Music
Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument for fun or to pursue a career? Are you looking to sharpen your performance skills in preparation for NYSSMA, All-County, or college auditions? 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 lessons, or participate in ensembles or band. The learning doesn’t have to end here, you can go on to take credit classes towards an associate degree.
Course Offerings
Applied Lessons
Private lessons are available on guitar, bass, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, and voice. If you are interested in an instrument not listed, contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu. She will answer any questions, help to set-up private lessons and explain how to register for additional lessons. She can also discuss the credit offerings with you.
The lessons are offered in 5-lesson blocks. The instructor and student meet once a week in person. Make-up lessons will be rescheduled if the instructor misses a lesson or if the student notifies the instructor a minimum of 12 hours prior to missing an upcoming lesson. There will be no make-ups for no-shows or late cancellations.
Register NCC 2115 CRN 30018 Spring 2025 Term - 30 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $158
Register NCC 2116 CRN 30019 Spring 2025 Term - 45 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $236
Register NCC 2117 CRN 30020 Spring 2025 Term - 60 Minute Lessons SRC 5 Lessons $315
Music Ensembles & Band Offerings
You can choose from Community Band, Mixed Instrument Ensemble, and College Chorus. Weekly rehearsals are held throughout each 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 60025 R 1/30-5/8 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)
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 60027 M/W/F 1/27-5/12 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 2/17
College/Community Band Ensembles
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 V. Izzo: izzoi@sunyulster.edu
Register NCC 2121 CRN 60029 W 1/29-5/7 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)
Mixed Instrument Ensemble
Players of various instruments (wind, brass, bowed & plucked strings, keyboard, percussion, etc.) work up a program of music arranged by the director for the combination of instruments enrolled in the course, and tailored to their skill levels. Music styles include renaissance, classical, jazz, pop/rock, etc. Players should be proficient with several years of playing experience and be able to read standard music notation. The ensemble performs two to three concerts per semester. First time/new members, please contact the director before registering. Directed by G. Dinger: dingerg@sunyulster.edu
Register NCC 2185 CRN 60031 W 1/29-5/7 2:35-3:55pm 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)
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 60033 W 1/29-5/7 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)
