Community Music Classes

Bouncing Babies Making Music  
45-minute class for 3–11 month-old children and caretakers (must be the appropriate age by January 31, 2026)   
Instructor: Rejane De Musis 
Class Time: Saturdays, 9:30–10:15am 
$420 per semester 
Babies instinctively react to music! Kick off your Saturday morning with joyous community music-making at Tufts. In this interactive My Adult & Me class, babies and caregivers learn delightful rhymes, world music, lullabies, floor and lap games, action songs and dances that stimulate your baby’s natural response to music. In our music classes for babies, caregivers gather information each week on infant musical development and learn activities to share in class and use at home. More benefits: increases bonding with your baby and develops listening and motor skills. Also enhances language development and sense of balance and timing. Our teaching is inspired by Kodály, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff-Schulwerk, and Music Learning Theory.

Growing Babies Music Makers 
45-minute class for 1-year-old children and caretakers (must be the appropriate age by January 31, 2026)  
Instructor: Rejane De Musis 
Class Time: Saturdays, 10:15–11:00am 
$420 per semester 
One-year-olds continue to learn delightful songs, singing books, dances and musical activities that focus on singing and keeping a beat to enhance timing, coordination, listening, and language skills. High-quality percussion instruments are used, as well as puppets, stories, and colorful props to make this a very special music time. More benefits: repetition assists language development and memory, and improves coordination and timing; helps toddlers express their feelings productively, and develops their imagination and ability to focus. Our class is teaching inspired by Kodály, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff-Schulwerk, and Music Learning Theory.

Toddlers Tones 
45-minute class for 2-year-old children and caretakers (must be the appropriate age by January 31, 2026)  
Instructor: Rejane De Musis 
Class Time: Saturdays, 11:15am–12:00pm 
$420 per semester 
The young child and caregiver will sing, dance, and play instruments. Solo singing is encouraged to develop listening, pitch-matching, and language skills. Concepts such as high and low, soft and loud, up and down are taught in a game-like atmosphere. Puppets, felts, and props add to the special music-making experience. More benefits: improves coordination. Through movement and playing, a sense of timing, phrase, and form develops. Our class is teaching inspired by Kodály, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff-Schulwerk, and Music Learning Theory.

Musical Magical Hands
45-minute class for 3-year-old children and caretakers (must be the appropriate age by January 31, 2026) 
Instructor: Rejane De Musis
Class Time: Saturdays, 12:15–1:00pm
$420 per semester
Three-year-olds continue to learn through a sense of play and discovery as we explore movement, dance, stories, and singing to interact with music. Students will play instruments, improvise rhythms and melodies, expand their musical repertoire, explore their singing voices, and engage in joyful music-making with their caregivers. Our class is teaching inspired by Kodály, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Orff-Schulwerk, and Music Learning Theory.

Big Toddlers—Big Musicians
45-minute class for 4-year-old children (must be the appropriate age by January 31, 2026) 
Instructor: Rejane De Musis
Class Time: Saturday, 1:00–1:45 pm
$420 per semester
Your child is ready for a drop-off class! This class continues teaching the elements of music. Using strategies from Music Learning Theory, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Kodály and Orff Schulwerk, students will sing, move, and play through new meters, modes, and a world music repertoire. The students will create and accompany themselves as they sing. Using Orff instruments introduces numerous parts for students to play in ensembles, bringing a more developed sense of timing, listening skills, and concentration. More benefits: builds on the child’s musical literacy foundation and continues to improve physical and literacy skills.

Mini-Fingers for KG Kids   
45-minute class for children in kindergarten (must be 5 years old by January 31, 2026)   
Instructor: Adriana Ausch   
Class Time: TBA  
$475 per semester   
Master the first steps in playing a keyboard! This class combines rhythm games with movement, basic notation, and learning the fundamentals of playing the keyboard. Students develop coordination between hands, learn basic music notation and finger exercises, master short songs, and connect with peers through rhythm games. At-home practice is expected. Capacity: 7 students. 

Requires purchase of a Casio SA-50 Portable Keyboard (32 mini keys) for class and practice. 

Eurhythmics and Piano I-A   
45-minute class for children age 6 (must be 6 years old by January 31, 2026)   
Instructor: Adriana Ausch   
Class Time: TBA
$515 per semester   
Your child will experience Dalcroze Eurhythmics activities that will enhance their piano playing. By learning to play simple songs, students are introduced to piano basics, coordination, keyboard geography, and the musical grand staff. Homework is expected; parents are invited to participate in developing practice habits outside the classroom. Capacity: 5 students. Prerequisite: Mini-Fingers class

Eurhythmics and Piano I-B  
45-minute class for children age 6 (must be 6 years old by January 31, 2026)    
Instructor: Adriana Ausch   
Class Time: TBA 
$515 per semester   
Your child will experience Dalcroze Eurhythmics activities that will enhance their piano playing. By learning to play simple songs, students are introduced to piano basics, coordination, keyboard geography, and the musical grand staff. Homework is expected; parents are invited to participate in developing practice habits outside the classroom. Capacity: 5 students. No prerequisites.

Eurhythmics and Intro to Piano II   
45-minute class
Instructor: Adriana Ausch   
Class Time: TBA
$515 per semester   
This class is a continuation of Eurhythmics and Piano I, or for children who have already learned the basics: finger numbers, black and white keys, and introduction to music notation. Students will learn longer songs, scales, and develop practicing habits. Capacity: 5 students. Prerequisites: Eurythmics and Piano I or permission of the instructor.

Eurhythmics and Piano III   
60-minute class
Instructor: Adriana Ausch    
Class Time: TBA  
$675 per semester   
This class is a continuation of Eurhythmics and Intro to Piano II. Students will learn longer songs, finger exercises, intervals and scales, conducting, expressive elements, music and movement connection through Eurhythmics and ear training. Capacity: 5 students.

Group Piano Class    
One-hour classes: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, (4pm class if needed)  
For children ages 7–12    
Instructor: Nando Michelin    
$460 per semester    
Taught in our piano/computer lab with touch-sensitive keyboards.

Foundations of Rhythm in World Percussion 
One-hour class: 12:00–1:00 pm 
Instructor: TBA
$460 per semester 
Come and feel the beat! Students will learn fundamental skills and rhythms on percussion instruments from around the world. Completion of this class will help prepare younger students for African Drumming and other higher level classes. Additionally, students develop a sense of cultural awareness which aids their appreciation of diversity. Various stick and hand techniques, as well as aural skills, will be addressed in this lively and innovative class as students prepare for an end-of-the-semester performance. All instruments and materials will be provided. 

Group Violin Class  
One-hour classes: 9:00–10:00am (level one, beginners); 10:00-11:00am (level two)   
Instructor: Jordan Hadrill   
$515 per semester   
Beginning violin students will improve technically and musically in a group environment that fosters teamwork and encouragement. Each class will include time spent learning how to read music and a session on playing position, in addition to practicing repertoire. Solo and group material will be equally emphasized so that students learn how to play by themselves and with other musicians. Prerequisite for level two: level one class or permission of the instructor.

African Drum & Dance for Kids  
One-hour class: 1:00–2:00 pm   
For students ages 9 & up    
Instructor: TBA
$460 per semester    
Experience the challenge and fun of traditional music and drumming from Ghana, West Africa. Stick and hand techniques will be applied to hand-crafted percussion instruments in an ensemble format. Songs and chanting may accompany various pieces in this ongoing series. New pieces will be added to the repertoire based on the ability of the group. Through the study and performance of the music, this ensemble helps build self-confidence, peer interaction, and community engagement. Prior completion of Foundations of Rhythm in World Percussion is highly recommended for the new beginner. 

Intermediate Chamber Music    
One-hour class: 11:00am–12:00pm   
For students ages 9 & up   
Instructor: Arminé Karapetian Donato    
$460 per semester    
Children love chamber music, where they play in groups but where each player gets their own part. Chamber music is only for strings and piano, open to students with at least two years of lessons. The class will incorporate musical games and improvisation designed to encourage listening, nonverbal communication, and other chamber music skills. Students will work on and perform a variety of classical, folk, and popular music. A more advanced section may be added depending on registration. Capacity: 6 students. Each class limited to one pianist.

Semi-Private Cello Lessons  
45-minute class  
Beginner–Intermediate    
For students ages 9 & up   
Instructor: Miriam Eckelhoefer    
$700 per semester    
Beginning cellists will be introduced to the instrument and will learn basic skills on the instrument while advanced beginner and intermediate cellists will continue to develop their skills on the instrument, focusing on musicianship, intonation, and sight reading techniques. All classes will work on varying repertoire, including solo pieces and ensemble pieces, and major and minor key signatures. Students will be grouped together based on experience and level. 

Semi-Private Violin and Viola Lessons    
45-minute class    
For students ages 9& up    
Instructors: TBA  
$700 per semester    
Semi-private violin and viola lessons are intended for intermediate/advanced violin and viola students. They will study scales in major and minor keys, études, pieces, and duets. Students will study musicianship, intonation, and sight reading techniques. Students will be grouped together based on experience and level.

Beginning/Intermediate Class for Ukulele    
One-hour classes: 9am, 10am, 11am, or 12pm; (12pm class in conjunction with guitar classes)    
Instructors: Jerry Bussiere and Phillip Grannan    
Tuition: $515 per semester    
We will learn basic chords and/or melodies to popular and traditional songs, which the students will help to choose. Sight reading is not necessary, but we will use basic chord charts that are simple to follow. No prior experience needed, but if you have played guitar, you can easily transfer your skills and knowledge to the ukulele.

Semi-Private Piano Lessons    
30-minute classes offered every half hour between 9:00am and 2:00pm    
For students ages 9 & up, or with two years of previous experience    
Instructors: Arminé Karapetian Donato and TBA  
$515 per semester    
Semi-private piano lessons are intended for students between the ages of 10–13 with a minimum of two years of class piano. The students will be paired by level and will work on piano technique and repertoire, including some pieces for piano duet, sight reading, and keyboard theory. Students must have access to a piano for daily practice.

Semi-Private Voice Lessons    
30-minute classes offered every half hour between 10:00am and 2:00pm    
For students ages 10 & up    
Instructor: TBA   
$515 per semester    
Semi-private voice lessons are intended for students between the ages of 10–17. Students will work on all aspects of vocal technique, solo songs, and duets.

Drumset Class    
One-hour classes: 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm   
For students ages 9 & up    
Instructor: TBA
$515 per semester    
Students will work on basic technique, reading notation, improvisation, and performance for drum set. The class will work on individual pieces as well as ensemble works. Students are required to bring a pair of drumsticks to every class. No experience is necessary but students do need access to a drum set for practice during the week. Students are grouped according to experience. 

Beginning/Intermediate Course for Non-Classical Guitar    
One-hour classes: 9am, 10am, 11pm, 12pm    
For students ages 9 & up    
Instructors: Jerry Bussiere & Phillip Grannan    
$515 per semester    
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the guitar as played with a pick and/or fingers. The focus will be on learning to play popular songs, which will be chosen by the instructor and students together. Song arrangements will be created for the students in each class and rehearsed for performance at the final concert. The emphasis will be on playing music together. We will make simple chord charts to follow and some note reading may be introduced.

Music Theory and Composition    
One-hour class: 12:00–1:00pm    
For students ages 9 & up    
Instructor: Phillip Grannan    
$475 per semester    
The primary goal of this course is to nurture your child's creativity—both in composing music and in thinking about music—while instilling the basics of music theory, including melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. As appropriate, we will work with learning and composing by ear as well as using Western notation. The class is geared toward students who have little or no experience with composing or music theory; however, intermediate levels will be offered for students with prior experience.

A Cappella Singing Class    
One-hour class: 12:00–1:00pm    
For students ages 9 & up    
Instructors: TBA 
$400 per semester    
This course is designed for students interested in singing, and ultimately in forming an a cappella group. Singing a cappella means that all elements of a song are produced vocally. Each class will begin with an introduction to various a cappella music styles including jazz, pop, r&b, hip-hop, rock, soul, etc. Students will develop vocal techniques and expand their understanding of pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, and note recognition. Songs will be selected by the class and arranged for performances throughout the semester. No prior singing experience is necessary, but being able to work and sing together as a group is essential. This class is sponsored in part by the Bubs Foundation.

Fridays afternoons, 4:00-6:30 pm
Conductor: John Page

Learn More

Chamber Music for Adult Chamber Musicians (adults only)   
Study and perform chamber works with the outstanding applied music faculty at Tufts. These 8-week long workshops are offered in the fall and spring semester and include six 90-minute coached sessions and group rehearsals, and culminate in recitals in Distler Hall in May. Each group will work intensively with an experienced chamber music coach at a mutually agreed-upon time. Groups for strings, woodwinds, brass, and piano will be formed based on experience and repertoire options. Pre-existing groups are also welcome. The fee for the workshop is $510. Applications are due on October 1 for the fall workshop and March 1 for the spring workshop. For more information or to arrange an audition, please contact us by email or 617-627-5616.

Boston Village Gamelan (adults and advanced high school students)   
The Boston Village Gamelan (BVG), one of the first independent gamelan ensembles in America, was established in 1979 and has been in residence at Tufts University since 1994. The ensemble performs regularly in the New England area; its focus is the traditional repertoire of Surakarta and Central Java. BVG rehearsals are open to the public and new participants are always welcome. For more information, email Barry Drummond.

Introduction to Voice Class (adults only) 
Instructor: Adriana Ausch 
$510 per semester   
Tuesdays 7:15pm (if needed 8:15pm)   
This class is designed to improve each student's singing voice and develop the ability to sing successfully in front of others. Throughout the semester, students will be taught the fundamentals of healthy vocal production, which includes the following principles: alignment and breath management, tone production, diction (clear pronunciation of text), expression, musicality, and stage confidence. Individual vocal problems will be assessed and exercises will be given to help strengthen and improve the voice. Students will sing together and also individually in class. In order to take this class, students MUST be able to match pitch, or sing in tune. Capacity: 4 students.

Piano Class for Adults 
Instructor: Armine Donato 
30-minute session 
Evening or Saturday time to be arranged 
$385 per six week session

Adult Guitar Class—Beginner to Elementary
Instructor: Phillip Grannan 
Saturdays 1:00-2:00pm 
$510 per semester 
This class will explore the basics of harmony as applied to the guitar. Students will learn note locations and how to construct basic chords and melodies on guitar. We will also focus on gaining strength, agility and coordination of both hands and learn how to create effective rhythmic and dynamic performances. We will apply these skills and knowledge to various forms of mainstream popular music and use simple lead sheets and recordings as a guide. Students may influence which songs and artists will be considered, and students may also play along with professional recorded songs. This class is for beginner to elementary level students. If there is interest in an intermediate level class we will consider adding a second section. (The program has a limited number of guitars to loan while students are taking classes.)