Center for the Arts Programs – Music

It's never too early to begin developing a child's musical ability, and spend precious time together while doing so! Rhythm and music ignite brain development, language skills, and motor skills... and making music together with others stimulates social and emotional skills. Together with your tot, you'll have fun learning rhythms and songs using drums, shakers, and other simple percussion instruments. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers welcome! All instruments provided in class.

Tailored for students of all ages and skill levels, Paula Eatman employs a combination of techniques appropriate to each player. Students learn the fundamentals, including proper handling of the instrument and bow, rhythms and playing, progressing to more advanced instrumental mastery with emphasis on technique, musicality and ensemble playing. Class sessions run mid-afternoon into the evening. Please specify time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.

Tailored for students of all ages and skill levels, Paula Eatman employs a combination of techniques appropriate to each player. Students learn the fundamentals, including proper handling of the instrument and bow, rhythms and playing, progressing to more advanced instrumental mastery with emphasis on technique, musicality and ensemble playing. Class sessions run mid-afternoon into the evening. Please specify time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.

Whether you're ready to rock or looking to level up your classical percussion skills, our drum lessons are for students of all ages, interests, and skill levels. Beginners will learn the different parts of the drum kit, posture, grip, basic patterns, and keeping a beat. Great for developing coordination and motor skills in young children! Drum kit provided on site. Each lesson is 30 minutes. Please specify general time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.

As serious students advance, we will expand our knowledge of guitar, bass guitar, or ukulele performance and instrument maintenance. We'll explore the fretboard and use more advanced chords, as well as learn how to change broken strings, venture into music theory, and learn to balance with others in a group. Each lesson is 45 minutes, tailored to the level and interest of the student, and explores styles such as rock, alternative, blues, folk, jazz, classical, and in the case of ukulele, traditional Hawaiian and tropical genres. Please specify time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.

Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano playing such as the layout of the keyboard, keys, notes and hand positioning, as well as the fundamentals of music literacy, including basic notation, rhythms, time signatures, and intervals. Please select either the after school or evening time block and indicate preferred lesson time slot when registering; WPD staff or the instructor will then contact you individually to confirm lesson time.

As student's skills progress, goals will include memorization, increased reading skills, and a wider exploration of more complex songs, as well as beginning music theory concepts such as relative keys, scales and arpeggios, and chord progressions. The instructor will contact you individually to schedule lessons.

E komo mai (welcome) to all young musicians wishing to explore the art of ukulele playing! Children (keiki) ages 6-10 will learn the basics of ukulele, including chords, strumming patterns and fundamentals of music, all while having fun with friends! INSTRUMENTS PROVIDED with included $40 instrument deposit. Deposit refunded upon return of the ukulele in good condition at the last class of the session.

"Ohana means Family." Enjoy special time with your young music maker in this fun adventure into the art of the ukulele! Perfect for students who have moved beyond basic rhythms but are not yet ready for an independent music class, we will learn the basics of the ukulele, age-appropriate chords, and simple melodies. Program fee INCLUDES a preschooler-sized ukulele for students to keep and play at home! Parents, grandparents, and caregivers welcome.

Private voice lessons are taught with care for developing the singing voice with a focus on resonance, breath control, intonation, development of high and low registers, intonation, vowels and vocal expression, as well as reading music and rhythmic practice in a variety of styles. The student will explore various genres of repertoire, allowing the discovery of their voice, and learn how to prevent damage to the vocal cords. Each 30-minute private singing lesson focuses on both technique as well as application to a song in order to prepare the student for performance. Please specify time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.

Private voice lessons are taught with care for developing the singing voice with a focus on resonance, breath control, intonation, development of high and low registers, intonation, vowels and vocal expression, as well as reading music and rhythmic practice in a variety of styles. The student will explore various genres of repertoire, allowing the discovery of their voice, and learn how to prevent damage to the vocal cords. Each 30-minute private singing lesson focuses on both technique as well as application to a song in order to prepare the student for performance. Please specify time preference at registration; WPD staff or instructor will then contact you individually to schedule exact lesson time.