PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are the core of all BMS programs. Lessons may be arranged for 30, 45, or 60 minutes each week to meet the needs of the individual student, and are offered throughout the year. Online lessons are conducted via Zoom, Facetime, or Skype, and students should have access to a computer or iPad with internet connection.
Semi-private lessons are available for 2-4 musicians wishing to study together, and are tailored to meet the specific needs of each group.
Berkshire Music School currently has faculty experienced in teaching children, teens, and adults in the following instruments:
Don’t see the instrument you’d like to learn listed here? Email Registrar Sandy Moderski, and we’ll be happy to expand our offerings
Baritone Horn
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Classical Piano
Jazz Piano
Keyboard
Guitar
Cornet
Double Bass
Ukulele
Flute
Electric Bass
Violin
French Horn
Oboe
Percussion
Recorder
Saxophone
Sight-singing
Songwriting
Theory/composition
Trombone
Trumpet
Viola
Voice
BMS 2023-2024 Tuition Information
BMS encourages consistent, weekly lessons for students to experience both the short-term success and long-term growth that comes with learning to make music. Your tuition for the 34-week term locks-in your lesson day and time for the academic year; and days and times are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Tuition may be billed monthly or for the full 34-session academic year.
Students may enroll at any point in the year with the recurring 4-lesson package.
Additionally, BMS offers single lessons that are perfect for someone interested in trying a new instrument, or a musician looking for targeted instruction in preparation for a specific project, performance, or audition.
COMMUNITY GROUP CLASSES
All Community Group classes are offered on a pay-what-you-wish basis thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Feigenbaum Foundation, the Golub Foundation, TD Bank, Adams Community Bank, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Suggested tuition is listed for each course. To register using the suggested tuition CLICK HERE.
To pay a different amount call 413-442-1411.
YOUTH CLASSES
Guitar & Song Workshop
ages 15+
Thursdays 6:00-7:00PM
April 4–June 6
SUGGESTED TUITION: $180
For guitar students who can play cowboy chords comfortably. We will listen to songs, talk about the parts of each song and learn to play them. Your song interests and suggestions are welcome.
Magic Violins
Ages 3-6
Fridays 3:15pm-3:45pm
April 5–June 7
Suggested Tuition: $100
"Musical ability is not an inborn talent, but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited." -S. Suzuki
Dr. Suzuki's goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child's character through the study of music. In the Suzuki Method, parents and teachers work closely together to create a nurturing environment to achieve success. This is a process, and it is in this process that we achieve our true goals of a child's lifelong character development.
Presto Ensemble
ages 6+ with caregiver
fridays 3:45-4:30pm
April 5- JUNE 7
suggested tuition: $125
An elementary violin group for children, with caregivers. Students should have one year of violin experience or permission from the teacher, Bing Liu.
Allegro
ages 7+
fridays 4:30-5:30pm
aPRIL 5-jUNE 7
suggested tuition: $180
Young musicians with some prior string experience come together for a first chamber ensemble experience.
BMS String Orchestra
Intermediate to Advanced Students
fridays 5:30-7:00PM
April 5- June 7
suggested tuition: $270
The BMS Orchestra invites musicians of all ages to have fun making music together. Culminates in a performance for family and friends.
Tunes for Tots
Ages 1.5 – 4 years with caregiver
Saturdays 10:00-10:45am
April 6- jUNE 8
Suggested Tuition: $150
Curious about the developmental essentials of music learning for young minds? This class introduces our youngest students, accompanied by an adult, to a wide array of music from all different genres and origins through an equally wide array of fun, age-appropriate, student-oriented activities.
Music for Young Minds
Ages 5-7 with caregiver
Saturdays 9:00-9:45am
april 6-june 8
Suggested Tuition: $150
Students engage in group lessons which cover five essential skills for an introduction to music. Focusing on singing, dancing, playing instruments, reading music, and writing music, these classes will excite young learners with a full range of activities that will get any kid excited and ready to learn all that the world of music has to offer.
Música y Movimiento
3 - 7 años
Sábado 12:00 – 1:00 por la tarde
6 de abril al 8 de junio
Matrícula sugerida: $180
¡Bienvenidos a una clase de música muy emocionante para los estudiantes jóvenes! Esta clase va a introducir a los estudiantes de 3 a 7 años a todas las opciones creativas del mundo de la música. Los estudiantes tendrán oportunidades diversas para tocar instrumentos, cantar, escribir, leer y escuchar música, y además aprender todos los asuntos fundamentales.
Youth Ukes!
ages 8-14
SATURDAYS 1:30-2:00pm
april 6-june 8
Suggested Tuition: $125
The ukulele is like a small guitar with only 4 strings. It is the perfect instrument for kiddos to begin their music learning journey! This is because of the ukulele’s size and simplicity which makes it easy to hold and play. In this class, kids will learn to strum and play chords, and this will lead them to play simple songs.
Bass Clef Club
Intermediate to Advanced Students
Saturdays 2:00-3:30pm
april 6- JUne 8
Suggested Tuition: $350
Calling all low strings and low winds players! For cello, bass, and bassoon, please join us for a fun afternoon of music with your fellow bass clef musicians. Teacher Annabelle Hoffman will create pieces of all genres as you work on beautiful arrangements and hone your listening skills. All ages welcome! Culminates in a performance for family and friends.
ADULT CLASSES
Adult Ukulele Jam
Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm
april 4-june 6
suggested tuition: $180 or $20/session
Are you craving a little music on your lunch break? Come to a fun and informal ukulele jam session. Don’t know how to play the uke? No worries, we can start you from square one and soon you’ll be strumming along! Need a uke? We’ve got one for you!
Guitar & Song Workshop
ages 15+
Thursdays 6:00-7:00PM
april 4-june 6
SUGGESTED TUITION: $180
For guitar students who can play cowboy chords comfortably. We will listen to songs, talk about the parts of each song and learn to play them. Your song interests and suggestions are welcome.
Adult Flute Ensemble
fridays 2:00-3:00PM
april 5-june 7
SUGGESTED TUITION: $180
Play your flute with others in a group ensemble setting. All levels welcome.
Adagio
fridays 2:15-3:15PM
April 5- June 7
SUGGESTED TUITION: $150
Beginning adult violin ensemble.
BMS String Orchestra
Intermediate to Advanced Students
fridays 5:30-7:00PM
April 5-june 7
suggested tuition: $270
The BMS Orchestra invites musicians of all ages to have fun making music together. Culminates in a performance for family and friends.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS*
FINDING YOUR VOICE: ONSTAGE LIVE
Ages 16+
MONDAYS 6:30-8:00PM
april 8-may 20 (No class april 15)
Tuition: $350
Professional singer, Sherri James Buxton, along with accompanist, Bob Shepherd, teach phrasing, style, microphone technique and stage presence. This workshop empowers singers of all abilities to learn how to choose appropriate music and keys. Ends with a performance for family and friends.
FINDING YOUR VOICE: RISING STARS
Ages 9-13
MONDAYS 4:30-6:00PM
session 2: april 8-May 20 (No class april 15)
Tuition: $125
Elevate your vocal confidence with Sherri James Buxton's workshop! Gain insights into stage presence, microphone techniques, and sing your heart out in a supportive, enjoyable setting. The class ends with a special performance for family and friends. Limited space available!
*Special Programs are not part of the Community Group Class series or eligible for pay-what-you-wish pricing. Need-based financial aid may be available, please call the school office for more information 413-442-1411.
LESSONS FOR COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BMS offers lessons for credit at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. High school, college, and adult students who desire college credit can register as BCC students, paying tuition at BMS with waived tuition from the college. Private lessons earn one or two credits, depending upon the level at which the instruction is occurring, per semester. Tuition for the 13-week semester is $600. Payment in full is required at time of registration. Please call 413-442-1411 for more information.
Instrument Rentals
Not ready to purchase your own instrument? BMS has an active instrument rental program for the convenience of our students.
The following instruments are available to rent for $30 a month:
Flute, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Double Bass, or Cello.
In addition, ukuleles may be purchased for $20. An instrument deposit or credit card is required for all instrument rentals.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM:
ADVENTURES IN MUSIC
June 24-June 28, 2024 from 10am-4pm
Come and be part of our exciting week-long summer camp! Tailored for kids aged 5 to 8, Adventures in Music offers your child an enjoyable and educational introduction to the world of music. Engage in group sessions covering the basics of music, creative movement, and collaborative play, all within the charming setting of BMS' historic campus. Don't miss out on this enriching experience – secure your child's spot today!