Experience the San Ramon Academy of Music’s group classes!

Through our official partnership with the city of San Ramon you can now take them at the city’s beautiful community centers! With stunning venues and easy registration, the community center is a perfect location for our unique courses and inspirational teachers to fuel your love of music.

Semester Dates

Closed

Classes begin: Jan. 1, 2023

 
 

Classes begin: March 27, 2023

 
 

Classes begin: June 1, 2023

 
 

Classes begin: Sept. 1, 2023

Upcoming Courses

Parent and Child: Music Exploration I (10 weeks)

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Wednesday 10:45am

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:45am-11:15am
Instructor: Tani
Length: 30min
Minimum Age: 1.5
Maximum Age: 2
Price: $220
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

Parent and child time is one of your child’s favorite things – AND it’s one of the best things for the developing mind. The brain is filled with billions of neurons waiting to be connected through sensory stimulation. San Ramon Academy of Music’s ‘Music Exploration’ 10 week course offers a sensory-rich environment to create and strengthen neural pathways, enhance your bond with your child, and help you understand the stages of their development. In addition, families will be given an activity book to be able to do fun music games at home together!

Children enjoy exploring, reacting to new sounds, sensations, and environments. They’ll begin to use developmentally appropriate instruments like: shakers, rattles, drums, and tambourines in activities designed to develop both hemispheres of the brain. There’s plenty of side-by-side play with other kids in the class, and you’ll get to move, hum, and dance together, all key inputs into your child’s ability to develop early bonding and social skills.

Parent and Child: Music Exploration II (10 weeks)

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Wednesday 11:30am

Day: Wednesday
Time: 11:30am-12:00am
Instructor: Tani
Length: 30min
Minimum Age: 3
Maximum Age: 5
Price: $220
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

Parent and child time is one of your child’s favorite things – AND it’s one of the best things for the developing mind. The brain is filled with billions of neurons waiting to be connected through sensory stimulation. San Ramon Academy of Music’s ‘Music Exploration’ 10 week course offers a sensory-rich environment to create and strengthen neural pathways, enhance your bond with your child, and help you understand the stages of their development. In addition, families will be given an activity book to be able to do fun music games at home together!

Children enjoy exploring, reacting to new sounds, sensations, and environments. They’ll begin to use developmentally appropriate instruments like: shakers, rattles, drums, and tambourines in activities designed to develop both hemispheres of the brain. There’s plenty of side-by-side play with other kids in the class, and you’ll get to move, hum, and dance together, all key inputs into your child’s ability to develop early bonding and social skills. 

Along with learning songs and exploring instruments, older children will start to develop both gross and fine motor skills through fingerplays, movement, and discovering how their bodies work in relation to music.

Beginner Piano Level 1 (10 weeks)

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Tuesday 5pm Wednesday 5pm Wednesday 6pm

Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday
Time: 5:00-5:45pm, 6:00-6:45pm
Instructor: Tani, Faith
Length: 45min
Minimum Age: 5
Maximum Age: 7
Price: $360
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

Learn piano in a fun social group atmosphere! This 10 week course will equip students both with an introduction to the piano and with the skills necessary to study privately and to play in a band or ensemble.

Additionally, students will learn how to play music with their peers, which will provide them with lifelong benefits. San Ramon Academy of Music will focus on developing the students’ core keyboard skills: Hand position, note-reading, chord vocabulary, rhythm, and theory while rehearsing a repertoire of rock and pop and classical songs. There will be a performance for friends and family upon completion on the last day of class. Keyboards will be provided for use in class. If you do not have a keyboard or piano to practice with at home, San Ramon Academy of Music has keyboards for rent at an additional cost (optional).

Beginner Piano Level 2 (10 weeks)

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Tuesday 4PM Wednesday 4PM

Day: Tuesday, Wednesday
Time: 4:00pm-4:45pm
Instructor: Tani, Faith
Length: 45min
Minimum Age: 5
Maximum Age: 10
Price: $360
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

This is the Second Level to the San Ramon Academy of Music Beginner Group Piano Class series. This 10 week course is a continuum from the first group piano class. Students will continue learning the fundamentals of piano playing and group playing with their peers.

We will continue the focus on developing the students’ core keyboard skills: hand position, note-reading, chord vocabulary, rhythm, and theory while rehearsing a repertoire of folk tunes and classical songs.

This is a 10-week piano fundamentals course catered toward beginner students (ages 5-8+) who have successfully completed the first level of the beginning course. Each week builds upon the previous one with the last week being dedicated to a group performance/recital showcasing each students’ hard work during the 10 week program.

Each class will give a performance for friends and family upon completion!

Beginner Choir (10 weeks)

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Tuesday 4pm

Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:00–4:45pm
Instructor: Courtnee
Length: 45min
Minimum Age: 6
Maximum Age: 10
Price: $360
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

This 10 week course will focus on singing in a fun and inclusive group environment for musicians of all levels. Students will learn a variety of music – from classical to musical theater to contemporary. In addition to singing skills this class will incorporate basic music theory, proper vocal technique, and general music studies. Each class will have a recital for friends and family upon completion of the course.

Middle School Choir (10 weeks)

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Tuesday 4:50pm

Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:50–5:35pm
Instructor: Courtnee
Length: 45min
Minimum Age: 11
Maximum Age: 14
Price: $360
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

This 10 week course will focus on singing in a fun and inclusive group environment for musicians of all levels. Students will learn a variety of music – from classical to musical theater to contemporary. In addition to singing skills this class will incorporate basic music theory, proper vocal technique, and general music studies. Each class will have a recital for friends and family upon completion of the course.

Vocal Technique and Performance (10 weeks)

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Tuesday 5:40pm

Day: Tuesday
Time: 5:40–6:40pm
Instructor: Courtnee
Length: 60min
Minimum Age: 10
Maximum Age: 18
Price: $420
Maximum Participants: 12

Description:

This course will explore the vocal art of singing for all voice types and levels. In a group setting, we will cover the fundamentals of singing, such as breathing techniques, stage presentation and body awareness. The course is meant to properly prepare singers for any future musical adventures such as school musicals, solo performances, competitions, and more!

This is a performance-based class: full participation is expected! Students will move from group singing to individual, prepared singing, in front of the group. The instructor will provide specific vocal exercises, methods and ideas with which to practice individual repertoire. The instructor will lead interactive discussions as well as present information from texts and other sources. Students are expected to practice and perform regularly as encouraged by the instructor.

Each class will have a recital for friends and family upon completion of the course.

Chamber Music Ensemble (10 weeks)

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Wednesday 5:30pm

Day: Monday
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
Instructor: Isaac
Length: 90min
Minimum Age: 9
Maximum Age: 18
Price: $570
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

Chamber music provides an engaging, immersive musical experience for young players, instilling ensemble skills to a level unmatched by orchestral or solo playing. The purpose of this 10 week course is to rehearse, prepare and perform appropriate literature. At the end of the course students will showcase their work in a Chamber Music Recital as well as apply to prestigious local chamber music festivals. Students will learn standards of rehearsal etiquette, fundamentals of ensemble technique and overall musicality. Students will obtain an appreciation of chamber music, and the skills and techniques associated with the form. Students must be at an early intermediate or advanced level to participate. This class is perfect for students looking for unique extracurricular achievements for future college applications. Space is limited to 3 groups of 4 students, totaling 6 violin, 3 cello and 3 viola players.

Pre-auditions and time slots: it is important for parents and students to attend the pre-audition sessions. This will help in determining groups and pieces for specific levels. Once student groups are assigned they will be given a 45 minute time slot within the class window for their coaching sessions. Session length is determined by ensemble size and student level.

If program fills, please add waitlist. Everyone will be able to enter pre-auditions.

ABRSM Theory Prep Course Grade 1-3 (9 weeks)

*This is a fully remote online course conducted over Zoom*

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Day: Monday
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Instructor: James
Minimum Age: 8
Maximum Age: 18
Price: $400
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

This course is a preparation course for the ABRSM grade 3 theory exam; the international grading system for musical accomplishment. ABRSM accreditation is a highly sought after extra curricular for college applications.

Passing the Grade 5 ABRSM theory exam is necessary for taking any higher level ABRSM practical examination for any and all instruments. This course starts at grade 1 and as such students with at least 1 year of instrumental experience are encouraged to sign up.

This class will cover the grades 1 – 3 ABRSM theory syllabus in full. Within the syllabus you will be shown the basic principles of music theory, extensively laying the foundations for study at higher levels. After each grade’s module there will be a test to measure student progress.

This course will provide you with a fast track opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge to pass the graded theory exams much faster than with a private music teacher. Students can learn what normally takes years of study in 10 weeks!

Students will be ready to complete the level 3 ABRSM theory exam at the end of this course. This course does NOT include registration for the ABRSM theory exam. This can be done privately or through San Ramon Academy of Music for the cost of registration.

Students will be required to independently purchase the level 1-3 ABRSM workbooks or through San Ramon Academy of Music. Links for material purchase will be provided immediately after registration.

ABRSM Theory Prep Course Grade 4-5 (9 weeks)

*This is a fully remote online course conducted over Zoom*

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Day: Monday
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Instructor: James
Minimum Age: 10
Maximum Age: 18
Price: $400
Maximum Participants: 10

Description:

This course is a preparation course for the ABRSM grade 5 theory exam; the international grading system for musical accomplishment. ABRSM accreditation is a highly sought after extra curricular for college applications.

Passing the Grade 5 ABRSM theory exam is necessary for taking any higher level ABRSM practical examination for any and all instruments. It is highly recommended that students have at least 3 years of instrumental experience, have completed grades 1-3 or be preparing for ABRSM examination before taking this course.

This class will cover the grades 4-5 ABRSM theory syllabus in full. Students will build on the knowledge from previous levels to prepare for the grade 5 exam. After each grade’s module there will be a test to measure student progress. The class culminates with full practice exams to fully assess students’ readiness for examination.

This course will provide you with a fast track opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge to pass the graded theory exams much faster than with a private music teacher. Students can learn what normally takes years of study in 4 months!

Students will be ready to complete the level 5 ABRSM theory exam at the end of this course. This course does NOT include registration for the ABRSM theory exam. This can be done privately or through San Ramon Academy of Music for the cost of registration.

Students will be required to independently purchase the level 4-5 ABRSM workbooks or through San Ramon Academy of Music. Links for material purchase will be provided immediately after registration.

Introduction to Music Composition (10 weeks)

*This is a fully remote online course conducted over Zoom*

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Day: Friday
Time: 4pm-5pm
Instructor: James
Minimum Age: 8
Maximum Age: 18
Price: $380
Maximum Participants: 12

Description:

Music making (composing, improvising, performing, listening) is a fundamental vehicle for human expression. This course is principally concerned with improving access to musical creativity, with providing and enhancing tools and techniques. The focus of written assignments will be to develop musical ideas and notation methods that effectively transmit them to performers. There is no prerequisite for the class. All musical backgrounds are welcomed, including students without prior musical training. However, it is highly recommended that students have at least 1 year of instrumental experience.

This is the class for you if you want to be creative with sound and performance. We will be experimenting with the fundamentals of music making. We will cover basic music notation, instrumentation, musical form and more!

In addition to composition assignments, students will also have reading and listening assignments.
Upon completion of the course there will be a recital to present each student’s final project for friends and family. All music that students compose will be performed by fellow students, or will be presented on computer.

‘Make Music’ Summer Camp

June 12-16 June 26-30 July 10-14 July 24-28

Day(s): Monday-Friday
Time: 9am-12pm
Minimum Age: 7
Maximum Age: 14
Price: $290/week
Maximum Participants: 18

Description:

The ‘Make Music!’ summer camp is brought to you by San Ramon Academy of Music. This weekly program provides a safe environment for children to develop their music skills with our amazing instructors. Campers will split their time between playing outdoor musical games and a separate classroom. Musicians of all levels are welcome to join! Any child interested in music can greatly benefit from this special experience.

In the classroom environment campers will engage in creative lesson plans to learn about different elements of music such as rhythm, notation, composition, basic keyboard skills, and more. These lessons will be applied to their daily musical games and activities.

In addition, campers will be grouped by age to develop social skills, decision-making skills, and make friends in an inclusive group learning environment centered around fun with music!

Required Materials: Campers are encouraged to bring a backpack with a binder, paper, and pencil to take notes on what they learn during the day.

Instructors

Meet the San Ramon Academy of Music group class instructors.

James Daly | Theory and Composition

Qualifications & Experience

James has performed as a solo pianist and accompanist across the US and Europe. He has also written dozens of piano works, chamber pieces, and orchestral music which have been played in multiple countries. He has over 10 years of experience teaching piano, theory, and composition to students of all ages.

Education

James received his bachelor’s degree in music from UC Berkeley with an emphasis on performance and composition under pianist Martha Wasley. In addition, he spent time at the University of Manchester studying composition and piano performance under Richard Whalley and Camden Reeves.

Hobbies and Interests

Aside from teaching, James also enjoys spending his free time lifting weights, cooking, drawing, and reading.

Isaac Levine | Chamber Ensemble

Qualifications & Experience

Isaac teaches violin and viola in the South Bay. His students have achieved high levels of ABRSM accreditation, and have auditioned and played in both the Fremont (FYSO) and Hayward (YOSAC) Youth Symphonies. As a performer, Isaac has played for regional symphonies in New England, and performed with festivals in Breckenridge, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; and Spoleto, Italy.

Education

Isaac attended UC Berkeley for undergraduate work, and received a Master of Music in String Performance at Boston University.

Teaching Style

Isaac believes in using humor as an essential teaching tool. Laughter makes lessons more enjoyable — which helps students stick with it — but that’s not even the main benefit. More critically, having a sense of humor accelerates progress.

Faith Fernandez | Group Piano

Qualifications & Experience

Faith has performed in choirs and as a soloist in the Bay Area the majority of her life. While voice is her chosen instrument as a music major, she has also has extensive experience teaching piano. She is also proficient in organ, guitar, and ukulele.

Education

Faith Fernandez received her Music AA at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, CA, and is currently studying to receive her BM in Music Education, Choral at San Jose State University.

Hobbies and Interests

During her free time, Faith enjoys movie nights, traveling with her husband, cuddling with her dog, and facetime calls with family that are long distance.

Courtnee Rhone | Vocal Coach and Choir Director

Qualifications & Experience

Courtnee has performed as a lead in opera companies throughout the US and Europe in addition to winning international competitions for her vocal excellence. She began teaching at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts in 2008. When she moved to California, she continued teaching students around the Bay Area. She enjoys working with children of all age groups that have a love for music.

Education

Courtnee graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA with a Bachelors in Vocal Performance. She received her master’s degree in music from California State University East Bay.

Hobbies and Interests

In her leisure, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and having fun with friends.

Tani Nagaoka | Early Childhood Music Development and Group Piano

Qualifications and Experience:

Tani has been playing piano and performing as a pianist and in choir and jazz band for over 30 years. Tani performs as a solo pianist and vocalist with the Contra Costa Chamber Choir and the jazz vocal ensemble, JazzaNova. She also performs in the Bay Area in the tango orchestra La Orquesta Fusion de Tango.

Education:

Tani studied piano at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts in Massachusetts. She received her BA from Cornell University in Linguistics. Currently, Tani is completing two AA degrees for Music, both piano and voice, at Contra Costa College and Music Industry (composition and music production) at Diablo Valley College. She also studies privately for Composition. Next year she will begin her Masters degree program in vocal performance and music education at CSU East Bay.

Teaching Style:

Tani has been teaching youth in music both choir and piano, as well as assisting her teachers in her classes. She enjoys inspiring others to develop comfort and skills progressively with music as it is a lifelong pursuit. With the little ones she enjoys engaging their senses entirely in the musical discovery process.