Music Classes

Oldham County Youth Choir

The Oldham County Youth Choir is for students who love to sing! Young musicians will grow and develop in their vocal technique, learning about tone quality, breath support, diction, and intonation, as well as ear training, sight reading, and singing with two or more parts. Singers will learn the best of youth choral literature and enjoy being a part of a group of young musicians making music together. Two age groups are offered for Grades 1-4 and Grades 5 & up. The combined choirs, along with the Chickadee Choir will present a Spring Concert on Saturday, April 19, 4:00pm. (Dress rehearsal Thursday, April 17 during class).

Spring Semester began January 16.

Enrollment is currently closed for this session. Please contact the office with any questions. OC Youth Choir will be offered again the Fall Semester 2025.

 12 weeks + dress rehearsal and concert: $195 (+$10 t-shirt fee)

Director: Amanda McGehee; Accompanist: Heidi Vander Zouwen                                                       

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Concert Choir (Grades 1-4): Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm

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Bel Canto Singers (Grades 5 & up; high schoolers welcome!): Thursdays, 5:30-6:45 pm 

The Chickadee Choir is a music program for Preschool and Kindergarten-aged children who love to sing, dance, and play. Students will learn the basics about singing together in a group and will be taught vocal technique and elements of music through age-appropriate songs, games and playing with instruments. Students will perform a Spring Concert with the OC Youth Choir.

Thursdays 4:30-5:15pm 

Spring Semester began January 9

This session is currently closed for new registrations. Chickadee Choir will be offered again in the Summer (8-week session). Please see the Summer Camps & Classes page for registration.

12 weeks + dress rehearsal and concert: $165

Instructor: Katherine Mercier                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

First Melodies Music Class (Ages 6 months – 4 years)
First Melodies Music Class is a family centered class to foster musical appreciation, awareness, and musical skills in young children. Music lessons will be used to help develop social skills, body control, increased attention spans, and a joy and appreciation for music! Classes will be adapted to meet the needs of each child. Early Music Makers will enjoy singing, dancing, moving, and playing to a diverse selection of age-appropriate music. Parents are to attend and will have fun participating with their children!  Two class day/time options are available.

8 weeks, $115

Instructor: Katherine Mercier

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Thursdays 3:30-4:15pm  

Spring Quarter begins March 13

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Fridays 10:00-10:45am 

Spring Quarter begins March 14

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

BEGINNING STRINGS (Grades K-5)  Develop an appreciation for music by learning violin, viola, or cello in a fun and supportive environment! Students are grouped into small classes where they will learn exercises and songs that enforce strings fundamentals such as correct positioning and bow hold, free movement and healthy tone production. Music theory and ear training will be presented through fun activities that encourage good musicianship. Classes are offered at several Oldham County elementary schools as well as at the OCS Arts Center.

Beginning Strings is intended as a one-year program, divided into three, 10-week quarters, and each quarter will build on knowledge gained in the previous session. A performance opportunity is offered at the end of each quarter. At the end of the year, students will be prepared to transition into Jr. Orchestra, the Campus Orchestra program, private lessons or the Suzuki Strings program. Instruments are not provided, and families are encouraged to rent with a respectable instrument shop. (Contact the Arts Center for recommendations).

Registration for new students in Beginning Strings classes is closed for the 2024-25 school year. However, other strings education opportunities may be available. Please contact the office for more information if interested in this program: 502-241-6018 or arts.center@oldham.kyschools.us

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Beginning Strings at the OCS Arts Center (Grades K-5)*

Thursdays 5:30-6:30

Instructor: Sam Meade

 *Students Grades K-3 should be accompanied by a parent   

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 Beginning Strings at Buckner Elementary (Grades 4-5)

Mondays 2:20-3:20pm

Instructor: Katherine Mercier

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 Beginning Strings at Harmony Elementary, Grades 4-5 

Tuesdays 2:20-3:20pm

Instructor: Sam Meade     

 

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Beginning Strings at La Grange Elementary, Grades 4-5

Wednesdays 2:20-3:20pm

Instructor: Katherine Mercier  

 

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Beginning Strings at Locust Grove Elementary, Grades 4-5     

Fridays 2:20-3:30pm

Instructor: Aimee Quinn       

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Junior Orchestra (Grades 1-7)

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

Junior Orchestra is the first orchestral experience for students to encounter a heterogeneous string ensemble. The focus of the class is reading music, playing under a conductor, developing ensemble skills, and performing beginning to intermediate grade level music. This class will  prepare students for the Campus String Orchestra and Leadership & Performance for Strings programs. It is also a great supplemental ensemble opportunity for students currently taking private lessons.

A performance opportunity is offered at the end of each 10-week quarter. Instruments are not provided, and families are encouraged to rent with a respectable instrument shop. (Contact the Arts Center for recommendations).

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm 

10 weeks, $175. ($150 discount tuition for students currently enrolled in private lessons at OCSAC).

Instructor: Katherine Mercier

Spring Quarter began  March 4. New students transferring from Beginning Strings, private lessons or another program are still welcome to join.                                                                                                                                                                                         

Oldham County String Orchestras (Grades 6-12)

The Campus Orchestra Program is an opportunity for students to learn one of four string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) and play in a string ensemble. The focus of the class is reading music, playing under a conductor, developing ensemble skills, and performing beginning to intermediate grade level music. This class will also prepare students for an audition into the LaPS: Leadership & Performance for Strings program or the CAPAA Program. Beginning through experienced students are welcome. Instruments are not provided and students are encouraged to rent an instrument with a respectable instrument shop. (Violins and violas should be brought to school on class days. Cellos and basses will be provided for use in class, but these students will still need to rent an instrument for home practice). Registration with the Arts Center is required before attending the class at your school. High school students should attend the orchestra at the middle school on their campus.

This is a 30-week full year program, but new students are accepted at any time.

Full Scholarship for students enrolled in OC District schools.

Spring Semester begins January 14, 15, 16.

Still accepting new registrations in ALL orchestra groups. Register online to join at the next rehearsal!

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East Campus Orchestra meets at EOMS  

Canceled due to low-enrollment. If interested in String Orchestra at EOMS, please contact the Arts Center office at 502-241-6018 or arts.center@oldham.kyschools.us

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OC Campus Orchestra meets at OCMS

Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15-5:15

Spring Semester begins January 15

Director: Katherine Mercier                                                                                                                                                                                         

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North Campus Orchestra meets at NOMS

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm

Spring Semester begins January 14

Director: Elise Gambrell                                                                                                                                                                  

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South Campus Orchestra meets at SOMS             

Mondays & Thursdays 4:00-5:00pm

Spring Semester begins January 16

Director: Sam Meade                                                                                                                                                                            

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.

Please contact the Arts Center to request an audition. Audition requirements: One piece of student’s choice that showcases their musical skills & one scale of the student's choice.

Class meets Tuesdays 4:45-6:15 p.m. and on selected Saturdays.  Spring Semester began January 14. 

30-week year: $895 (pro-rated for students joining Spring Semester). $100 deposit due at registration; (merit & need-based scholarships are generously available). Payment may be made annually, or broken into quarterly payments.

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

TaPS provides private violin lessons for students of all ages, along with performance opportunities to help budding young violinists grow. Lessons are offered by-appointment, after school at Goshen Elementary and at the OCS Arts Center. Research has proven that learning the violin at an early age jump starts creative thinking in all subject areas, stimulating children's desire to learn in inventive ways. Private lessons help students to develop their talent in an individualized setting, providing freedom for students to learn at their own speed. The results can be amazing! TaPS is directed by Brittany MacWilliams, accomplished violin professor and performer with over 20 years teaching and performing experience.

TaPS: Goshen Elementary at Hillcrest (Gr. K-5) 

Individually scheduled after school from 2:30-5:00pm on select weekdays  

 10-week quarter, 30-min. weekly lessons: $395     

Spring Quarter begins February 24, but enrollment is ongoing on a rolling basis                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                     

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  TaPS: OCS Arts Center (all ages)                                                                                                                                                       

By appointment. 10-week quarter, 30-min. weekly lessons: $395; 45-min. weekly lessons: $525; 60-min. weekly lessons: $675 

Spring Quarter begins February 24, but enrollment is ongoing on a rolling basis 

                                       

The Suzuki Program includes weekly private lessons and bi-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.

The Suzuki Program, based on the teaching philosophy of Schinichi Suzuki (1898 – 1998), is a method of teaching instruments that focuses on students beginning at an early age, listening to music before note reading, constant repetition and memorization of music, and learning and performing with other students. It is also referred to as “The Mother Tongue” method because it has a firm belief that Mom and Dad are the teachers at home. The Suzuki Teacher, the Parents, and the Student all have distinct roles and relationships in “the Parent-Teacher-Student Triangle:”

The parent-student relationship is primarily about interaction at home. The parent reinforces what the teacher has taught at the lesson and is responsible for creating a positive learning environment for the student at home.

The teacher-student relationship involves the teacher presenting content to the student in a nurturing environment and being conscious of each student’s distinctive learning approach needs.

The parent-teacher relationship allows the student to work well at home and in the studio. Both leadership roles agree about lesson-related issues and give a united front and clear guidance to the student.

Group class 4x per quarter, Mondays at 5:30pm; a teacher will contact you after registration with your group assignment.

Private Lesson Times by Appointment, 10-week quarters   (violin, viola, cello) 

30 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $395

45 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $525

60 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $675 

Spring Quarter begins February 24, but enrollment is ongoing on a rolling basis                                Suzuki Instructors: Sam Meade, Layne Green, Aimee Quinn

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CONTINUING STUDENTS

NEW STUDENTS

Private Instrument and Voice Lessons (All Ages)

Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, Voice, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, Acoustic or Electric Guitar, Clarinet, Bass, and Drums. We welcome children and adults with no musical experience through those with advanced abilities to study privately. Lessons are billed in 10-week quarters, but registration is ongoing and new students may be accepted at any time. Please contact the Arts Center or pre-register on-line to arrange placement with an instructor.

Lesson Times by Appointment

10 lessons/30min. $350; 10 lessons/45min. $475; 10 lessons/60min. $625

Spring Quarter begins February 24, but enrollment is ongoing on a rolling basis.

To begin in the Summer Quarter in June, please visit our Summer Camps page.

NEW STUDENTS

CONTINUING STUDENTS