CLASSES & ENSEMBLES

Ensembles

HOW TO REGISTER:

1. Choose your class, workshop, or ensemble from the COURSE CATALOG below

2. Download the REGISTRATION FORM by clicking the button below

3. To pay by card online, begin by submitting your completed registration form

   to info@fwschoolofmsusic.com to receive an emailed payment link

   OR

   To pay by cash or check, bring your completed registration form with cash/check payment to our school office

- Intermediate levels or classes with prerequisites require additional instructor approval after registration to complete enrollment -

COURSE CATALOG

BLUES JAM WORKSHOP

In this one-day workshop, students will learn how to play in a band and improvise with others, focusing on the foundation of American music--the 12-bar blues! This ongoing course will teach students how to collaborate/jam, improve listening, improve rhythm, increase their understanding of song form, apply music theory knowledge in real time, practice improvisation skills, and learn fundamentals that apply to a variety of popular American styles—blues, jazz, rock, country, R&B, Funk, and more!

This is a low-pressure friendly environment and students may choose to attend just to observe and learn—performing is NOT required. However, everyone is encouraged to bring their instrument in case they want to jump in! Piano/keyboards, drums, microphones, and guitar amps are provided.

To get the most out of the workshop, students should be familiar with the following concepts: major keys up through 4 sharps (C, G, D, A, E) and 2 flats (F, Bb) in concert pitch, basic knowledge of the I/IV/V chords, optional knowledge of dominant 7th chords, and optional knowledge of minor pentatonic scales and blue scales.

This is an ongoing series of individual dates and includes varied topics and song material, based on group experience, interests, and aptitude. New students are encouraged to participate, even without attending prior dates. Interested students should contact their FWSoM instructor to register for the next workshop date!

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in private lessons at the Federal Way School of Music

• An instrument (optional, for those interested in performing)

Workshop Fee: Inquire

FEDERL WAY POP CHOIR

The “Pop Choir” will explore the world of contemporary music in a fun and inclusive setting. Designed for adult individuals aged 18 and older, this ensemble welcomes participants with some singing experience and the ability to match pitch. No prior music reading or sight-singing skills are required. The emphasis will be on contemporary music genres such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, soul, and more.

In this course, students will focus on developing their singing technique, honing ensemble skills, and preparing full songs for performance. Through engaging vocal exercises and personalized coaching, participants will improve breath control, vocal tone, articulation, and expression. Quarterly performances are included, as well as additional performance opportunities at the school and offsite, based on seasonal availability and schedule.

Whether the student is a beginner or has some singing experience, this choir offers a supportive environment to grow skills and connect with fellow music enthusiasts!

Requirements: None

Course Fee: $300 for the academic year (fall through spring). This includes weekly rehearsals, quarterly performances, and all sheet music needed to participate.

FEDERAL WAY YOUTH CHOIR

This ensemble is for students ages 14-18 who want to explore music through choral singing. Previous singing experience is helpful, but not required. No prior music reading or sight-singing skills are required.

Singers will develop healthy vocal technique, learn music theory, and prepare repertoire for performances. Quarterly performances are included, as well as additional performance opportunities at the school and offsite, based on seasonal availability and schedule.

The goal of the ensemble is to empower singers to sing expressively with musical understanding across a broad spectrum of choral music from a variety of historical eras

Requirements: None

Course Fee: $400 for the academic year (fall through spring). This includes weekly rehearsals, quarterly performances, and all sheet music needed to participate.

GUITAR CLASS

This small group class is an introductory course in learning how to play the guitar. Students will experience a general survey of guitar study, in order to determine if ongoing guitar study is the right fit for them while also preparing for possible future private guitar lesson study.

Class topics include: playing lead/rhythm, strumming patterns, establishing proper technique, reading basic music notation, learning open position chords and identifying them by name/symbol, a survey of music theory and/or history topics, beginning ear training, and other topics based on student interest.

At term end, students are encouraged to perform in a small recital for family/friends to showcase what they learned! After the class, continuing students have the option to continue in an intermediate level class or may graduate to private lessons with instructor approval.

Required Materials

• A properly-sized guitar, acoustic steel-string or nylon-string recommended (please contact us with sizing questions or a list of recommended guitar models)

• Metronome (phone app is acceptable)

• Lesson book (TBA by instructor)

Course Fee: $285 for 10 hourlong classes in a 3-month quarter

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC CLASS

Recommended for the youngest preschool-age students, this small group class is for those wanting to learn about and explore music for the first time! For students who are not yet ready for private lesson instrument study or who have not chosen their ideal instrument, this class also serves as a survey of several types of instruments. For students ages 6 and under who are also considering private piano or voice lessons, this is an ideal cost-effective alternative with the added benefits of learning in a group setting.

Students will become involved listeners, performers, and most importantly—musicians! Starting their musical foundation, students will focus on these skills through a variety of activities—exploring different instruments (piano, percussion, singing), understanding rhythm, becoming aware of musical structure through involved listening, training their ears, learning music notation elements, and other topics/activities based on class aptitude.

The class culminates with the students’ first formal musical performance! After the class, students have the option to continue in another session of the class or graduate to private lessons with instructor approval.

Requirements:

• Parental attendance and participation in each class

• A keyboard or piano for at-home practicing (recommended)

Course Fee:

• $285 for 10 hourlong classes in a 3-month quarter

ORCHESTRAL STRING INSTRUMENT CLASS

This is class is for beginning orchestral string instrument players desiring learn foundational playing skills and musicianship in an ensemble. For students unable to participate in an ensemble coming from homeschool, public/private schools without music programs, STEM schools, or adults, this can be an excellent way to get valuable ensemble experience. Students are expected to have already chosen their main string instrument of study—violin, viola, cello, or bass—to focus on in their time in class.

Students will focus on learning pieces/songs, proper bowing technique, intonation, reading notation, rhythm drills, blending in a ensemble, a survey of music theory and/or history topics, general care of the instrument, and special topics based on student interest.

The class culminates in a small recital for friends and family! After the class, continuing students have the option to continue in an intermediate level class or may graduate to private lessons with instructor approval.

Required Materials

• A properly-sized instrument in good working order (students without instruments please contact us about rental options and sizing)

• Metronome (phone app is acceptable)

• Endpin stop (cello and bass only)

• Lesson book (TBA by instructor)

Course Fee: $285 for 10 hourlong classes in a 3-month quarter

PIANO CLASS

This small group class is an introductory course in learning how to play the piano. Students will experience a general survey of piano study in order to determine if ongoing piano study is the right fit for them while also preparing for possible future private piano lesson study. For students unsure of what instrument to learn or who are interested in multiple instruments, this class also serves as an excellent general music class to build overall musicianship. Students learn valuable transferrable skills that help fast-track learning other instruments or voice, if desired.

Class topics include: playing solos and duets on real and digital pianos, establishing proper playing technique, reading music notation, a survey of music theory and/or history topics, understanding rhythm and pitch, beginning ear training, and additional topics based on student interest.

At term end, students are encouraged to perform in a small recital for family/friends to showcase what they learned! After the class, students have the option to continue in an intermediate level class or graduate to private lessons with instructor approval.

Required Materials:

• An instrument for at-home practice: minimum required—61-key touch-sensitive keyboard / recommended—88-key weighted keyboard/digital piano or acoustic piano

• Metronome (phone app, or built-in keyboard metronome is acceptable)

• Lesson book (TBA by instructor)

Course Fee: $285 for 10 hourlong classes in a 3-month quarter

UKULELE CLASS

This small group class is an introductory course in ukulele playing and general musical concepts. For young students not yet ready for learning guitar, this class also serves as a youth primer course for studying guitar.

Class topics include: playing lead/rhythm, strumming patterns, establishing proper technique, reading basic music notation, learning open position chords and identifying them by name/symbol, a survey of music theory and/or history topics, beginning ear training, and other topics based on student interest/aptitude.

At term end, students are encouraged to perform in a small recital for family/friends to showcase what they learned! After the class, continuing students have the option to continue in an intermediate level class or may graduate to private lessons with instructor approval.

Required Materials:

• A soprano or concert size ukulele (students with other ukulele sizes, please contact us for instructor approval)

• Metronome (phone app is acceptable)

• Lesson book (TBA by instructor)

Course Fee: $285 for 10 hourlong classes in a 3-month quarter

VASHON PERCUSSION WORKSHOP

Our instructor, Todd Zimberg, is offering his Vashon Percussion Workshop at FWSoM! This one-day workshop is for all students interested in exploring drums and percussion. The first hour focuses on rudiment technique, timing, and stick control. The second segment will center on ensemble playing with the use of Ghanaian Kete drumming rhythms. Students should bring a pair of sticks and be prepared for a fun afternoon of drumming! Limited enrollment, so please register today!

Required Materials

• Drum sticks

Workshop Fee: Inquire