Fundamentals of Music

AMUSE's Fundamentals of Music series is designed to give students a more well-rounded music education. Classes may include topics in Music Theory, Music History, Conducting, Breath Control, and Jazz.

Fall 2020 Session I enrollment is now closed. Session II enrollment is expected to open on October 1. To receive our weekly newsletter with updates about upcoming class sessions and enrollment periods, sign up here. 

Cost: $120 for four weeks, $180 for six weeks, plus the cost of materials 

All classes will meet virtually this Fall. To enroll, please select "Virtual Group Classes" under the Group dropdown menu on the next page.  

Jazz Improvisation: Creativity Unleashed!

Tuesday/Thursday | 4:30pm - 5:00pm

6 week session ($180)

Instructor: Alex Johnson

Level: Advanced | Ages: Late Middle School and above

This class is an introduction to the world of Jazz Improvisation. Students will explore how to create and perform an improvised jazz solo. At the end of the class, students will be able to perform the melody and an improvised solo on a few different jazz standards, taking their musical creativity to another level.

Prior Jazz Theory knowledge or concurrent enrollment in the Jazz Theory course strongly recommended.

Session I: September 14 - October 23

Session II: October 26 - December 12 (no classes Thanksgiving week; day/time subject to change)

Jazz Theory: Tasty Harmony

Tuesday/Thursday | 3:45pm - 4:15pm

6 week session ($180)

Instructor: Alex Johnson

Level: Advanced | Ages: Late Middle School and above

This class will dive into the sounds of Jazz Theory. The course will cover chords, progressions, scales, and ear training to enhance the student's understanding of jazz harmony. At the end of the class, students will be able to identify common chords and progressions in Jazz, understand and play a variety of scales used in Jazz, and continue to develop their ears through ear training exercises.

Session I: September 14 - October 23

Session II: October 26 - December 12 (no classes Thanksgiving week; day/time subject to change)

Music History

Tuesday/Thursday | 2:00pm - 2:30pm

6 week session ($180)

Instructor: Josie Boyer

Level: Beginner | Ages: All Ages

Music history is an important part of a young musician's musical education. Over the course of this class, students will learn about the various characteristics that define each music period and some of the most important composers from each era. Students will have fun while learning about classical music.

Session I: September 14 - October 23

Session II: October 26 - December 12 (no classes Thanksgiving week; day/time subject to change)

Music Theory, Level 1

Monday/Wednesday | 2:00pm - 2:30pm

4 week session ($120)

Instructor: Matt Karatsu

Level: Beginner | Ages: All Ages

This class is designed for continuing band/orchestra students with some previous experience. Topics will include: the keyboard, notation, major scales, intervals, rhythm, durational symbols, beat and tempo, meter, simple time signatures, and the circle of 5ths. 

Session I: September 14 - October 9

Session II: October 12 - November 6 (day/time subject to change)

Session III: November 9 - December 12 (no classes Thanksgiving week; day/time subject to change)

Music Theory, Level 3

Tuesday/Thursday | 6:00pm - 6:30pm

4 week session ($120)

Instructor: Matt Karatsu

Level: Beginner | Ages: All Ages

This class is designed for students continuing from Level 2. The course will cover triads, seventh chords, inversions, and mixed rhythms and time signatures.

Prerequisite: Music Theory, Level 2, or teacher placement

Session I: September 14 - October 9

Session II: October 12 - November 6 (day/time subject to change)

Session III: November 9 - December 12 (no classes Thanksgiving week; day/time subject to change)