Program Offerings
Piano
Students who study piano should have access to an acoustic piano or, if using an electric piano, a keyboard with weighted keys.
Stringed Instruments
Violins, violas, cellos, and string basses come in different sizes which enable them to be played by young children and adults alike. We recommend that a student is measured for the appropriate sized instrument by a professional. Please contact our office for recommendations of instrument dealers in our area.
Vocal Study
Students who study voice will receive foundational training which includes note reading and general music theory. Vocal styles taught include classical, pop, rock, folk, country, jazz, music theater, and gospel. Private vocal study for young children requires an assessment for readiness.
Guitar
Students who study guitar will learn to read music. Lessons are offered on both acoustic and electric guitar, and students are expected to bring their own instrument to lessons.
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Instruments
Wind and percussion instruments come in one size which is why it is generally recommended that students delay study until they are big enough to physically handle the instrument (usually 5th grade). We offer instruction on: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, mallet and battery percussion. Please contact our office for recommendations of dealers in our area from which you can rent an instrument.
Piano Safari Friends
Meet the Piano Safari Friends as your 5-6 year old starts on their piano journey. Piano Safari Friends is intended to prepare students for Piano Safari Level 1. Its aim is to provide young children with rich and enjoyable musical experiences through movement, singing, imitating, improvising, and learning the fundamentals of rhythmic notation and pre-staff reading. Ownership of a piano is required. Book is included.
This class begins in the fall and runs a full year.
Katherine Fisher, instructor
Mondays, 4:15-5:05 p.m.
Room 540, Glidden Hall
For 5-6 year olds
$275 for fall semester
First spring class - September 9, 2024
Piano Safari - Level 1
Set off on a musical journey to explore fundamental musical and technical concepts. Piano Safari is an exciting new approach to learning piano that combines the best of established pedagogical traditions with innovative ideas. Students will be taught the basics of music theory, reading notation, and how to play with excellent technique and musicianship. Ownership of a piano is required. Books are included.
This class begins in the fall and runs a full year.
Wendy Blackwood, instructor
Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Room 581, Glidden Hall
For 2nd and 3rd graders
$275 for fall semester
First spring class - September 9, 2024
KidSing!
Children will learn the FUNdamentals of music through games and play and develop their singing voices in preparation for participation in the Athens Children’s Chorus.
Melanie Horne, instructor
Saturdays, 9:15-10:00 a.m.
Room TBD
For 1st and 2nd graders
$80 for 8 classes in fall semester
First fall class - September 7, 2024
Smart Start
The positive atmosphere of this class helps foster lifelong connections with music, builds strong parent-child emotional bonds, and develops the foundation for basic cognitive skills including attention, memory, perception, and cognitive flexibility. Through Smart Start’s neuroscience-based curriculum, you and your child will learn about the fundamentals of music by moving your bodies, singing, and playing. In every class session, you will learn multicultural songs and games with particular attention paid to beat, rhythm, and listening skills. You’ll also receive access to the parent portal which includes downloadable activities to try at home, curated articles and content on childhood development, and updates on your child’s growth throughout the course.
Abigail Olson, instructor
0-12 months - Tuesdays, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Begin making lifelong connections with music and developing the foundations for basic cognitive skills through fun parent-child activities.
A care provider accompanies their child for all classes for this course.
1-2 years - Tuesdays, 11:15-12:00 a.m.
Expand your child's musical skills through movement, and further develop cognitive skills in fun and engaging ways.
A care provider accompanies their child for all classes for this course.
2-3 years - Thursdays, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Develop your child's musical abilities through more independent activities and expand cognitive skills through creativity and self-awareness.
A care provider accompanies their child for all classes for this course.
3-4 years - Fridays, 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Singing, dancing, playing games - children adore this active, play-based learning environment.
A care provider accompanies each child in the 3-4 year class for the first few sessions only.
Room TBD
$175 for fall semester
First classes - the week of September 9, 2024
Athens Youth Chorus
Melanie Horne, director
The Athens Youth Chorus is a performance ensemble which focuses on healthy and expressive singing habits, rehearsal and performance techniques, and music reading skills. The ensemble performs 2- and 3-part songs, partner songs, and canons at various concerts throughout the year. Students learn musical concepts by singing quality music appropriate to the child voice from a variety of periods and a wide range of styles and cultures.
Apprentices - for children in grades 3-5; non-auditioned; meets 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Thursdays in room 472, Glidden Hall.
Advanced Ensemble - for children in grades 6-9; audition required; meets 7:00-8:15 p.m. on Thursdays in room 472, Glidden Hall.
Tuition is $250 for the 2024-2025 school year.
First class in fall semester - September 5, 2024
Cadet Strings
The ACMS Cadet Strings group focuses on developing individual string technique as well as group performance skills. One concert will be presented per semester. Music is provided. Students must provide their own instruments.
This group is for students who have beginning string experience.
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Room 476, Glidden Hall
Tuition is $75 for the fall semester.
First rehearsal - September 3, 2024
ACMS Community Strings
The ACMS community strings programs were begun in the fall of 2019 and started in partnership with the Athens City Schools and the City of Athens in the fall of 2022. Based on the successful Cadet Strings program at the Athens Community Music School at Ohio University, the community strings program will be available at The Plains Intermediate School and Arts/WEST in the 2024-2025 school year.
This program offers group instruction on orchestral string instruments highlighting a variety of music styles and celebrating the rich string heritage already revered in Appalachia.
Please contact the ACMS office at 740-593-4241 or acms@ohio.edu to receive more information and to register.
Athens Community Jazz Ensemble
Dr. Matt James, director
Join the Athens Community Jazz Ensemble - a band for instrumentalists 19 and up celebrating America's music. Rehearsals will be twice a month on Sundays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, and piano welcome.
Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required per semester.
First rehearsal - TBA
Choral Union
Dr. Peter Haley, director
Choral Union is a large, mixed chorus of students, faculty, and townspeople. The ensemble unites annually with the Ohio University Symphony to perform outstanding major choral works each spring. Community members rehearse on Mondays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required.
First rehearsal - August 26, 2024
Campus Orchestra
Dr. José Rocha, director
The Campus Orchestra is intended for intermediate to advanced orchestral stringed instrument players and is open to qualified members of the community from middle school through adults. Meets on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Glidden Hall 550.
University student participants may register for OU credit. Contact Dr. Rocha at rocha@ohio.edu for more information about credit.
Registration must be completed online, and only the $10 registration fee is required.
First rehearsal - September 3, 2024
Camerata Strings
The Camerata Strings is for intermediate and early advanced string players and advances group performance skills required of orchestra musicians as well as introduces members to a mix of classical works and contemporary favorites. One concert will be presented per semester. Music is provided. Students must provide their own instruments.
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Room 480, Glidden Hall
$75 for fall semester
First rehearsal - September 3, 2024
Southeast Ohio Youth Wind Ensemble
Information coming soon!