Joy of Music Program Programs

Come lend your voice to a joyful vocal celebration of music and community. Composer, guitarist and singer Jim Scott draws on his own music as well as other songs of ecology, diversity, community and peace from classical to jazz to folk music from many cultures. Singers of all levels are welcome - note readers as well as learners by ear! Jim was a member of the Paul Winter Consort for 10 years and helped create their monumental Missa Gaia/Earth Mass. Jim collected, arranged and edited the "Earth and Spirit Songbook." He has a knack for putting participants in touch with their innate creativity and helping them experience the power of musical expression.

** Private Instrumental and Voice Lessons

** Adults are finding that the warm and supportive atmosphere at JOMP makes it an ideal place to study. Whether you are interested in trying something new, continuing your studies or reconnecting with an instrument you haven’t played in a while, our faculty is enthusiastic about helping you find and keep a place for music in your life. Accomplished musicians will find a highly professional faculty at JOMP, able to guide you in your musical development.

ADULTS - LOOK FOR THE ** THAT MARK PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS THROUGHOUT THE WEB SITE.

** Joy of Music Programs for Early Childhood (from birth to age 5) The Joy of Music Program was founded as a program of Music and Movement classes for preschoolers. These classes remain at the heart of our developmental approach to music education. Our current curriculum has grown from them, and many of our teenagers and alumni started their musical journey in these classes. Children naturally tune in to the sounds and actions around them, spontaneously responding to them with their own voices and body movements. The following classes are designed to help nurture these responses by providing our youngest students with a joyful introduction to music making. In addition to Music and Movement, Sing and Sway and Dance-a-Story are included in our Early Childhood curriculum.

Creative Dance Classes The strong connection between movement and the development of a good ear makes experience in dance an important element of musical growth. Our dance classes are designed to enhance the development of our students’ musicianship by exploring the elements of music, such as rhythm, shape, stillness and energy through movement. They are also designed for girls and boys to enjoy together.

Children's and Youth Choruses Experience the power, beauty and fun of singing songs from around the world. Chorus members will learn and refine vocal techniques, paying special attention to breathing and blending with other voices. They will also build musicianship and listening skills as they explore the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, pitch, timbre, etc.) Each chorus becomes a singing community as individual members discover and develop their own unique talents, support each others' gifts and create something greater together than they could alone.

** Recorder The recorder is a wonderful first instrument. It can serve as a performance instrument in its own right that can bring joy for a lifetime, or provide a good transition to another instrument. Recorder classes and ensembles are small (4 to 6 students) and will be grouped by age and experience. Private recorder lessons are also available.

** Afro-Caribbean Drumming Students will experience the power of the drum to unite people and uplift the spirit. Using a variety of drums (primarily Djembes and Tubanos), bells, shakeres and a balafon, each group will create a community through sound as they develop their inner sense of rhythm, concentration and ensemble.

** Jazz, Folk & Classical Ensembles Playing in an ensemble is one of the most satisfying and inspiring experiences a musician can have. It provides an opportunity for musical growth as well as a chance to share music with one’s peers. Students learn how to blend with other instruments, listen to other parts, and apply the concepts of dynamics, phrasing and nuances as a group. Placements in all ensembles will be made based on age, level and readiness as recommended by a student's private teacher in consultation with the school’s directors and ensemble instructors. All ensemble students must be taking private lessons. Ensemble experience expands on what students learn in their private lessons, but in no way takes the place of private study. Regular attendance is required. Students not taking private lessons at JOMP must take a placement audition, so we can get to know their playing and determine whether or not we have a group that will be a good match for them.