Summer 2022 Classes June 27-August 19
Fun Summer Classes for Anyone!
We offer a variety of classes for many levels during the summer. This summer, we are excited to offer some new introductory classes in ukulele, guitar, piano, and electric bass. Classes range from one to six weeks in duration. Classes are for youth ages 8-17 unless otherwise indicated.
Explore Classes
These classes are a four-day intensive introduction to violin, cello, and ukulele. No previous musical experience necessary. It’s a great way to see if an instrument is a good fit for a student before committing to longer study. Instruments are provided in class. Various instructors. $40
Group Beginning Classes
These classes are designed to introduce students to making music and playing an instrument. Choices are piano, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and electronic music production. You don’t need to know anything about music. Loaner instruments are available for use in most classes (included in the price) or you are welcome to bring your own. These classes meet twice a week for two weeks. Adults-only sections are available for electric bass and music production.
Ukulele Classes
Ukuleles are fun, versatile instruments that are easy to learn and a great size for kids and adults alike. Bring your own uke or use a loaner in class (no rentals are available to take home.) Levels available are Explore, Basic, and Intermediate.
Fiddle Classes
For violin and fiddle players. Learn fiddle tunes from a real old-time fiddle player! Learning by ear is encouraged and sheet music is supplied as well. Two levels: Fiddle 1 for players who have had a year of classes or lessons already, and Fiddle 2 for more advanced players with two or more years of classes or lessons.
Orchestra Ensembles
For violins, violas, cellos, and upright basses. These six-week classes are for serious players who want to improve their ensemble and technical skills throughout the summer. Music changes after three weeks so players can join in August.
Level UP! Orchestra for players who have completed Level 1 or one year of private study. Strengthen fundamental techniques and learn to play in an ensemble with different parts for each instrument.
Summer Orchestra for players who have completed Level 2 or two years of private study. We select multi-level pieces so there are 2-3 different levels of difficulty available for each instrument. Each player will get music that is at their level so it can be both fun and challenging.
Themed Orchestra Classes
These are some of our most popular summer classes. Have fun with an intensive week of something really neat! One year of experience required (two years for Video Game Music).
- National Anthem and Baseball
- Cello-Rama
- Encanto!
- Video Game Music
Learn Viola or Upright Bass
Viola and bass are both important and fun instruments that are easy to learn when you have the right skills already in place. Learn viola is for anyone with one year of experience on violin, even if you play another instrument currently. Learn bass is for anyone with one year of orchestra or band experience. Instruments are included.
- Learn Viola
- Learn Bass (limited class size)
Group Strings Classes (One year per level)
About Our Classes
We teach students in group classes of 8-25 students. Classes include violins, violas, cellos and basses all together unless otherwise noted. Each level goes for eight months (October-May) and new students are accepted only at the beginning of the year. Most classes are before or after school. For 2021-2022, we have classes at North Albany Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and South Shore Elementary, and our AYO Music School next to Browsers' Bookstore in Albany.
These group orchestra classes are closed to new students for the year. Transfer students may be able to join. Please contact us for more information.
Level 1
For students 3rd grade and above who are just starting out, and for students who want to strengthen and improve their skills before advancing to the Level 2 class. Using the first Essential Elements book, you will learn the basics of playing your instrument, from correct posture to how to hold the bow, to forming notes on the fingerboard. Learning how to read music is introduced once students learn the basics of playing the instrument. Daily study of the class material at home is necessary to acquire the skills needed to play well. Instructors: Denver Speelman, Isaac Andrew, Julie Ritchey, and Jasmine Lumpkin.
- North Albany Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (Speelman) CLASS FULL
- Oak Grove Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (cellos) (Andrew)
- Oak Grove Elementary: Tues & Thurs 8:10-8:55am (violins & violas) (Speelman) CLASS FULL
- South Shore Elementary: Tues & Thurs 8:10-8:55am (violin only) (Lumpkin)
- South Shore Elementary: Mon & Thurs 9:00-9:30am (violin only) (Ritchey) CLASS FULL
- Browsers' Bookstore: Mon 3:15-4:00pm & Wed 2:15-3:00pm (Speelman) CANCELLED
- Browsers' Bookstore: Tues & Thurs 4:15-5:00pm (Speelman)
Level 2
For students who have successfully completed Level 1 and are ready for new challenges. Using the second book in the Essential Elements series, you will finish learning all the notes on the fingerboard in first position, and playing in several different keys. Other techniques include more advanced slurring, complex rhythms, and a variety of time signatures. Students who complete Level 2 successfully are ready to join Junior Orchestra to learn ensemble playing. Instructors: Julie Ritchey and Denver Speelman.
- South Shore Elementary: Mon & Wed 8:10-8:55am (Ritchey)
- Browsers' Bookstore: Mon 4:15-5:00pm & Wed 3:15-4:00pm (Speelman)
Level 3
Level 3 class is for students who have successfully completed Level 2. Using the third book in the Essential Elements series, we will continue position work, advanced bowing techniques, and more challenging ensemble playing. The techniques learned in Level 3 are essential to preparing for Chamber Orchestra. Instructor: Denver Speelman.
- Browsers' Bookstore: Tues & Thurs 5:15-6:00 pm (Speelman)
Youth Orchestra Ensembles
About the Ensembles
We have two ensembles for our students. These include all instruments, and each instrument plays a different part. These ensembles complement our group classes by focusing on ensemble playing skills such as listening to other instruments, playing differing notes and rhythms confidently, and following a conductor.
We have a 2 for 1 deal for our ensembles. Students who are enrolled in Level 2 or Level 3 can join JO or CO for free!
Junior Orchestra
In Junior Orchestra, students learn and develop ensemble playing skills and continue to advance their technical skills on their instrument. NEW: NO AUDITION is required to join this group, but you need to have skills equivalent to those acquired in Level 2 to be able to play the music in this group. If you can understand and play most of this music at a slow pace, you would be ready for Junior Orchestra. But remember, new for 2021-2022, there will NOT be any audition or playing test for Junior Orchestra. Conductor: Jasmine Lumpkin.
NEW DAY! Tuesdays 6:15-7:45pm at Browsers' Bookstore
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is for the most advanced players. The repertoire is challenging and FUN. Players must have prior experience in a mixed ensemble such as Junior Orchestra. An audition is required to join, and all players must audition each year for placement. Conductor: Denver Speelman.
NEW DAY Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm at Browsers' Bookstore
NEW! Music Production and Podcasting Courses
Music Production
We are VERY excited to add some totally new Music Production courses to our lineup, taught by our dynamic new instructor, Jasmine Lumpkin, who just completed her music production degree at OSU and has an extensive music background.
Learn how to make your own music! Record tracks and use sampling, looping, and effects to express yourself artistically. Students will produce a finished, professional piece of music. Each course begins with a basic introduction to the tools and theory, then dives into project-based learning. These courses are open to any middle or high school student and you do not need any musical experience. Classes are held in a lab setting and we provide the equipment and software. We expect these courses to fill quickly. Each class is $156 ($78/month) which includes tuition and a lab fee.
There will be three 8-week courses. They can be taken in sequence, but a student does not need to take a previous course to register for a later one. Location: Browsers Bookstore.
Music Production 1: Connect to Your Inner Artist. Oct 4 - Dec. 3, 2021 (no class Thanksgiving week)
Music Production 2: Build the Technical Foundation. Jan 10 - Mar 4, 2022
Music Production 3: Push Your Boundaries. Mar 28 - May 20, 2022
- Middle School (6th-8th grade) Section: Mondays 5:15-6:00pm & Wednesdays 4:15-5:00pm at Browsers' Bookstore
- High School (9th-12th grade) Section: Fridays 5:00-6:30pm at Browsers' Bookstore
Podcasting
Podcasts are a great way to explore your passion about something, talk to interesting people, and make connections that inspire others. Our podcast course, taught by our dynamic music production instructor, Jasmine Lumpkin, will explore podcasting from idea genesis to final product. In this course, you will learn about:
- Identify an idea for your podcast and create a plan
- How to script and conduct interviews that are natural and fun
- Recording - the ins and outs
- Production - how to make it stand out using music and studio techniques
- Distribution of your podcast
- Promotion of your podcast
This course is hands-on and project-based. Students will work individually and in teams using our lab equipment. Work will be required outside of class. This course is open to students 8th-12th grade and you do not need any musical experience. The cost is $312 for the four-month course ($78/month) which includes tuition and a lab fee.
Wednesdays 5:15-6:15pm February 9 to May 25, 2022 at Browsers Bookstore
Registration Discounts
These courses are eligible for discounts to make them easier for our families to afford.
- Current 2021-2022 AYO orchestra students (in a Level 1, 2, or 3 class or in Junior or Chamber Orchestra) will receive a 50% discount for Music Production and Podcasting.
- Bring a Buddy! Current 2021-2022 AYO students (including Music Production) will get FREE tuition for Music Production or Podcasting if your non-AYO friend takes the course with you! To be eligible, the friend must not be a student in any AYO course for 2021-2022 and must complete the course.
- AYO Scholarship Program. We offer needs-based scholarships for all of our courses. To learn more and apply, please visit our scholarship page.
All discounts will be applied after registration. We will bill you when the course begins.
Instrument Information 2021-2022
How do I get my instrument? Or return/exchange my current one?
Stay tuned for more information about picking up your rental or school instrument in late September.
What happens when I break something?
When you get your school or MVPS instrument, you will sign a contract stating that you are responsible for your instrument. Please tell your instructor immediately if something breaks. You will need to pay for replacing or repairing the instrument or bow. We do many repairs in-house to keep costs down, but be aware that the standard replacement cost for a violin or viola is $200 and a cello is $600. If you break a string, you will need to purchase a replacement string.
Bows which are dropped or overtightened and snap off the tips will need to be replaced. Bows regularly "shed" a few of the horsehairs, but if you break most of the hair, you will need to pay for a replacement bow from MVPS, which ranges in price from $20-$40 depending on instrument and size.
Please contact us about repairs for our instruments. We will do our best to get the most affordable repair done. If you rent an instrument from a music store, you must take it to that store for repair.
When should I buy an instrument?
Because most elementary students play on smaller-sized instruments, we recommend that you rent rather than purchase an instrument until the child has grown into a full-sized instrument.
We recommend purchasing only from a reputable music store or dealer. Expect to budget at least $300 for a violin or viola and $500 for a cello. Quality used instruments can be found, but they should be checked out by a knowledgeable repair person before you purchase. We are happy to recommend local and online resources if you contact us!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not purchase the cheap instrument outfits found at fairs and bazaars, major retail stores and online (i.e. violins/violas for $30-$100 or cellos under $300). There are too many brand names to list. Most are not playable due to poor quality and improper setup, you will spend more than what you bought it for to have someone make it playable, and these instruments have zero trade-in or resale value. In addition, your child may acquire poor playing habits trying to avoid bad sounds that are the fault of the instrument.
Local Music Stores
301 SW 4th Ave., Suite 140, Corvallis OR 541-231-1724 Rentals, repairs, instrument sales, all accessories
1305 Main St., Philomath 541-609-1672 Rentals, instrument sales, accessories
805 Burkhart St. SE, Albany OR 541-967-8293 Basic accessories
Is My Child Ready?
Information for Parents
Our program is open to children beginning in third grade. Traditional orchestra programs often start in fourth grade. Many children have acquired skills by third grade that they need to succeed in orchestra class, but some children acquire them later, even into fourth or fifth grade. Many fine musicians didn’t start until sixth or seventh grade. Here are some characteristics of children who are “ready” for orchestra:
- Able to manage behavior independently, including staying in one place when asked, following directions, not talking in class without permission, and respecting the space of others. These are group classes and there is relatively little time for one-on-one instruction.
- Able to focus on homework and tasks alone for several minutes at a time.
- Fine motor dexterity. Able to tie shoelaces or do small buttons is a good test. This is important for placing notes on the strings, and an inability to control the individual fingers of the hand can contribute to a lot of frustration. It almost always resolves with time, so waiting a year or two is highly recommended.
- Able to read at or near grade level. We will be learning to read and play from music in class. Playing by ear may work at first, but reading the music becomes necessary before the end of the first year. Children who benefit from help with reading in school or at home have a much higher success rate with orchestra when they have the same assistance available to them with music.
- Remembers to do daily tasks such as brushing teeth without being reminded constantly. Children should be playing every single day, and while all children forget sometimes, being able to remember to practice without being reminded will result in much higher achievement.
Obviously, that would be the mythical perfect child, and we understand that kids are kids. However, if a child is still just developing several of the “ready” characteristics, we recommend waiting a year and reassessing. If a child is having difficulty consistently managing behavior and following directions, we may ask the parent to attend class.
We want to emphasize that our program is open to ALL students, not only the highest achievers!! Music has been proven to improve learning skills while providing an enriching personal and social experience. We ask parents of children who benefit from educational assistance at school to talk to us about what helps your child learn. Due to privacy laws, the school cannot release information unless the parents authorize it. It has been our experience that the accommodations that help a few students are often beneficial to many others as well.
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