The West Virginia University Community Music Program announces its 60th anniversary with several returning and new group classes and ensembles.
Instruction is open to everyone — beginners, amateurs and performers of all ages and levels.
The offerings
Meditation and Breathwork for Performance Anxiety
From 6.30-7.30 p.m.
Feb. 10–April 7. Cost: $130, plus $10 processing fee. Instructor Gabrielle Merandi.
This virtual class will focus on therapeutic yoga techniques for managing stress and anxiety related to performance for musicians, artists and other professions. Practices are designed to teach the body how to access a parasympathetic nervous system state (a deep state of calm) on command with practice. These techniques are easy to implement and have lasting benefits. Develop your confidence in your breathwork and relaxation skills and understand more about your body’s natural rhythm before performances.
Special Offer: $165, plus $10 processing fee for the entire class and a 30-minute personal consultation session with Merandi.
Jazz Combo
Sundays, time to be determined, Feb. 13–April 24. Cost $190, plus $10 processing fee. Instructors: Jonah Henthorne or Ethan Powers
Participants in the CMP Jazz Combos will learn standard jazz repertoire and work on playing music in a group format. The focus for the rhythm section will be exploring swing, Latin, Bossa and funky grooves and how to comp with these rhythmic styles.
For the horn players the focus will be on playing solo, which will include exploring the harmony of the tunes and practicing how to interact with a live rhythm section. All the musicians will learn how to play music with lead sheets, basic jazz harmony and how to play as a group. This will all happen in a low-stress, high-fun environment so players of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to join.
Participation in the CMP Jazz Combos can count toward Community Service credits for high school students. If you are considering this, contact your school in advance for approval and let us know upon confirmation.
Special Offer: $230, plus $10 processing fee to perform with Jazz Combos and have two 30-minute private lessons with either Henthorne or Powers
Traditional Appalachian Guitar
Session 1 is full, but registration is open for the next session from
10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, March 19–April 2. Cost: $85, plus $10 processing fee. Instructor: Judith Hudnall.
Traditional Appalachian Music Guitar group class will get you ready to sit in jam sessions around town and at festivals that feature traditional Appalachian, old-time music. This style of musical heritage is one that is passed on in the oral and aural traditions, creating an enjoyable social time with friends and family. To continue the tradition, students will become acquainted with the guitar and its significant role in the Appalachian style of music by jumping right into the excitement of jamming.
Special Offer: $150, plus $10 processing fee for session 2 and three 45-minute private lessons with Hudnall.
Piano for Fun for Adults (Level 1 to 3)
4 p.m. Tuesdays, Levels 1 to 3, Feb. 1–March 22. Cost: $120, plus $10 processing fee. Instructor: Hooi Yin Boey
Piano for Fun is designed for adult students who are interested in playing the piano for their own enjoyment. Lessons are taught in a group setting. The instructor focuses on the abilities of each person within the group and offers suggestions and options so that members can learn within their own comfort zone. At all levels (Level 1 to 3) a wide variety of styles of music is included, with work on chords as well as traditional music reading.
Special Offer: Sign up for 2 levels of Piano for Fun for $200, plus $10 processing fee, or 3 levels for $320.00, plus $10 processing fee.
Harp on It!
Open throughout the Spring 2022 term. Cost: $90, plus $10 processing fee. Instructor: Christine Mazza.
This class is open to all age groups, with a limit of two students per class, and catered to student needs and scheduling. No musical background is necessary. Students will study hand position and simple tunes. Materials are included. One-hour daily practice time on the WVU Lyon Healy Troubadour harp is available for an additional $45 fee and $50 key deposit ($50 key deposit to be refunded on key return).
Digital Photography
Level 1, from 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 2–March 9. Cost: $132, plus
$10 processing fee.
Level 2, from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, March 31-April 21. Cost: $132, plus
$10.00 processing fee.
Learn how to get the most out of your digital camera to most-effectively capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. This course will emphasize basic photographic skills, including equipment, lenses, focusing, ISO, depth of field, shooting modes, using artificial light, composition, and basic editing on the computer.
For those who have completed an introductory photography course and wish to continue to expand their skills as digital photographers, level 2 focuses on advanced composition, lighting, metering and editing, as well as sports photography, nature photography, and studio photography. Students in this class will be invited to shadow David Bess during professional photo shoots. The course will be limited to a maximum of six students so the instructor can provide as much individual attention as possible.
Special offer: Both levels for $220.00, plus $100 processing fee.
For more information on all classes, contact Eftihia Arkoudis, director of WVU Community Music Program, at evarkoudis@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6946 or go online at music.wvu.edu/cmp
