Voices of Music offers immersive, hands-on after-school music classes in the East Bay. About 50 students in second through sixth grades learn to play the recorder each year from the Albany and West Contra Costa school districts. For some of our students, these classes are their first opportunity for music education.

Weekly classes are 30 minutes, with students in small groups by age and musical experience. Students learn introductory music literacy skills including reading music, improving rhythm, learning songs from a variety of genres, and practicing playing together. Classes explore music through improvisation, composition, listening and movement games, and customized handouts. The lessons emphasize musical literacy but also focus on many benefits of music education such as self-esteem, creative thinking, discipline, team work, and communication.

At the end of each semester there is a culminating performance open to families and the broader community for students to showcase and celebrate their achievements.

Sessions run parallel to the school year: September through December, and January through May. Students may borrow instruments to participate. Scholarships are available for Albany students, and West Contra Costa classes are fully funded thanks to the California Arts Council’s Youth Art in Action grant.

Instructor: Greta Haug-Hryciw