Music Classes

First Melodies Music Class is a family centered educational program to foster musical appreciation, awareness, and musical skills in young children. Music lessons are used to help develop social skills, body control, increased attention spans, and a joy and appreciation for music. Classes adapted to meet the needs of each child. Children and their parents/caregivers will enjoy singing, dancing, moving, and playing music together!

Enrollment is open throughout the school year, and new families are invited to join at any time (tuition will be pro-rated). Stop in for a trial class this week!

For ages 6 month - 4 years with an adult
10-week session: $150
Instructor: Katherine Mercier

Thursdays 3:30-4:15, begins March 19

Fridays 10:00-10:45am, begins March 20

 

BEGINNING STRINGS (Grades K-5)  Learn violin, viola, or cello in a fun and supportive environment! Students will learn exercises and songs that enforce healthy technique, good musicianship, and an appreciation for music.

Classes are offered at several Oldham County elementary schools as well as at the OCS Arts Center. Beginning Strings is a full school-year program, divided into three, 10-week quarters. Each quarter will build on knowledge gained in the previous session. Students will perform a concert with other Beginning Strings classes a the end of each quarter to demonstrate what they have learned.

After completing a year of Beginning Strings, students will be prepared to transition to private lessons, or the Junior Orchestra or Suzuki Strings programs at the Arts Center. 5^th grade students in Oldham County Schools may join the free Campus Orchestra program at their middle school in 6^th grade. Ultimately, the strings program feeds into the string orchestra track of the Creative and Performing Arts Academy (CAPAA) for Oldham County students Grades 9-12 or the Leadership and Performance for Strings (LaPS), by audition, for homeschoolers and students attending any school.

Students will need an instrument to use in class and for home practice. For rentals, we recommend Lane & Edwards Violins: 502-690-5908, www.violinsoflouisville.com (let them know you are with the OCSAC program).

Quarterly tuition: $165 (due in September, December and March)

Questions? Email String Program Director Sam Meade: samuel.meade@oldham.kyschools.us
Payment questions? Email Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us

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Beginning Strings at the OCS Arts Center, Grades K-5                                                                                                                                                                        (Returning students K-3rd grade, and ALL new students joining in the Spring Quarter must be accompanied by an adult)

Thursdays 5:30-6:30
Spring Quarter begins March 5
Instructor: Sam Meade

                                                                                                            

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Enrollment in Beginning Strings classes at the schools is closed for the 2025-26 school year. Interested students may join the class at the Arts Center (see above). Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year opens in July 2026. OCSAC String Camp is also offered in July (dates TBA) and is recommended for students wanting to get an early start on before the school year.

Students already enrolled in a Beginning Strings class in the Winter Quarter may pay the Spring Quarter tuition fee below:

2025-26 CLASSES
Beginning Strings at Buckner Elementary, Grades 3-5
Canceled due to low-enrollment
Beginning Strings at Camden Station Elementary, Grades 3-5
Mondays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Katherine Mercier
Pay Spring Tuition 
Beginning Strings at Centerfield Elementary, Grades 3-5
Thursdays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Sheri Quinn
Pay Spring Tuition 
Beginning Strings at Crestwood Elementary, Grades 3-5
Wednesdays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Bria Quinn
Canceled due to low-enrollment
Beginning Strings at Harmony Elementary, Grades 3-5
Tuesdays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Sam Meade
Pay Spring Tuition
Beginning Strings at Kenwood Station Elementary, Grades 3-5
Canceled due to low enrollment. 
Beginning Strings at La Grange Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Wednesdays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Bria Quinn

Beginning Strings at Locust Grove Elementary (Gr. 3-5)
Mondays 2:20-3:20pm. Instructor: Samantha Lamkin    
Pay Spring Tuition
Goshen Elementary: See TaPS program                                                                                                                                                         

 

Junior Orchestra (Grades 1-8) violin, viola, cello, bass

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

Junior Orchestra is the second level of the OCSAC Beginning Strings program, and offers a first orchestral experience for violin, viola, cello and double bass students. Classes focus on reading music, playing under a conductor, developing ensemble skills, and performing beginning to intermediate grade level music. This class will also 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.

Junior Orchestra is a full school-year program, divided into three 10-week quarters. At the end of each quarter, the orchestra will perform a concert with the Beginning Strings classes to demonstrate what they have learned.

Instruments are not provided. For rentals, we recommend Lane & Edwards Violins: 502-690-5908, www.violinsoflouisville.com

Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm
Quarterly tuition: $185 (due September, December, March)
*$150 discounted tuition for students currently enrolled in private lessons at the Arts Center
Spring Quarter begins March 3.
Director: Katherine Mercier

Register for Spring Quarter:

OCSAC Private Lessons Students Register Here:

OCSAC Suzuki Students Register Here:

 

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.

Lesson Times by Appointment

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

Spring Quarter begins March 2, but enrollment is open year-round.

Questions? Contact OCSAC Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us

NEW STUDENTS: Please register and pay the registration fee. The Arts Center's Registrar will contact you with follow-up questions to place you with an instructor. You will be contacted by the instructor to schedule your lessons day and time. (If you do not hear from an instructor, or are unable to schedule a lesson time that works for you, please contact the Registrar to request placement with another teacher). Once your lessons have been confirmed, tuition is due by the first lesson. If you do not receive an invoice by email, please stop by the front office when you come for your first lesson. When registering in the middle of a quarter, tuition will be pro-rated to reflect the remaining weeks in the current quarter.

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CONTINUING STUDENTS: Please register here to pay for the Spring 10-week quarter. Please contact your teacher to confirm your Spring Quarter lessons time. Quarterly tuition is not pro-rated for continuing students. If you will miss lessons or still have make-up lessons due from the Winter Quarter, please discuss this with your instructor.

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 Shinichi 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. (Your group class teacher may be different from your private lessons instructor).

Private Lesson Times by Appointment, billed in 10-week quarters:
10 weeks, 30 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $395
10 weeks, 45 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $525
10 weeks, 60 min. weekly lessons & bi-weekly group class: $675

Spring Quarter begins March 2 but enrollment is open year-round.

Instructors: Sam Meade (violin, viola), Layne Green (violin, viola), Bria Quinn (violin, cello), Aimee Reed (violin)

Questions? Email String Program Director Sam Meade: samuel.meade@oldham.kyschools.us (For billing questions please contact OCSAC Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us)

CONTINUING STUDENTS

NEW STUDENTS

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. Even though group classes are scheduled by the semester, three payments of $50 are due on the quarterly schedule in September, December and March.

 

This program 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 School. 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-minute weekly lessons: $395
No classes when school is not in session.
Spring Quarter begins the week of March 2, but enrollment is open throughout the school year. Late-registering students will receive pro-rated tuition for the quarter.

NEW STUDENTS: Register here and the instructor will contact you to schedule your lesson time. You will be billed for lessons once schedule is confirmed.

CONTINUING STUDENTS: Register and pay for the Spring Quarter here.

                         

This program provides private violin lessons for students of all ages, along with performance opportunities to help budding young violinists grow. Lessons are offered by-appointment, 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: OCS Arts Center (all ages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     By appointment. 10-week quarter, 30-min., 45 min. or 60 min. weekly lessons.  ($395, $525, $675)                                                                                        Spring Quarter begins March 2, but enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year. Late-registering students will receive pro-rated tuition for the quarter.

NEW STUDENTS: Register and pay $10 registration fee here. Instructor will contact you to schedule your lesson time. You will be billed for lessons once schedule is confirmed.

CONTINUING STUDENTS: Register and pay for the 10 week Spring Quarter here. Please contact your instructor to confirm your lesson time.

 

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 Spring!

Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm
10 weeks: Begins March 5
$165
Instructor: Derek Harris

 

The Oldham County Youth 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.

-Spring Semester begins January 8
-No class April 9, OC Spring Break
-Last Thursday class, April 23, will be a 4:30-6:30 dress rehearsal for the combined choirs.
-Spring Concert: Saturday, April 25, 2:00pm (1:00 call-time for students)

The Chickadee Choir (ages 4-7) is an introduction to singing for young children. Students will learn vocal technique and elements of music through age appropriate songs, games, and playing with instruments. 7-year old students in the 2nd grade may join either Chickadee Choir or Beginning Choir. Thursdays 4:30-5:15. Semester tuition: $165 + $10 t-shirt fee Director: Katherine Mercier

In Beginning Choir (Gr. 2-4), elementary 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 parts. (Some reading ability is recommended). Thursdays 4:30-5:30. Semester tuition: $195 + $10 t-shirt fee. Director: Amanda McGehee

Junior Choir (Gr. 5+) is the next level of choir 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. The age group for Junior Choir is open-ended, and high school students are welcome. Music will be selected each semester based on the ages and abilities of students enrolled. Thursdays 5:30-6:45. Semester tuition: $195 + $10 t-shirt fee. Director: Amanda McGehee

If interested in joining choir mid-semester, please email arts.center@oldham.kyschools.us.

Two choir camps will also be offered this summer:
-Singing Through Summer: Beginning Choir Camp (Gr. 2-4), July 6-10, 1:00-4:00pm
-Singing Through Summer: Junior Choir Camp (Gr. 5-9), July 6-10, 9:00am-12:00pm

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 September 2, 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, TUITION FREE for Oldham County District students.

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 Junior Orchestra or LaPS depending on experience level. Please email the Strings Program Director to inquire about placement for your child.

SPRING SEMESTER: Spring Semester begins January 6-12.Students with previous experience are welcome to join in January-February. **Beginning students may also join late, if arrangements are made for remedial training to help them catch up with the rest of the group. Strings staff are glad to discuss individual options with you. 

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

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East Campus Orchestra meets at EOMS 

Mondays & Thursdays 4:00-5:00pm
Directors: Samantha Lamkin (Mon.) & Sheri Quinn (Thu.)
Spring Semester begins January 8.                                                                                                                                                                      

        

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OC Campus Orchestra meets at OCMS 

Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15-5:15pm
Director: Katherine Mercier
Spring Semester begins January 7.       

                                                                                                                                                                             

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North Campus Orchestra meets at NOMS

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm
Director: Elise Gambrell
Spring Semester begins January 6.

   

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 South Campus Orchestra meets at SOMS

Mondays & Thursdays 4:15-5:15pm
Director: Sam Meade
Spring Semester begins January 8.

 

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.

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 4:45-6:15 p.m. and selected Saturdays.                                                                                                                                                                Fall Semester begins September 2. Spring Semester begins January 6.                                                                                                                                                  Annual Tuition: $895 (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.

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

Questions? Email LaPS Director Brittany MacWilliams: brittanymac1@gmail.com (For billing questions, please email Registrar Leslie Daland: leslie.daland@oldham.kyschools.us)

After your audition has been completed and you have been notified that you are accepted, please register and pay the $100 deposit here: