special Programs and Workshops section.

Continuing Music Students

All students who took music lessons during the 2008 Spring Session will have until Friday, August 1, 2008, to register for the same day and time they held during the 2008 Spring Session. In order to reserve your previous time slot, the registration fee of $13 plus a $100 deposit will be due when registering. The balance of your tuition will be due by Friday, August 1, 2008 unless the payment plan option is chosen when registering. After that time, all unregistered student times will be open to new students or current students wishing to change their day or time.

Earn College Credit for Music Instruction
Junior & Senior High School Students

Did you know that you can receive college credit for private music instruction here at The Fine Arts Association (FAA)? Lakeland Community College (LCC) offers a Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO) to qualified high school juniors and seniors who enroll in music lessons at Fine Arts as an LCC student. For details on how to receive college credit through the PSEO program, go to www.lakelandcc.edu or call 440-525-7100. Qualified high school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit by taking music classes at LCC such as Music Theory, Music Appreciation or by performing in the LCC community ensembles of concert band, orchestra, chorus and jazz orchestra.

Current Lakeland Community College & Lake Erie College Students

Lakeland Community College and Lake Erie College students can also earn college credit by taking private music lessons at The Fine Arts Association. For more information, contact the individual colleges at:

For further questions on receiving college credit, contact Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, FAA Director of Education, at 440-951-7500 x118.

Fees & Enrollment for Music Instruction

Music students are asked to commit to taking 18 half-hour lessons during the 2008 Fall Session. However, new students may register for private music lessons any time throughout the year. Hour-long lessons are also available. You can inquire about an instructor's schedule and fees by calling our Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500.

Music students may pay their tuition in full (and receive a 5% early registration discount if they register by Friday, August 1, 2008), or they may take advantage of a payment plan. If taking the payment plan, students pay the registration fee, six weeks of class tuition and a $10 service fee at the time of registration. The remainder of the unpaid tuition is then broken down into 3 equal monthly installments. If using a payment plan, no discounts apply except for the Willoughby resident discount. Refer to the Policies section on pg. XX for complete payment plan information or call the Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500. Payment plan registrations must be made in person at the Customer Service Center.

Suzuki Instruction

In Suzuki instruction, the parent and teacher work together to nurture the child's growth as a musician. Students may start as young as 3 years old. Children and their parents attend weekly private lessons and group classes. Student recitals, play-ins and other fun events are also offered throughout the year. For more information, please ask for our new Suzuki brochure

Piano Violin Viola
Bella Brandelis Bella Brandelis Dr. Carol Linsenmeier
Feroza LaBonne Lauren Godfrey Ann Cervencic
Marge Syroney Dr. Carol Linsenmeier
  Ann Cervencic


Instructor List (faculty bios)

Banjo

Brass

Dulcimer

Brett Ridgeway

Vincent Guentner, Trombone/Baritone Horn/Euphonium
Kenneth Hughes, Tuba/Euphonium
John Kuegeler, Trumpet
Chris Rapier, French Horn

Brett Ridgeway

Fiddle

Guitar

Harp

Serenity Ridgeway

Lee Bush
Dennis Carleton
James Flood
Alfredo Guerrieri

Thom Pope
Brett Ridgeway
Bonnie St. John

Melody Rapier

Percussion

Piano

Strings

Dave Black
Gregg Garlock

Bella Brandelis
Sanni Kearns
Barbara Klonowski
Feroza LaBonne
Maryann Messina
Dr. Timothy Minnis
Ellen Shetler
Bonnie St. John
Marge Syroney
Peter L. Tavens

Bella Brandelis, Violin
Liz Crowe, Cello
Lauren Godfrey, Violin
Alfredo Guerrieri, String Bass
Dr. Carol Linsenmeier, Violin/Viola
Ann Cervencic, Violin/Viola

Voice

Woodwinds 

Timothy Clark
Gloria Gasser
Sharon Morris, Children's Choir
Louise Savage
Ellen Shetler
Phyllis Speirs

Charles Baker, Clarinet/Saxophone
Judith Elias, Flute
Kevin Giordano, Saxophone/Clarinet
Meghan Proegeler, Bassoon
Lisa Wilson, Oboe

Beginning & End Dates for 2008 Fall Classes and Lessons

 

Visual Art & Theatre

16 week classes

Music & Dance

18 week classes

Monday

Aug 25 – Dec 15

Aug 25 – Jan 12

Tuesday

Aug 26 – Dec 9

Aug 26 – Jan 6

Wednesday

Aug 27 – Dec 10

Aug 27 – Jan 7

Thursday

Aug 28 – Dec 18

Aug 28 – Jan 15

Friday

Aug 29 – Dec 19

Aug 29 – Jan 16

Saturday

Aug 30 – Dec 20

Aug 30 – Jan 17

**Homeschool classes begin Sept 8 and end Nov 24 (Sharing Day – Dec 1, 7:00 pm)

^ For classes less than 16 or 18 weeks – see individual class descriptions for end dates.

 

Music Classes and Performance Groups at a Glance

Wednesday

 

Sing & Play (ages 3-5)

1:00-1:45 pm

Thursday

 

Suzuki Group - Book I & 2 (violin)

5:30-6:30 pm

Friday

 

Sing & Play (ages 3-5)

4:00-4:45 pm

Saturday

 

Fine Arts Children's Choir (ages 9-14)Cancelled

11:15 am-12:15 pm

Fine Arts Cadet Orchestra (ages 8-18)Cancelled

2:00-3:00 pm

Fine Arts String Orchestra (ages 8-18)

3:00-4:30 pm

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Music Classes & Performance Groups
Registration form button

Please also enter the person's first name(s) for each class below before adding the class to the cart.

Sing & Play (ages 3-5) Choose one session.
Sing and Play the Orff way. Students create musical experiences by using poetry, nursery rhymes, ribbon dances, movement, small wooden xylophones, wooden sticks and, of course, songs. Carl Orff developed this method of teaching music to make it the most meaningful and fun for the students. This method takes a regular song and makes it POP!
Wednesday classes end on November 12.
Friday classes end on November 14.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price
MF800 Wednesday 1:00-1:45 pm 12 wks Mattson Room 212 $77
MF801 Friday 4:00-4:45 pm 12 wks Mattson Room 212 $77

     



Suzuki Group Book 1 & 2 (violin)
Students must be enrolled in private Suzuki violin lessons at FAA during the 2008 Fall Session.
Are you a current Suzuki violin student? Join other Suzuki musicians in this fun group class. Are you interested in learning more about Suzuki? This class provides a great opportunity for potential students to observe. Call Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Director of Education, at 440-951-7500 x118 to schedule your visit.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price, FAA Suzuki Students
MF802 Thursday 5:30-6:30 pm 18 wks Godfrey Board Room $90

     



Fine Arts Brass Choir (Teens & Adults) Audition required. Sorry, this class has been cancelled for fall.  Please check back for spring session.
Join other brass players for a nine-week brass choir experience. Play from a variety of repertoire. This nine-week program culminates with a concert for the community on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in the Corning Auditorium. Space is limited.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, September 16 beginning at 6:30 pm. Bring a prepared audition piece. Sight reading will also be included. Call Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Director of Education at 440-951-7500 x118 to schedule an audition.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price for Price
MF803 Tuesdays beginning October 7 7:45-8:45 pm 9 wks Hollings Room 212 FAA Students $45
MF803 Tuesdays beginning October 7 7:45-8:45 pm 9 wks Hollings Room 212 Others $55

     



Fine Arts Children's Choir (ages 9-14) Sorry, this class has been cancelled for fall.  Please check back for spring session.
Do you love to sing? If so, this ensemble is for you! Gather your friends, learn new music (including classical, pop, jazz and contemporary), gain new skills and have a great time doing what you love. This group is especially great for home-schooled students and anyone looking for a fun and challenging ensemble experience. Each session (fall and spring) ends with a recital so you can share the music with family and friends.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price for Price
MF804 Saturday 11:15 am-12:15 pm 18 wks Morris Board Room $FAAStudents $90
MF804 Saturday 11:15 am-12:15 pm 18 wks Morris Board Room $Others $115

     



Fine Arts Cadet Orchestra (ages 8-18)Sorry, this class has been cancelled for fall.  Please check back for spring session.
Want to play? Come join others who share your passion for strings. This ensemble provides a great introductory experience for string players. Learn the "greats" of the orchestral repertoire in a fun and informal setting. Orchestra members must have had one year of instruction, be able to read basic music notation, and play all notes in first position. Orchestra members participate in several recitals throughout the year.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price for Price
MF805 Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm 18 wks Linsenmeier Room 212 $FAAStudents $90
MF805 Saturday 2:00-3:00 pm 18 wks Linsenmeier Room 212 $Others $115

     



Fine Arts String Orchestra (ages 8-18)
Looking for a challenge? If you are a string student looking for an advanced ensemble that plays great music, you've found it! Play music from the Baroque through Modern periods. New students are required to play in a placement rehearsal to determine which orchestra best suits their level of playing. Orchestra members participate in several recitals throughout the year.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price for Price
MF806 Saturday 3:00-4:30 pm 18 wks Linsenmeier Room 212 $FAAStudents $135
MF806 Saturday 3:00-4:30 pm 18 wks Linsenmeier Room 212 $Others $165

     



Please complete the Registration Form once before cart check out.
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Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the structured use of music experiences by a trained professional to help individuals with disabilities meet specific goals such as attention to task, fine/gross motor development, appropriate social interactions with others, improved speech and language skills, self confidence, emotional expression and many more.

Music Therapy Faculty -

  • Bonnie St. John, MT-BC
  • Ellen Shetler, MT-BC

 Individual Sessions are available to adults and children with varying disabilities. Sessions are designed according to each individual's special needs. The music therapist works with each individual to address specific goals and objectives that are determined by the therapist in close collaboration with parents and caregivers. Individual sessions include regular progress evaluations. An assessment is required prior to registration. To schedule an assessment, call the Fine Arts Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500.

Small Group Sessions are available for 2 to 3 individuals in a small group setting and focus primarily on social goals like cooperation with others, appropriate communication with others, sharing, taking turns and more, all in the context of group music making. The music therapist works with each individual to address their specific social needs within the group setting. An assessment is required prior to placement in a group. To schedule an assessment, call the Fine Arts Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500.

Off-site Education - Music Therapy sessions are available to schools, preschools, nursing homes, health care institutions and other community-based agencies in Lake County. The Fine Arts Association provides music therapy services tailored to the specific needs of the agency. Group or individual sessions are available and include regular progress evaluations. For more information or to schedule a trial music therapy session for your facility, please call the Fine Arts Music Therapy Office at (440) 951-7500 x124.

Adapted Piano Lessons

Individualized piano instruction is available for children through adults with special learning needs. Unique strategies are incorporated for a successful music experience at the piano. For more information, call the Fine Arts Customer Service Center at (440) 951-7500.

Registration form button

Please also enter the person's first name(s) for each class below before adding the class to the cart.

The Leader of the Band (ages 13-25) Sorry, this class has been cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
Teens and adults of all functioning levels are invited to join the band! Band members learn how to play drumset, guitar, keyboard and use the microphone at their own ability level. Teamwork and positive communication are encouraged throughout each week's 'rehearsal.' Band members perform for family and friends on the final day of class. Maximum - 6 participants.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price
MTF801 Thursday 4:15-5:00 pm 18 wks Shetler Board Room $203

     



Songwriting 101 (ages 13-25) Sorry, this class has been cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
Teens and adults will learn how to use Garage Band in our SBC computer lab to create, recreate and remix their own songs! Students will receive a CD of their work to share with friends and family on the last day of class. Maximum - 5 participants.

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price
MTF802 Thursday 5:15-6:00 pm 18 wks Shetler SBC Lab $203

     



Making a Music Video (ages 13-25) Sorry, this class has been cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
Ever want to make a music video? This exciting class brings teens and adults of all functioning levels together to play music, recreate and choreograph their own music video using Mac technology. Group members receive a DVD of their music videos to share with their friends and family on the last day of class. Maximum - 4 participants. (No class on Thursday, October 9, 2008)

Students Student Name(s) Class Day of Wk Time Length Teacher Room Price
MTF803 Thursday 6 :15-7:00 pm 17 wks St. John Music Therapy Studio $192

     



For more information on our Music Therapy program, click here.
 

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