Music

Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument for fun or to pursue a career in music? Are you looking to sharpen your performance skills in preparation for NYSSMA, All-County, gigging, college auditions, etc.? All of our courses are led by SUNY Ulster music faculty, giving you the opportunity to learn from highly skilled musicians.

The Community Music School offers instruction and performance opportunities in a wide variety of instruments for both avocational and professional ambitions. Teens and adults of any skill level can take individual music lessons, or participate in Band, Choir, or Small Group Music Ensembles.

Course Offerings

Applied Music Lessons

Private lessons are generally available on guitar, bass, woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, piano, and voice. If you are interested in registering for private lessons, please contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu before registering to indicate what instrument you want to study. She will answer any questions, help to set-up private lessons with an instructor, and explain how to register for additional lessons. She can also discuss credit offerings with you.

The lessons are offered in 5-lesson blocks. The instructor and student meet once a week in person on the Stone Ridge Campus. Make-up lessons will be offered if the instructor misses a lesson or if the student notifies the instructor of an absence a minimum of 12 hours prior to an upcoming lesson. There will be no make-ups for no-shows or late cancellations.

Register NCC 2115 CRN 60085 Summer 2025 Term - 30 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $158

Register NCC 2116 CRN 60065 Summer 2025 Term - 45 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $236

Register NCC 2117 CRN 60086 Summer 2025 Term - 60 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $315

Band, Choir, and Small Group Music Ensemble Offerings

You can choose from College/Community Band, African Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and College Chorus. Weekly rehearsals are held throughout the semester and each ensemble performs two to three concerts per semester. First time/new members, please contact the ensemble’s director before registering.

African Music Ensemble

Members of the African Drumming Ensemble learn to perform a variety of traditional music styles from sub-saharan Africa on authentic instruments. Primary emphasis is placed on developing hand drumming technique, African rhythmic language, and ensemble coordination. Song, dance, cultural context, and folklore connected to the music is also explored. All material is taught by rote, requiring no prior formal training in written music. This group performs two to three concerts each semester. Space is limited to fifteen total participants. First time/new members, please contact the director before registering. Directed by P. Chambers: chamberp@sunyulster.edu

Register NCC 2199 CRN 90109 R 8/28-12/4 2:40-4pm SRC $50/semester (NOTE: Cost is $25 for current High School students. HS Students will need to call in directly to register at 845-339-2025)

No class on 11/27

College Chorus

Choral musicians in the College Chorus gain experience in the study and performance of choral music repertoire representing diverse genres, style periods, and cultures. Emphasis is placed on developing the vocal instrument, and building choral music performance, ear training, and music reading skills. The College Chorus performs two to three concerts each semester. Previous choral singing experience is helpful. First time/new members, please contact the director before registering. Directed by J. Gehres: gehresj@sunyulster.edu

Register NCC 2183 CRN 90111 M/W/F 8/25-12/8 12-12:55pm SRC $50/semester (NOTE: Cost is $25 for current High School students. HS Students will need to call in directly to register at 845-339-2025)

No class on 9/1, 9/13, 11/26

College/Community Band

This ensemble is composed of college students, advanced high school and middle school students, music educators, and community musicians. The ensemble performs two to three concerts per semester and draws on repertoire from standard wind and band literature. Open to students who have achieved NYSSMA level IV or higher. First time/new members, please contact the director before registering. Directed by C. Newsome: newsomec@sunyulster.edu

Register NCC 2121 CRN 90113 W 8/27-12/3 6:30-8:30pm SRC $50/semester (NOTE: Cost is $25 for current High School students. HS Students will need to call in directly to register at 845-339-2025)

No class on 11/26

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is a performing group focused around drums, mallet keyboard instruments, found objects, and the rest of the wide gamut that encapsulates orchestral percussion instruments. Students will build technique, reading skills, and cooperative musicality through the study and performance of contemporary chamber works composed specifically for Percussion Ensemble. Relative proficiency in percussion technique and music reading are required. The ensemble performs two to three concerts per semester. First time/new members, please contact the director
before registering. Directed by P. Chambers: chamberp@sunyulster.edu

Register NCC 2118 CRN 90115 W 8/27-12/3 4-5pm SRC $50/semester (NOTE: Cost is $25 for current High School students. HS Students will need to call in directly to register at 845-339-2025)