Music

Please visit our Private Lessons page for more information

Private Lessons

The Oldham County Youth Community Choir is a community program open to any student who loves to sing! Three age groups are offered, and placement can be flexible depending on the needs of individual students. The combined choirs present a concert at the end of each semester, and may also perform at community events when the opportunity arises. No auditions are required, but directors are willing to meet with students for placement purposes by request. Rehearsals meet on Thursdays during the school year. Fall Semester begins September 3. 

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The Chickadee Choir (ages 4-7) is an introduction to music and singing for young children. Students will learn vocal technique and elements of music through age appropriate songs, games, and playing with instruments. Chickadee Choir is recommended as an introduction to music for young children before beginning lessons on any instrument, as well as singing.                                                  Thursdays 4:30-5:15. Director: Katherine Mercier

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In Beginning Choir (ages 8-12), students will grow and develop in their vocal technique (tone quality, breath support, diction and intonation) and learn music-reading, sight-singing with solfege, and perform music with two and three parts. Lessons and music for the semester will be selected based on the needs of the current group.                                                                                                           Thursdays 4:30-5:30. Director: Amanda McGehee

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Junior Choir (ages 13+) is for older students ready for greater musical challenges. A longer rehearsal allows for more time devoted to vocal exercises, sight-singing and ear training, and music theory lessons. Students will perform music with two or more parts, with more complex rhythms and harmonies. Beginners are still very welcome, and music will be selected each semester based on the ages and abilities of students enrolled.                                                                                                                                                                 Thursdays 5:30-6:45. Director: Amanda McGehee

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Anyone can learn to play the Dulcimer! Join instructor Derek Harris for 10 weeks of Kentucky music on Kentucky’s state instrument in a relaxed group class setting. Beginners as well as those with basic to intermediate skills are welcome. A limited number of instruments are available to borrow. Please let us know if you will bring your own dulcimer or if you need to use one of ours. Come jam with us this Fall!

Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm
10-weeks, $165
Begins September 10

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Beginning Strings (Grades K-5)

Beginning Strings offers a fun and supportive environment for students to learn the fundamentals of violin, viola or cello. Technique, music theory, ear training and good musicianship are taught through engaging exercises, activities and songs. Classes are offered after-school at Oldham County Elementary Schools (for Grades 3-5) & at the Arts Center (for Grades K-5). Graduates of the Beginning Strings program will be prepared to transition to the Campus Orchestra at their middle schools or Sinfonia String Ensemble, Suzuki Strings or private lessons at the OCS Arts Center. 

Students who completed the Beginning Strings program in 2025-26 are encouraged to join Sinfonia String Ensemble (formerly Junior Orchestra), or the Campus Orchestra at their middle school (if in 6th grade).

Beginning Strings is a full school-year program, divided into three 10-week quarters. Quarterly performance opportunities showcase and celebrate student progress.

Tuition: 30-week school year $495. 3-part payment plan: $165 due at registration in August/September, December and March.

Oldham County Schools Arts Center
Grades K-5 (Gr. K-3 must be accompanied by an adult)
Thursdays 5:30-6:30
Instructor: Sam Meade
Begins Sept. 3

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Buckner Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Wednesdays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Katherine Mercier
Begins Sept. 2

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Camden Station Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Mondays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Katherine Mercier
Begins Aug. 31

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Centerfield Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Thursdays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Genesis Aquilar
Begins Sept. 3

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Crestwood Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Wednesdays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Bria Quinn 
Begins Sept. 2

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Harmony Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Tuesdays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Sam Meade
Begins Sept. 1

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Kenwood Station Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Wednesdays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Sheri Quinn 
Begins Sept. 2

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La Grange Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Mondays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Bria Quinn
Begins Aug. 31
Tuition-free. Instrument rental included.

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Locust Grove Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Mondays 2:20-3:20
Instructor: Genesis Aquilar
Begins Aug. 31

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Sinfonia String Ensemble* (Grades 1-8) violin, viola, cello, bass 
*Previously known as "Junior Orchestra".

Prerequisite skills: Completion of a Beginning Strings class (or equivalent), 1 year of private lessons, or in Suzuki Book 2 in the OCSAC Suzuki Program. New and returning orchestra students are welcome. *Students 1st-3rd grade must be accompanied by an adult.

Sinfonia Strings is the next level of the OCSAC Beginning Strings program, offering a first orchestral experience for violin, viola, cello and double bass students. Class focuses on reading music, playing under a conductor, developing ensemble skills, and performing beginning to intermediate grade level music. This class will prepare students for Campus String Orchestra, Leadership & Performance for Strings, and the CAPAA String Orchestra program. It is also serves as an ensemble opportunity for Suzuki Strings & Private Lessons students.

Sinfonia Strings is a 30-week, full school-year program. Regular performance opportunities are offered in collaboration with other strings classes. Instruments are not provided. For rental questions, please contact Samuel.meade@oldham.kyschools.us

Tuesdays 5:00-5:50pm
Director: Katherine Mercier
Class begins: Tuesday, September 1
Tuition 2026-27: $555
Payment options: 
1) 10% discount for payment-in-full $499.50
2) 3 quarterly payments of $185 (Sept./Dec./Mar.)
Private Lessons Student Discount Rate: $150 x3 or $405 payment in full. (discount applied at check-out)
Suzuki Strings Student Discount Rate: $75x3 or $202.50 payment in full. (discount appllied at check-out)
Financial aid and alternative payment plans available by application. Questions? Email Leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us

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Placement auditions will be held for all registered students on August 28, 3:00-7:00pm. 
Sign Up for Audition Time
Audition Music
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS

Oldham County String Orchestras (Grades 6-12)

The Campus Orchestra Program offers Oldham County public school middle and high school students* the opportunity to learn a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or double bass) and play in an ensemble after school. Classes focus on reading music, playing under a conductor, developing ensemble skills, and performing beginning to intermediate grade level music.

Campus Orchestra is a great next step for students who have completed Beginning Strings, Jr. Orchestra, or a similar program, and may serve as an ensemble opportunity for students who take private lessons. However, complete beginners are also welcome**, and will be taught strings fundamentals during class. 

Orchestras begin the week of August 31, but will continue to accept new students on a rolling basis. Orchestras meet at the middle schools, but high school students are welcome,  and should register for orchestra on their campus.

30-week school year: $100 annual tuition 

Instrument rental: All students will need to obtain an instrument for home practice. For rentals, we recommend Lane & Edwards Violins: 502-690-5908. www.violinsoflouisville.com Violins and violas will need to be brought to school on class days. Cellos and basses will be provided for in-class use since these are not permitted on the bus. 

*What if my student doesn't attend OC public school but is interested in orchestra? Homeschool, private school and public school students from other districts may register for Sinfonia Strings Ensemble or LaPS depending on experience level. Please email the Strings Program Director to inquire about placement for your child.

Questions? Email String Program Director Sam Meade: samuel.meade@oldham.kyschools.us

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East Campus Orchestra meets at EOMS  
Mondays & Thursdays, 3:50-4:50pm
Begins August 31
Directors: Genesis Aguilar (Mondays) & Ben Meitzen (Thursdays) 

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OC Campus Orchestra meets at OCMS  
Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Begins August 31
Director: Katherine Mercier

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North Campus Orchestra meets at NOMS  
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Begins September 1
Director: Elise Gambrell

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South Campus Orchestra meets at SOMS  
Thursdays 3:50-4:50pm
Begins September 3
Director: Sam Meade

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*Returning families: Please note many exciting new changes to our program for the 2026-27 school year! Mr. Sam will be contacting you soon to share more information.
The Suzuki Program includes weekly private lessons and weekly group classes as well as performance opportunities. Students will play select repertoire from the Suzuki books and other styles of music including fiddle, celtic, jazz, and pop. All Oldham County School Art Center Suzuki Teachers are registered and trained in the Suzuki Method and other forms of string pedagogy.

Read more about the Suzuki Method HERE

1) Private Lesson Times by Appointment, billed in 10-week quarters:
10 weeks, 30 min. weekly lessons & group class: $425
10 weeks, 45 min. weekly lessons & group class: $550
10 weeks, 60 min. weekly lessons & group class: $695

2) Suzuki Group Classes meet Tuesdays 5:00-5:50pm and 5:50-6:40pm (depending on book level). Group classes meet every week. A teacher will contact you after registration with your group assignment. (Your group class teacher may be different from your private lessons instructor).

3) Suzuki Students in Books 1B-4 are highly encouraged to join Sinfonia String Ensemble, Tuesdays 5:00-5:50 with Katherine Mercier. Class meets immediately prior to Suzuki Group class, and offers students a valuable opportunity to play in an orchestra setting, under a conductor, improving music-reading and ensemble-playing skills. A highly discount rate is offered for Suzuki Students: $225 annually or $75 quarterly (regular price $555 annually/$185 quarterly). 

Fall Quarter begins August 31, 2026 but enrollment is open year-round. Tuition is pro-rated for new students beginning late in a quarter. 
Suzuki Instructors: Sam Meade (violin viola), Layne Green (violin, viola), Genesis Aguilar (violin, viola) Bria Quinn (violin, cello), Ben Meitzen (cello)

Group Class ONLY 
Students are permitted to enroll in Suzuki group classes without private lessons ONLY if  
1) They are enrolled in lessons with a Suzuki certified instructor outside of the Arts Center 
2) They have obtained permission from their private instructor and the Arts Center String Program Director to participate in the program. 
Payment may be made in full for the school year ($195), or in three payments of $65 due September 1, December 1 & March 1.

REGISTER AS A NEW STUDENT

REGISTER AS A CONTINUING STUDENT

REGISTER FOR GROUP CLASS ONLY
General Questions? Email String Program Director Sam Meade: samuel.meade@oldham.kyschools.us
Billing & Financial Aid Questions? Email OCSAC Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us 

LaPS: Leadership & Performance for Strings (All ages, by audition)

Leadership and Performance for Strings (LaPS) provides unique opportunities to string players to develop their musical skills while growing as leaders and performers. Open by audition to all ages of violinists, violists, cellists, string bass players, and pianists.

Students in the Leadership and Performance project are offered weekly masterclasses, chamber music coaching, rehearsals with our staff accompanists, and many performance opportunities. Each year several Concerto Workshops give our students the incomparable experience of playing their solos with full orchestras. Seminars are also be offered in music theory, leadership in both orchestral and chamber music settings, and technique classes for each specific instrument. Recitals are open to all LaPS students to regularly perform their solos and chamber music.

Auditions: August 25-29, 2026
Audition requirements: One piece of student’s choice that showcases their musical skills. 
To request an audition: Email LaPS Director Brittany MacWilliams: brittanymac1@gmail.com

Class meets Tuesdays 5:00-6:30 p.m. and selected Saturdays.                                                                                                                                                          Fall Semester begins September 1, 2026.                                                                                                                                           

Annual Tuition: $950 (merit & need-based scholarships are generously available). $100 deposit due at registration. Payment may be made annually, or broken into quarterly payments. Tuition will be pro-rated for students joining the program later in the year. (For financial aid, payment plan and billing questions, please email Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us)

LaPS is directed by Brittany MacWilliams, accomplished violin/viola professor and performer with over 20 years of teaching and international performing experience. Faculty: Brittany MacWilliams, Felix Borges,  Alvin MacWilliams, Sam Meade

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TaPS at Goshen is a program offering violin instruction after school at Goshen Elementary with Brittany MacWilliams. Please visit our Private Lessons page for more information.

PRIVATE LESSONS

TaPS at OCSAC is a program offering private violin instruction with Brittany MacWilliams at the Arts Center. Please visit our Private Lessons page for more information.

PRIVATE LESSONS