Think Summer! Enrollment begins April 11. Contact smoderski@berkshiremusicschool.org for more information.
* New Programs!
ENSEMBLES at BMS To register, call 413.442.1411
BMS Orchestra with Norman Thibodeau, coach/conductor – Community musicians are invited to join BMS students to perform expanded chamber repertoire. Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate for free serve as section mentors. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to determine their readiness for this ensemble. Ages 10 – adult.
Tuesdays, 5:15 – 6:45 pm;
Fee: $60 BMS students; $100 Non BMS students/10 weeks.
1st term: starting October 6
2nd term: starting February 2
The orchestra is supported in part by the Gia Cox Caird Scholarship Fund and the Savery Family.
Jazz Ensemble with Bill Chapman – Learn the art of jazz! Sessions will include theory, ear training, solo improvisation, and ensemble playing.
Mondays, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
Fee: $200/10 weeks
1st term: starting September 21
2nd term: starting February 22
Berkshire Music School Ensembles – Professionally coached ensembles! Weekly sessions starting September 21;
Fee: $180. Choice of fifteen 60-minute, or ten 90-minute sessions.
Flute Choir – For mid-level to advanced players of all ages on piccolo, c flute, alto & bass flute; with Sharon Powers.
Guitar Ensemble – For mid-level players of all ages; with Suzanne Higgins.
Cello Tones – For mid-level players of all ages; with Erica Pickhardt.
String Ensemble – Both adult and student levels, from beginner to advanced; with Bing Liu.
Mixed Notes – Combination of unique instruments, for mid-level players of all ages; with Alice Spatz.
Suzuki Lessons with Suzanne Higgins, Amy Renak, Tari Wheeler Roosa, Alice Spatz, and Bing Liu.
Suzuki lessons at BMS
Suzuki is the world-renowned method for learning an instrument at a very early age. The program consists of a combination of private and group lessons. Smaller size violins, cellos, double basses, flutes, and guitars are available for rent from BMS. For piano you must have a keyboard at home. We strongly urge parents and children to enroll in the Introduction to Suzuki course either concurrently with or prior to enrolling for Suzuki instruction.
Call BMS for fees and schedules: 413-442-1411
KinderChoir I with Carolina Carry: For Pre-School children ages 3.5 to 5, the class aims at instilling a love of music through songs, movement, & musical games. Children will discover & use their voices as well as learn fundamental music concepts through nursery rhymes, singing & playing of pitched & un-pitched rhythm instruments.
Mondays, 10 – 10:45 am. Limit 8
Fee: $110/25 weeks starting Sept. 21
KinderChoir II with Carolina Carry: This class is a preparatory choir class designed for children in Kindergarten & First Grade. The aim of the class is to develop the children’s singing skills as well as their sense of rhythm & their general musicality through a wide variety of songs, rounds, dances & musical activities.
Thursdays, 3:45 – 4:30 pm. Limit 10
Fee: $160/25 weeks starting Sept. 24
Kindred Spirits with Carolina Carry A BMS choir for girls from second grade through high school. Members will sing in harmony from a wide variety of choral repertoire. While no previous musical experience is necessary, an informal audition demonstrating some basic singing skills will be held. Members of Kindred Spirits have the option to take private or semi private voice lessons from the instructor at the private lesson fee.
Thursdays, 4:45 – 5:45 pm
Fee of $260/25 weeks starting Sept. 24 plus four Saturdays (required) of music theory and sight reading workshops.
Music for Toddlers & Preschoolers with Tari Wheeler Roosa – These programs increase children’s awareness of rhythm and their ability to sing and move creatively to music. Parent attends all classes. Fee: $90/15 weeks.
1st term: Saturdays, starting September 26 or Tuesdays, starting September 22
2nd term: Saturdays, starting January 30
Music for Toddlers – Ages 16 mos. to 3 yrs. Saturdays,10:15 – 11:00 am.
Music for Preschoolers – Ages 2 yrs. 9 mos.to 5 yrs.; none who are attending Kindergarten. Saturdays, 11:15 am – 12:00.
Introduction to Suzuki with Tari Wheeler Roosa – Designed for parents with children who are enrolling in or considering enrollment in a Suzuki instrumental program. Ages 4 to 7 years (parent attends class). One-time materials fee of $25. Fee: $120/15 weeks. Saturdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am
10-Month Instrument Rentals – Give music a try! Our 10-month rentals allow you to test drive your interest in a certain instrument. We offer the following:
Great Composers, Class I with Charles Marshall – In Great Composers, Class I, students ages 9 – 12 study the lives and music of many great composers through listening, lectures, and performance. Composers include Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Joplin and more.
Mondays, 4 – 5 pm, starting September 21
Fee: $125/17 weeks. Includes a workbook.
Cabaret Workshop for Adults with Sherri James Buxton
Students are coached on phrasing, style, technique, stage presence and performance. They learn how to choose appropriate music and keys. Both levels will present a cabaret the last week of class.
Level I/II: Made up of adults with varying degrees of experience and ability. For new students.
Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Limit 10
Fee: $300/10 weeks
Level III: Prerequisites are the completion of Level I/II and the passing of a vocal audition. Performance opportunities available.
Mondays 7:45-9:30 pm. Limit 8
Fee: $350/10 weeks
1st term: starting October 19
2nd term: starting February 22
Private lessons at BMS
Or share a lesson with a friend or family member. ($660/34 weeks)
Or try the BMS Sampler of three 30-minute lessons in an instrument of your choice, including voice. $100 includes the registration fee. (For new students only)
Private, individualized instruction is available at BMS in these instruments and fields:
Lessons for College Credit
BMS offers lessons for credit at Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (North Adams). High school, college, and adult students who desire college credit can register as BCC or MCLA students, paying tuition at BMS with waived tuition from the colleges. Private lessons earn three credit hours per 15-week semester. Payment in full is required at time of registration.
Fee: $581.25/45-minute lessons + $25 registration fee;
$780/60-minute lessons + $25 registration fee