Class Descriptions

All babies are born with an aptitude for music, but research shows that their aptitude diminishes if it is not nurtured. The best way to nurture a child's musical aptitude is through active music making. By singing and dancing for and with our children in a variety of tonalities, meters, and styles we are helping our children reach their full potential.

This class offers adults the opportunity to play with their babies in a musical setting, experiencing parent/child and community bonding activities designed to delight the child and awaken his or her curiosity about music. By singing, dancing, bouncing, and rocking, the child's musical aptitude is being carefully nurtured, laying the foundation for beat awareness, vocal production, and aural discrimination.

Activities include singing, bouncing songs, rocking songs, dances, finger plays, body awareness games, instrumental exploration, and echoes.  Two full semesters are offered in addition to an 8-week summer class, each with a separate take-home kit full of new songs.

Class tuition includes 14 weeks of class, two make-up classes, and take-home materials, which include a CD, music download, parent book, and baby instruments in a cloth bag. 

Pay for the full semester in advance to receive half-price materials!  A two-payment plan is also available.

Maximum class size:  6 babies with accompanying adults
Additional siblings receive half-price tuition

Fall 2021 Class Times:
Salisbury: Thursdays 11:00 a.m. starting 9/23/21
Berlin: Estimated to start in October
(Please see home page for our COVID protocols.)
Ask about visiting one week for FREE (dependent upon class enrollment)

 

This class is designed to bring the joy of music and movement to toddlers and their caregivers. 

Activities include singing, movement, focused listening, pattern play, and simple instrument playing. These activities nurture the child's musical aptitude, develop concentration skills, and create positive social interaction. 


Class tuition includes 14 weeks of class, two make-up classes, and take-home materials, which include a CD, music download, parent book, and an instrument or scarf.  Four separate semesters are available on a rotating schedule: "Sing With Me," "Dance With Me," "Play With Me," and "Clap With Me." 

Pay for the full semester in advance to receive half-price materials!  A two-payment plan is also available.

Maximum class size: 6 toddlers with accompanying adults
Additional siblings receive half-price tuition (no charge for siblings under 5 months)

The option to sign up for a half semester is dependent upon enrollment.  See "Family Music: Dance With Me" for class description and times.

This class is designed to nurture the emergent independence of the 3- and 4-year-old.  While the class stands alone as a fun and educational experience, it is also designed to give students a solid background that will prepare them for success in future musical studies.

Activities include singing, chants and rhymes, listening games, patterns to echo, instrumental play, and movement games, all of which nurture the child's musical development while satisfying the child's need to learn in a holistic environment. Lessons are themed around nature and the seasons.  

Parents stay for the class, although some of the activities are designed to have the children participate independently of their parents.  Introductory piano activities are also included to help prepare the students' coordination and musical ear for future studies.

Class tuition includes 14 weeks of class, two make-up classes, and take-home materials, which include 2 CD's with music downloads, parent book, animal cards, cloth pouch, and folder with piano activities.  Two separate semesters are offered: Wind Dancers (Fall/Winter) & Sun Catchers (Winter/Spring).

Pay for the full semester in advance to receive half-price materials!  A two-payment plan is also available.

Maximum class size: 6 students with accompanying adults
Additional preschool siblings in Salisbury receive half-price tuition (no charge for siblings under 12 months).

Fall 2021 Class Times:
Salisbury: Thursdays 9:00 a.m. OR Thursdays 4:30 p.m. starting 9/23/21
Berlin: Estimated to start in October
(Please see home page for our COVID protocols.)
Ask about visiting one week for FREE (dependent upon class enrollment)
 

The option to sign up for a half semester is dependent upon enrollment.  See "Pre-Piano 1: Cycle of Seasons" for class description and times.

This class cultivates the child's musical development through songs, tonal and rhythm patterns, poetry and stories, movement activities, listening games, instrumental play, and hands-on games. Rudimentary music skills such as pitch matching, beat competency, ensemble development, and music notation are dealt with using themes taken from the child's home environment and natural surroundings.  While the class stands alone as a fun and educational experience, it is also carefully designed to build the foundation needed for success in future musical studies.  

Students attend the first 50 minutes each week independently, with adults and siblings joining for the last 10 minutes.  NEW FOR 2020:  We will end each class with some hands-on piano activities from Faber's "My First Piano Adventure"!

Class tuition includes 16 weeks of class, one make-up class, and take-home materials, which include two folders with CD's and music downloads, two piano books with CD's and music downloads, game pieces, notation games, instrument pages, and two parent books. Two sequenced semesters are offered: Home & Woodlands and Marsh & Meadow.

Pay for the full semester in advance to receive half-price materials!  A two-payment plan is also available.

Maximum class size: 6 students
Additional siblings ages 4-6 receive half-price tuition (older and younger siblings attend family closing time for free).


Fall 2021 Class Times:

This 60-minute class is for 5- and 6-year-olds wishing to begin their piano studies with a minimum of frustration for students and parents alike!  Pacing of skills moves more slowly than the other piano classes, giving children a chance to allow their hand-eye coordination to catch up to their musical ear.  Plenty of movement and theme-related stories are included for Kindergarteners and not inclined to sit on a piano bench for a whole lesson! 

Students complete four units, each featuring music from a particular culture (British Isles, American Indian, Germany, and African-American).  In the summer, they complete the 5-week course, Introduction to Piano.  Supplemental piano activities from Faber's My First Piano Adventure series are also utilized.

Yearly tuition of $800 includes 40 lessons, which are held weekly during the school year with the remaining few lessons completed in the summer on a flexible schedule. Make-up lessons are available upon request with 24 hours' advance notice of your absence. Tuition fee includes all materials and participation in the Spring Recital.  Student materials include 6 CD's with downloads, 3 piano books, 4 unit folders, 2 parent books, and multiple notation games and song pages, all distributed at appropriate times throughout the year.  

Payment options:
Yearly (check or cash only)--pay the whole year in advance by 9/1 and receive 5% of total tuition as a materials credit
Quarterly (check or cash only)--make four payments due the first class of each quarter and receive a $5 materials credit per quarter
Monthly--make ten payments due the first class of each month September-June

Maximum class size: 4 students
(limited availability due to COVID spacing protocols)

Additional siblings receive a 20% tuition discount (older and younger siblings attend family closing time for free).  

Update for 2021:  All group piano classes will be converted to the partner format for now to help with spacing and COVID protocols.   See Music Makers: At the Keyboard for information about the curriculum and tuition.

This class teaches children to play piano in two key ways: through reading music AND by ear.  Using songs and activities from a variety of cultures, meters, and tonalities, young pianists learn to become well-rounded musicians.  In addition to piano playing, activities such as drumming, singing, composing, ensemble playing, expressive movement, group games, and improvisation enrich the musical experience and increase each child's aptitude.  The group nature of the class allows the child to gain an awareness of the social nature of music-making, which helps them succeed as future band, ensemble, and/or chorus members.

Students attend the first 55 minutes independently, with parents and siblings joining during the last 5 minutes each week (where spacing protocols permit).  Yearly tuition of $1200 ($1400 in Berlin) includes 40 lessons, which are held weekly during the school year with the remaining few lessons completed in the summer on a flexible schedule. Make-up lessons are available upon request with 24 hours' advance notice of your absence.  Tuition fee includes all materials plus participation in the Costume, Holiday, & Spring Recitals.  Student materials include 2 student books, 1 parent book, 4 CD's with downloads, and multiple notation games, distributed at appropriate times throughout the year.  

*Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $200 per year ($5 per week).

Maximum class size:  4 students

Payment options:
Yearly (check or cash only)--pay the full amount in advance by 9/1 and receive a 5% tuition credit to be applied toward future materials
Quarterly (check or cash only)--make four payments (8/15 or first class date, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive a $5 material credit each quarter!
Monthly--make ten payments due on the first lesson of each month (September through June)

Additional siblings ages 6-9 in Salisbury receive a 20% tuition discount (older and younger siblings attend family closing time for free).  

This class continues in the format of the first year (see Year 1 page for details).  Students add more ensemble work, learn to recognize new and more complicated rhythmic and tonal patterns (both by ear and in notation), learn to transpose to even more key signatures, play more pieces with two hands, step up their composing and improvising skills, and greatly expand their sight-reading ability.  Pieces in the students' repertoire include traditional folk songs from various cultures, well-loved classical tunes, and optional holiday recital songs. 
 

Students attend the first 55 minutes independently, with parents and siblings joining during the last 5 minutes each week (where spacing protocols permit).  Yearly tuition of $1200 ($1400 in Berlin) includes 40 lessons, which are held weekly during the school year with the remaining few lessons completed in the summer on a flexible schedule. Make-up lessons are available upon request with 24 hours' advance notice of your absence.  Tuition fee includes all materials plus participation in the Costume, Holiday, & Spring Recitals.  Student materials include 2 student books, 1 parent book, 4 CD's with downloads, and multiple notation games, distributed at appropriate times throughout the year.  

*Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $200 per year ($5 per week).

Maximum class size:  2 students (in order to follow COVID protocols)

Payment options:
Yearly (check or cash only)--pay the full amount in advance by 9/1 and receive a 5% tuition credit to be applied toward future materials
Quarterly (check or cash only)--make four payments (8/15 or first class date, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive a $5 material credit each quarter!
Monthly--make ten payments due on the first lesson of each month (September through June)

Additional siblings ages 6-9 in Salisbury receive a 20% tuition discount (older and younger siblings attend family closing time for free).  

Year 3 builds on the concepts and skills developed in the first four books with the following additions:
--more complicated bass accompaniment patterns
--more duet and ensemble pieces
--sight-reading games
--12-bar blues improvisation
--more advanced scales, key signatures, and time signatures
--Hanon technique studies
--Many new composers, styles, and forms, including a historical timeline

Upon completion of Year 3, students are enthusiastically invited to transition into private piano lessons at the Late Elementary/Early Intermediate level!
 

Students attend the first 55 minutes independently, with parents and siblings joining during the last 5 minutes each week (where spacing protocols permit).  Yearly tuition of $1200 ($1400 in Berlin) includes 40 lessons, which are held weekly during the school year with the remaining few lessons completed in the summer on a flexible schedule. Make-up lessons are available upon request with 24 hours' advance notice of your absence.  Tuition fee includes all materials plus participation in the Costume, Holiday, & Spring Recitals.  Student materials include 2 student books, 1 parent book, 4 CD's with downloads, and multiple notation games, distributed at appropriate times throughout the year.  

*Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $200 per year ($5 per week).

Maximum class size:  2 students (in order to follow COVID protocols)

Payment options:
Yearly (check or cash only)--pay the full amount in advance by 9/1 and receive a 5% tuition credit to be applied toward future materials
Quarterly (check or cash only)--make four payments (8/15 or first class date, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive a $5 material credit each quarter!
Monthly--make ten payments due on the first lesson of each month (September through June)

Additional siblings ages 6-9 in Salisbury receive a 20% tuition discount (older and younger siblings attend family closing time for free).  

For Fall 2021:  We will focus on Halloween and Holiday skits along with some music exploration on Boomwhackers and Hand Bells.  We hope to resume our production of Musical Theatre shows in Spring 2022.
This class meets once a week for a variety of songs, skits, musical games, improvisation games, vocal exploration activities, acting skill builders, and plays.  We hold two showcase performances, one in December and one in early June.  We also plan smaller performances in the local area throughout the year, such as tree lightings, retirement communities, and veterans’ services.  The class will be split into two age groups if there is enough enrollment.  A contribution toward the purchase of sheet music, accompaniments, scripts, and other performance materials is included in the yearly price, which includes 32 weeks of class.  
Maximum class size: 8 students

2021-2022 Rehearsal Time:
Fridays 4:00 p.m. in Berlin starting 9/24/21
(Please visit our homepage for current COVID protocols.)

For Fall 2021:  We will focus on Halloween and Holiday skits along with some music exploration on Boomwhackers and Hand Bells.  We hope to resume our production of Musical Theatre shows in Spring 2022.
This class meets once a week for a variety of songs, skits, musical games, improvisation games, vocal exploration activities, acting skill builders, and plays.  We hold two showcase performances, one in December and one in early June.  We also plan smaller performances in the local area throughout the year, such as tree lightings, retirement communities, and veterans’ services.  The class will be split into two age groups if there is enough enrollment.  A contribution toward the purchase of sheet music, accompaniments, scripts, and other performance materials is included in the yearly price, which includes 32 weeks of class.  
Maximum class size: 8 students per group

2021-2022 Rehearsal Times:

Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. in Berlin starting 9/21/21
Thursdays 12:30 p.m. in Salisbury starting 9/23/21
Fridays 3:00 p.m. in Berlin starting 9/24/21
(Please visit our homepage for current COVID protocols.)

We currently offer three options for private instruction: Virtual lessons, Masked in-person lessons, or Hybrid lessons (mostly virtual with in-person once a month). Please see our home page for the latest COVID policies.

Private piano lessons are offered on a space-available basis.  In addition to high quality instruction primarily based on the Faber Piano Adventures series, we hold several optional public recitals each year.  Mrs. Upton is also an Honor Roll member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and offers students the opportunity to participate in the annual Guild Auditions, as well as the KITS National Music Theory Honor Roll.  Students enrolled in Achievement tracks of study are also invited to participate in the highly acclaimed Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program, a national standardized adjudication and assessment system for music students, in which Mrs. Upton holds four levels of certification and her students regularly receive First Class Honors and State Awards: www.musicdevelopmentprogram.org.

Individual private lessons are scheduled primarily on weekday afternoons and weeknights, with a very limited number of weekday morning and Saturday slots.  Please contact us for availability, as slots typically stay filled.

Note:  For children under age 10, we highly recommend the Music Makers: At the Keyboard class, but please contact us if you would like to discuss the possibility of private lessons.

Lesson Tracks:
Beginner/Hobbyist--30 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in Guild Auditions up to District Level, KITS Theory program up to Level 2, Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, and Spring Recital. Yearly tuition is $1,230* for Delmar and $1,630* for Berlin.
Elementary Achievement--45 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in Guild Auditions at any level, KITS Theory program at any level, RCMCP assessments up to Level 4, Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, Celebration of the Great Composers Recital, and Spring Recital.  Yearly tuition is $1,660* for Delmar and $2,060* for Berlin.
Achievement--60 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in Guild Auditions at any level, KITS Theory Program at any level, RCMCP assessments up to Level 8, Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, Celebration of the Great Composers Recital, and Spring Recital.  Yearly tuition is $2,060* for Delmar and $2,460* for Berlin.
Vocal Add-on Option-- Extra time devoted to voice study added onto the piano lesson each week; students may participate in RCMCP assessments in Voice and are invited to perform vocal pieces at recitals if desired.  Tuition depends upon length of add-on time.
Sibling Discount--Additional siblings receive a 20% tuition discount.

*See below for discount options.  Yearly tuition includes recitals but not books/materials or participation fees for Guild, KITS, or RCMCP.  Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $10 per lesson.

Payment Options:
Yearly (check or cash)--pay the whole year in advance by the first lesson of September and receive a materials credit equal to 5% of your tuition ($50-$100+)!
Quarterly (check or cash)--make four equal payments (8/15, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive materials credits (30 minutes-$5 per quarter; 45 minutes-$7 per quarter; 60 minutes-$10 per quarter)!
Monthly--make 10 equal payments due by the first lesson of each month from September through June.  All payments must be made in full to hold your slot.

Lesson times are offered on a space-available basis. Please contact us for availability.
(Please visit our home page for current COVID protocols.)

CURRENTLY ONLINE (vaccinated students may request in-person lessons when local metrics are categorized as Moderate or Low).  Please see our home page for the latest COVID policies.

Private voice lessons are offered on a space-available basis. In addition to high quality instruction rooted in the bel canto tradition, we hold several optional public recitals each year.  Mrs. Susan also teaches the Full Voice curriculum for young children and students without a musical background. Students enrolled in Achievement tracks of study are invited to participate in the highly acclaimed Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program, a national standardized adjudication and assessment system for music students in which Mrs. Susan's vocal students have consistently won the State Award (1st place in MD) for their categories and Mrs. Susan holds four levels of certification: www.musicdevelopmentprogram.org. Students may also choose to participate in the KITS National Music Theory Honor Roll program.  

Individual private lessons are scheduled primarily on weekday afternoons and weeknights, with a very limited number of weekday morning and Saturday slots. Please contact us for availability, as slots typically stay filled. 

Note: Please be aware that Mrs. Susan feels strongly that the majority of today's commercial vocal music overtaxes young voices.  Her voice lessons for children and teens typically include vocalizing/warm-up exercises, sight-singing practice, folk songs, age-appropriate show tunes and Disney songs, and other repertoire included in the Certificate Program syllabus.

Lesson Tracks:
Time to Sing!--15 minutes weekly of vocal study added onto piano lessons; $735 per year in addition to piano tuition (40 weeks).*  Recommended for children under age 10.  See "Private Piano Lessons" page for more information. 
Beginner/Hobbyist--30 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in KITS Theory program up to Level 2, RCMCP assessments up to Level 1, Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, and Spring Recital.  Yearly tuition is $1,230* in Delmar, $1,630* in Berlin.
Elementary Achievement--45 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in KITS Theory Program at any level, RCMCP assessments up to Level 4, Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, Celebration of the Great Composers Recital, and Spring Recital.  Yearly tuition is $1,660* in Delmar, $2,060* in Berlin.
Achievement--60 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in KITS Theory program at any level, RCMCP assessments up to Level 8,  Costume Recital, Holiday Recital, Celebration of the Great Composers Recital, and Spring Recital.  Yearly tuition is $2,060* in Delmar, $2,460* in Berlin.
Piano Add-on Option--Additional time devoted to piano study added onto the voice lesson each week; students may participate in Guild Auditions and RCMCP assessments in Piano and are invited to perform piano pieces at recitals if desired.  Tuition varies according to length of add-on lesson.
Sibling Discount--Additional siblings receive a 20% tuition discount.

*See below for discount options.  Yearly tuition includes recitals but not books/materials or participation fees for Guild, KITS, or RCMCP.  Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $10 per lesson.

Payment Options:
Yearly (check or cash)--pay the whole year in advance by the first lesson of September and receive a materials credit equal to 5% of your tuition ($50-$100+)!
Quarterly (check or cash)--make four equal payments (8/15, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive  materials credits (30  minutes-$5 per quarter; 45 minutes-$7 per quarter; 60 minutes-$10 per quarter)!
Monthly--make 10 equal payments due by the first lesson of each month from September through June.  All payments must be made in full to hold your slot.

Lesson times are offered on a space-available basis. Please contact us for availability.
(Please see our Home Page for current COVID protocols.)

CURRENTLY ONLINE!  This lesson option is offered for young singers interested in learning new songs and performing at recitals.  While "formal" voice training is not usually recommended for voices this young, we are able to work on some aspects of breathing, voice placement, ear training, and diction while learning age-appropriate folk, Disney, and Broadway songs.  Young singers may also participate in the Full Voice curriculum and the beginning levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program assessments.  Time to Sing! is usually added onto a weekly private or group piano lesson, which helps young singers learn to read music, an important part of their future musical growth.  Tuition varies depending on the length of the piano lesson.  Please contact us for availability, and see the "Private Piano Lessons" page for more details.

 

CURRENTLY ONLINE!  Private drama lessons are offered on a space-available basis. Lessons include poetry, prose, characterization, dialogue, stage diction, stage presence, and improvisation, Students enrolled in Achievement tracks of study are invited to participate in the highly acclaimed Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program in Speech Arts and Drama, a national standardized adjudication and assessment system for students in which Mrs. Susan holds four levels of certification: www.musicdevelopmentprogram.org. Students may also choose to participate in choir/drama showcase events and/or recitals 2-3 times per year.

Individual private lessons are scheduled primarily on weekday afternoons and weeknights, with a very limited number of weekday morning and Saturday slots. Please contact us for availability, as slots typically stay filled. 

Lesson Tracks:
Time to Act!--15 minutes weekly of drama study added onto piano or voice lessons; $500 per year in addition to piano or voice tuition (40 weeks).*  See "Private Piano Lessons" or "Private Voice Lessons" pages for more information. 
Beginner/Hobbyist--30 minutes per lesson, 40 lessons per year, up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in RCMCP assessments up to Level 1, as well as 2-3 showcases or recitals per year.  Yearly tuition is $1,025* in Delmar, $1,430* in Berlin.
Elementary Achievement--45 minutes per lesson, 43 lessons per year (40 in Berlin), up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in RCMCP assessments up to Level 4, as well as 2-3 showcases or recitals per year.  Yearly tuition is $1,550* in Delmar, $1,830* in Berlin.
Achievement--60 minutes per lesson, 43 lessons per year (40 in Berlin), up to 5 make-up lessons scheduled upon request with 24 hours' notice; students may participate in RCMCP assessments up to Level 8,  as well as 2-3 showcases or recitals per year.   Yearly tuition is $1,873* in Delmar, $2,130* in Berlin.
Voice or Piano Add-on Option--Additional time devoted to vocal or piano study added onto the drama lesson each week; students may participate in Piano Guild Auditions, KITS Theory Exams, and/or RCMCP assessments in Piano or Voice and are invited to perform musical pieces at recitals if desired.  Tuition varies according to length of add-on lesson.
Sibling Discount--Additional siblings receive a 25% tuition discount in Delmar and a 20% discount in Berlin.

*See below for Delmar discount options.  Yearly tuition includes performances but not books/materials or participation fees for Guild, KITS, or RCMCP.  Tuition for lessons held in Berlin is an additional $10 per lesson.

Delmar Payment Options:
Yearly (check or cash)--pay the whole year in advance by the first lesson of September and receive a book credit equal to 5% of your tuition ($50-$100+)!
Quarterly (check or cash)--make four equal payments (8/15, 11/15, 2/15, & 5/15) and receive $16-$32 in book credits (30  minutes-$4 per quarter; 45 minutes-$6 per quarter; 60 minutes-$8 per quarter)!
Monthly--make 10 equal payments due by the first lesson of each month from September through June.  All payments must be made in full to hold your slot.

Berlin Payment Options:
Make 5 payments due by the first lesson of Sept., Nov., Jan., March, & May.  All payments must be made in full to hold your slot.

Lesson times are offered on a space-available basis. Please contact us for availability.

Children's music ministry at Christ United Methodist Church in Salisbury.  Children sing and/or play instruments and learn about faith and worship while gaining performance experience at church services and around the community.

2021-2022 Rehearsal Times (Sept.-May):
TBA.  We hope to resume sometime this school year!

High-quality wooden drum with natural skin.  Practice your rhythm skills and drumming activities at home!

Purchase an individual kit for home playing, as well as greater personal safety during class!  Includes: 2 jingles, 2 pair of rhythm sticks, 2 scarves, 1 pair of finger cymbals, and cloth bag.