Class Descriptions
Strings Classes (Violin Family)
Please email Mrs. Davenport with questions: jldavenport22@gmail.com
Level 1 Strings (ages 7+)
No prerequisites or experience necessary
Materials needed:
Black folding music stand (Label this with a name!)
Music and Pencil
Essential Elements Book 1 (The link is for violin. If you have a different instrument, you’ll need to order for that instrument.)
Tapes/Frets (The brand recommended is “First Frets”.) It is important that they are the right size for the instrument.
Stringed instrument
You need to decide if you want to rent or buy. If you are just exploring options and trying to expose your child to various string instruments, we would not recommend buying an expensive violin/cello. (If they take a liking to it after a year or so, then we would recommend investing in a higher quality in instrument.) $100-$300 range is good for a first instrument for violin or viola (Please note beginner cellos and basses are substantially more expensive to buy, I highly recommend renting to start if your child is interested in learning either of these). The slightly better quality beginner instrument will hold its tuning better and the bridge will be less likely to fall, making it easier for your child to practice at home.
If you are renting, the store associate can help you select the correct size, however if you are purchasing an instrument online, here is a link that will help you know what size your child needs: https://musicfunbooks.com/violin-sizing-guide/
Here are the links to a few of the instruments we recommend for purchase:
Violin: https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-Cecilio-Violin-Kids-Adults/dp/B01MQR897N/ https://www.sharmusic.com/products/franz-hoffmann-amadeus-violin-starter-kit?_pos=2&_sid=dec297b2f&_ss=r&variant=47177621143783
Viola: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/hoffmann-amadeus-viola-starter-kit?_pos=1&_sid=26543c092&_ss=r
Renting options: Renting is a great way to go if you are just wanting to test and see if your child is interested in strings. Rental instruments are also usually higher quality than the $100 Amazon purchase option. Here are some rental options that Mrs. Davenport has had students use in the past (listed in order of recommendation):
Intermediate and Advanced Strings
These classes are for students who have previous experience. The students must be admitted by audition or teacher recommendation, and the students will be placed in the classes based on various skills.
Materials needed for intermediate strings:
Black folding music stand (Label this with a name!)
Sheet Music and Pencil
Stringed instrument
Essential Elements Book 2 (The link is for violin. If you have a different instrument, you’ll need to order for that instrument.)
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-Strings-Book-Violin/dp/0634052659
In Addition for Advanced students:
Habits of a Successful String Musician (be sure to select correct instrument):
Group Guitar Classes
We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Our guitar teacher is also available for private lessons outside of Sounds of Praise class time. Students need a guitar and stand.
3-4 year old class
Our preschool classes use Dr. Feierabend’s First Steps in Music as the basic method. We learn to sing, feel the beat, and love muic!
5-6 year old class
This class includes singing, moving, developing an internal beat, playing rhythm instruments, and identifying classical pieces such as the Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, or Carnival of the Animals.
7-8 year old class
This class focuses on note and rhythm reading, moving to music, and singing. Much of the literature is based on Dr. Feierabend’s method as well as the curriculum Growing in Grace. Students in this class may also sign up for beginner strings.
Choir Classes
Our Choral Program offers a learning environment designed to provide a fulfilling and rewarding musical experience for each member. After spending time in our program, we hope members walk away from our organization with a rich love for singing and a deep appreciation for the art of choral music. Additionally, we want young singers to gain solid vocal training, develop music literacy skills, and grow in their understanding of musical concepts. The singers will meet these objectives by performing a wide variety of music from contrasting time periods and varying levels of difficulty.
Treble Choir (ages 9-12)
This is our ensemble for younger singers with unchanged voices. In this class, we learn fundamentals for reading music and healthy vocal technique.
Ladies Choir (ages 13-19)
Ladies Choir is comprised of young ladies. We focus on music literacy, singing with proper technique, and working together as an ensemble. This group rehearses in a variety of formats.
Chorale (audition only): A small subset of Concert Choir, Chorale provides an opportunity to sing a more challenging repertoire. To be selected for the chorale, singers must pass an audition that demonstrates their sight-reading ability, aural skills, and vocal maturity. Chorale may be offered at various times in the year based on the discretion of the teacher.
Men’s Choir (ages 13-19)
We didn’t have enough guys last year to have a classes, but we’re always open to the possibility! If you have a son with a changed voice, please contact us to be put on our list in case we do have enough for a class!
Private Lessons
Sounds of Praise families can also take private piano lessons. These are offered by Marie Blackmar, our choral accompanist, and are separate from Sounds of Praise.