Music lessons
Gordon’s after school instrumental program is designed to expose students to the joy of learning to play an instrument in a convenient and supportive environment. We seek to instill a lifelong connection with musical learning, and many of our students become accomplished instrumentalists in high school, college, and beyond.
Overview
Gordon hosts many after school instrumental and vocal instruction opportunities throughout the year. In private and semi-private lessons, students study a variety of orchestra and folk instruments, as well as voice training, taught by a faculty of professional musicians and educators.
With specific regard to vocal instruction, middle school students interested in an introduction to vocal studies may inquire about private lessons. Gordon supports access for these students to gain traction in music literacy, healthy vocal technique and basic piano skills. This introductory level of vocal studies is designed to create a foundation for a lifetime of learning about each student’s unique vocal mechanism and development of musicianship.
Instrumental music recitals are held twice a year, in January and May or June. While not a requirement, all students in this program are encouraged to participate, as music is a performing art and periodic appearances in front of an audience are important indicators of progress and pride..
The schedule will be split into three trimesters to coincide with other after school programs, and families will have the opportunity to sign up for one, two, or all three trimesters. The first trimester begins at the beginning of the school year. The second trimester starts on the Monday following the Thanksgiving weekend. The final trimester begins on the Monday following our spring break.
Costs
Lessons are $304 per trimester for private thirty-minute lessons.
The fee structure is based on nine lessons per trimester, with additional weeks left open for make-up lessons in the case of absence.
From the program director
We monitor how students and their teachers connect throughout the year, so that we can facilitate an optimal experience for everyone. It is so important to have a good working relationship between student and teacher. When you call to arrange your child’s lesson, your child’s teacher will clearly go over his or her expectations. This is when you should have dialogue with the instructor to express your expectations as well. It is important for you, your child, and your instructor to understand what is required for good solid progress. Items you should discuss are things like practicing, possible rewards if you and the instructor feel that is appropriate, consistency in showing up for lessons, the importance of bringing materials needed for the lesson each week, and expectations for performances in recitals.
Students take lessons for myriad reasons. Our program provides opportunities for exploration, engagement, and growth for all students interested in instrumental learning.
Program director
Bill Beaudoin
bbeaudoin@gordonschool.org
full biographies for each instructor
Bill Beaudoin
drums, flute, bassoon
(401) 556-5251
bbeaudoin@gordonschool.org
Cheryl Faria
piano
(401) 419-8682
cherylafaria@verizon.net
Gary Ferguson
guitar, bass guitar, piano, ukulele, drums, glockenspiel
(401) 410-3119
garyf0578@gmail.com
Susan Hodgin
Piano, recorder
(401) 323-9183
shodgin108@gmail.com
Michelle Kaminsky
fiddle and violin, beginning guitar and ukulele
(401) 246-2720
mkfiddle99@gmail.com
Cheryl Poisson
beginner to advanced piano
text or call (401) 359-3329
Cheryl.Poisson@juno.com
Chad Sebroski
drum set, four mallet percussion, piano, guitar, bass, music theory, composition, digital audio production
(412) 720-2768
csebroski@gordonschool.org