Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.” $27 for 40 min. (all ages).
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice
composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration!
I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.”
$27 for 40 min. (all ages).
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Students will explore the basics of drumming, such as: Learning how to play basic and intermediate drumbeats, the purpose of each beat and when to use it, how to read drum notation, playing along with songs, and other important drumming techniques! My hope is to prepare students with a basic knowledge of drumming, so they can go on to pursue any form of drumming they wish, to the glory of God!
Requirements:
Practice at least 30 min per week. The more the better.
You will need a pair of drum sticks (Vick Firth recommemed), a drum practice pad, and a pair of wired over the ear headphones.
Students will explore the basics of drumming, such as: Learning how to play basic and intermediate drumbeats, the purpose of each beat and when to use it, how to read drum notation, playing along with songs, and other important drumming techniques! My hope is to prepare students with a basic knowledge of drumming, so they can go on to pursue any form of drumming they wish, to the glory of God!
Requirements:
Practice at least 30 min per week. The more the better.
You will need a pair of drum sticks (Vick Firth recommemed), a drum practice pad, and a pair of wired over the ear headphones.
My name is Summer St. John and I am 21 years old. Looking for a place to get started with guitar? I teach beginner lessons where you will learn warm-ups, proper posture, first chords, and strumming...giving you the tools you need to become a pro. For anyone interested in starting a new versatile instrument like the guitar, these lessons offer the basics so you can start playing scales, chords, and your favorite worship songs. $25 per 30 min lesson
Requirements:
Daily home practice (covering each assignment) is necessary for proper growth in any new activity.
Students require a guitar, picks, notebook, and the lesson book (Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1)
My name is Jonathan Metz and I absolutely LOVE to share in the Lord's great gift to us that is making music together through song. In the Firmly Planted High School Choir, students will have the opportunity not only to make beautiful, quality, and memorable music together, but take the next (or first) steps in their musical experience, build lasting relationships, and honor God through both song and the act of using their talents. You do not need any prior musical experience to join!
Choir is also integral to the music education of any student who also plays an instrument such as piano, violin, or guitar, or likes to write music. They will develop collaborative skills that the solo performance world does not offer, gain musical artistry through the internalization of music by movement, as well as gain exposure to different genres and styles of music. This ensemble will carry on a Firmly Planted tradition of learning about God and his son, our Great Savoir, Jesus Christ, through short devotionals, particularly God as a creator, using our talents to serve him, worship, and serving one another.
I graduated with a B.A. in music from Western Washington University, focusing on music education and piano. I took especially to choir — studying graduate-level choral conducting and literature with Leslie Guelker-Cone, a noted choir director throughout Washington State. I directed the First Baptist Church of Bellingham Sanctuary Choir for four years following graduation and have guest-conducted and workshopped various groups of different levels including high school, middle school, elementary, and adult ensembles. Highlights include the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, and in 2013, the Interfaith Coalition massed choir — a combined ensemble of over 150 singers. I started a Masters in Music at Indiana University in 2017.
Requirements:
This is a year-long course. A full-year commitment is expected so we are able to build on the skills we learn through the course of the year. There is also a required performance two times a year (at the end of Fall and Spring semesters, respectively). While there is no audition required, all participants must schedule a range and voice-type check with me, the director. No prior singing experience is required to join. 8th-graders (13 years old) are also permitted to join but *do* need to perform an audition, (contact me on Slack if interested). We will have a concert on December 13th and a dress rehearsal Dec 12
My name is Jonathan Metz and I absolutely LOVE to share in the Lord's great gift to us that is making music together through song. In the Firmly Planted High School Choir, students will have the opportunity not only to make beautiful, quality, and memorable music together, but take the next (or first) steps in their musical experience, build lasting relationships, and honor God through both song and the act of using their talents. You do not need any prior musical experience to join!
Choir is also integral to the music education of any student who also plays an instrument such as piano, violin, or guitar, or likes to write music. They will develop collaborative skills that the solo performance world does not offer, gain musical artistry through the internalization of music by movement, as well as gain exposure to different genres and styles of music. This ensemble will carry on a Firmly Planted tradition of learning about God and his son, our Great Savoir, Jesus Christ, through short devotionals, particularly God as a creator, using our talents to serve him, worship, and serving one another.
I graduated with a B.A. in music from Western Washington University, focusing on music education and piano. I took especially to choir — studying graduate-level choral conducting and literature with Leslie Guelker-Cone, a noted choir director throughout Washington State. I directed the First Baptist Church of Bellingham Sanctuary Choir for four years following graduation and have guest-conducted and workshopped various groups of different levels including high school, middle school, elementary, and adult ensembles. Highlights include the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, and in 2013, the Interfaith Coalition massed choir — a combined ensemble of over 150 singers. I started a Masters in Music at Indiana University in 2017.
Requirements:
This is a year-long course. A full-year commitment is expected so we are able to build on the skills we learn through the course of the year. There is also a required performance two times a year (at the end of Fall and Spring semesters, respectively). While there is no audition required, all participants must schedule a range and voice-type check with me, the director. No prior singing experience is required to join. 8th-graders (13 years old) are also permitted to join but *do* need to perform an audition, (contact me on Slack if interested). We will have a concert on May 9th and a dress rehearsal May 8.
Aloha! Come with me and learn to play fun songs on the ukulele! You will learn about all the parts that make up your instrument, how to hold it, how to tune it, and how to pick/strum the strings. We will also go over the history of the ukulele and do basic note/tablature reading.
Shiela Fitzpatrick is a wife and mother of three in Vancouver, WA. She was raised in beautiful Hawaii, where she developed a deep love of the ocean, art, music, and God. She was introduced to playing music in early elementary with the ukulele. This started her journey of learning other instruments such as the guitar, drums, bass, and later playing in a few bands. Shiela served 6 years as a Combat Medic (NREMT) in the United States Army, where she received multiple awards due to her dedication and hard work. After some time with the Firmly Planted community along with a passion for learning, she has been inspired to teach at the center by offering the class, “Introduction to Ukulele”.
Requirements:
Students will need a soprano ukulele, a tuner, the ability to read letters/count, and great listening skills. I highly encourage students to practice a few times a week at home to get the most out of this class. (I can provide links to recommended instruments if needed).
This is for students who want to strengthen their singing abilities and have fun in the process! Using whacky exercises and energetic songs, students will have fun working together as a vocal team and as singing buddies. We will explore vocal care and anatomy, breathing, ear training, beginning note reading, and theory concepts. A large focus will be on memorizing scripture through our own created melodies and presenting these at our end-of-year concert.
About the teacher:
Hi! I’m Jennifer Faulkner, a lifetime singer, worship musician, and private music teacher. I absolutely love singing and teaching students how to improv their singing voices, especially through worship that honors and praises God. While I’ve led children’s and adult church choirs, my most significant experience was creating and implementing a private school music program that included music education classes and choirs for grades 1-12. Since singing scripture is my favorite way to memorize verses, our Joyful Singer’s will have the opportunity to set favorite verses to their own created melodies…and have fun while singing!
Requirements:
1. This is for 3rd-8th grade. 2. Have a great attitude and desire to have fun while learning vocal basics and working as a team. 3. A willingness and ability to work on music assignments both in and out of class, and to memorize songs for end-of-year performance. 4. Ability to attend end-of-year performance.
In this class we will embark on the journey of learning the musical language. Starting with basic musical concepts, we then will explore numerous building blocks of music. Some of the things taught along the way will be note naming, identifying musical terms and symbols, practicing rhythm patterns, discovering how to construct major and minor scales, and so much more. Each week students will have pages to complete in their textbook and fun games to play at home to grow more comfortable with the new concepts introduced. I will provide the textbook and other materials needed for the class. I can’t wait to begin the musical journey and to have fun learning music!