Instruction

How to Get Started

Your needs and goals come first. Whether you’re a performing musician or have never picked up an instrument, our teachers will teach you in the way you learn best. They cover a wide range of classic and contemporary styles.

Getting started is easy.

  1. What type of music instruction are you looking for?
  2. See our fees.
  3. Get to know our teachers.
  4. Have questions? Contact us.
  5. Sign Up!

Instruments & Voice A-Z

Private Lessons

Expert teachers. Personalized, affordable lessons.

Private Lessons Photo

Our teachers are accomplished musicians and great listeners. They’ll start where you’re at, whether you’re a beginner or already performing onstage. They’ll help you set goals, motivate you through great instruction, and teach you in the style you want to learn.

Choose your location.

In addition to our house at 1813 S. Sixth Street, we also offer lessons at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer at 55th and Penn Ave S. We currently offer lessons at LCCR in Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Mandolin and Harmonica. Contact our office for more details or to inquire about other instruments at this offsite location.

Getting set up.

  • Let us know your instrument and level of experience.
  • For children's programs, we also need to know the age of your child.
  • We’ll give you a quick interview to help you find the teacher who’s the best fit. When you’re ready, call us at 612-333-6651.
  • You’ll discuss your goals and schedule with the teacher before you start.
  • You can take lessons at the school, at an offsite location, or at your home (at a higher cost). Check out our fees.
  • Once you’re comfortable that you have the right teacher and have settled on your lesson time, it’s time to register and pay.
  • Please visit our Policies page for more information on time limits for using WBSM lessons and canceling, or rescheduling lessons.

Make the most of your private lessons.

  • Regular weekly lessons with homework assignments reinforced by daily practice are routines that allow you to make the most progress;
  • Thirty minutes or more of practice every day is good, but when you're busy, try for 15-20 minutes. Doing something each day, even for a short time, helps you progress; and
  • Work with your teacher to set your goals and monitor progress toward those goals monthly.

Taking a trial lesson.

You can buy a single trial lesson. If you then decide to sign up for a lesson package, we will apply the payment for that first lesson to the cost of the larger package.

We work with students on tight budgets.

Learn about our payment plans and financial aid.

Children's Programs

Choose the program that’s best for your child.

Children's Program

Our children's programs include private lessons, classes for kids, regular classes, ensembles and summer camp.

Need more help? Contact Us

Want to get started? Register now.

Benefits of music education:
  • Better intellectual development.
  • Higher academic achievement.
  • More self-confidence.
  • Resistance to chemical abuse.

Private lessons for kids and teens.

All our teachers are experienced in showing young students how to have fun making music and how to develop sound musical habits.

Often kids are ready to start learning about music when they show interest in learning to play or sing. Depending on the instrument, very young children may have physical and learning limitations, so speak to our director for advice.

Regular classes for more experienced kids and teens.

Our classes are geared towards adults; however teenagers and younger students can keep up if they have some musical background. See our complete Current Class Schedule.

Ensemble fun for young musicians.

Ensemble experience will help students junior high age or older learn how to play better with others, hone their listening and practice skills, gain valuable performing experience, and learn new songs. Learn more about Ensembles.

Group Classes & Schedule

Summer 2013 Classes

Classes start June 15th. Classes typically include six 90 minute sessions and cost $127 total unless otherwise noted. Classes hold 3-12 students and are subject to class size requirements. Download a PDF of the schedule or Register now.

  • Building Vocal Confidence I: Performance Basics

    Instructor: Bobbi Miller
    Love to sing, but afraid to do it in public? Learn all the basics of good vocal technique, increase your power and range, and find “your own voice”. The class will focus on vocal exercises, proper body alignment, and breath control. There will be a performance for your peers.
    Tuesdays, 8-9:30pm, Jun 18-Jul 23

  • Electric Blues Soloing I

    Instructor: Paul Storms
    This class is designed for relative beginners, or newcomers to the blues. Major and minor pentatonic scales, the blues scale, and some music theory will be covered. Learn how to build your own basic, yet classy blues solos. Examples of prominent artists whose music will be reviewed include B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, and Freddie King.
    Saturdays, 10:30-noon, Jun 15-Jul 20

  • Essential Guitar I

    Instructor: Gary Lee Joyner
    For beginners. The class will begin by addressing questions you may already have and proceed into tuning and its ramifications. Concepts important to understanding how music moves through you and your guitar will be introduced. Simplicity will be the focus as we explore a mix of blues, folk, and rock songs while learning basic strumming, finger picking, and accompaniment skills. 8 one-hour sessions
    Tuesdays, 7-8pm, Jun 18-Aug 6

  • Introduction to Balkan Folk Music

    Instructor: Nickolai Kolarov
    Explore Balkan (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Romanian and Gypsy) rhythms and melodies, including regular and irregular meters, two-part singing, and traditional and oriental scales. Students will develop an appreciation for the rich and varied tradition of Balkan music, learn folk songs and enhance their understanding of the culture of the region. Familiarity with music notation is helpful but not required.
    Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm, Jun 19-Jul 24

  • Introduction to African Guitar

    Instructor: Siama Matuzungidi
    This class will explore rhythmic patterns and guitar riffs common to Soukous and High Life styles of music. Soukous is an up tempo music, also called African Rumba, similar to Soca and Calypso from the Caribbean. High Life is a West African music style. Teacher demonstrations, listening to recordings, some history and discussions of popular African musicians in this style are elements of the class. Familiarity with basic chords and notes will be helpful to students.
    Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Jun 19-Jul 24

  • Essential Guitar II

    Instructor: Gary Lee Joyner
    For those who have taken the first class in this series, or those with a bit more experience. Deepen the skills you've already learned as you move along the path that began in Essential Guitar I. New songs, interlaced with musical concepts and ideas, will add to your understanding of chord progressions, rhythm, and picking patterns. Those who have experienced the first class are familiar with Gary's commitment to being "in the moment" with yourself and your guitar while you expand personal creativity. 8 one-hour sessions
    Tuesdays, 8:15-9:15pm, Jun 18-Aug 6

  • Music Theory for the Guitar Level I and II

    Instructor: Dale Dahlquist
    Great for a serious beginner or an accomplished musician. Invaluable for songwriting, improvising, pulling tunes from recordings and playing with others. Learn chord structure, how to index and play each in several forms. Through analysis of popular songs, learn chord relationships in a progression and how they resolve. Level I covers 13 chord types including major, minor, suspended, 6ths, 7ths, power chords. Level II includes 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, augmented, diminished, altered chords, inversions, and more sophisticated progressions. Prerequisites: Level I Introduction to Guitar, equivalent private instruction or a ravishing curiosity. Level II: Completion of Theory I or instructor consent.
    Level I: Wednesdays, 8-9:30pm, Jun19-Jul 24
    Level II: Thursdays, 8-9:30pm, Jun 20-Aug 1 (No Class July 4)

  • The Zen of American Primitive Guitar

    Instructor: Peter Lang
    Long time friend and collaborator of the legendary John Fahey, Peter Lang will give a multifaceted class, including insights on right and left hand technique. Students will learn methods for muting and clarifying lead lines and be introduced to a variety of right hand picking styles. The class will explore ways in which open tunings can give added dimension and coloring to arrangements. Composition issues, the use of dynamics and practical applications for slide and other open tuning techniques will be investigated. The slide component of the class will look into lap vs. classical, glass vs. metal and the ways in which various tunings flavor the sound the slide produces. Tablature will be provided for lessons in both D (DADF#AD) and C (CGCGCE) tunings, among others.
    Saturdays, 1-2:30pm, Ongoing, flexible start date, $165

  • Tune Up Shop

    • Are you preparing for music school?
    • Can you use help explaining your ideas more effectively to your bandmates?
    • Do you need to fine tune your theory skills, or just need a musical oil change?

    Come to Dr. G's Tune Up Shop for a hands on application of basic theory analysis and keyboard encounters. Tune Up Shop will allow students to solidify and expand on their existing skills. Dr. G will provide one-on-one tutoring and guidance whether through classroom, or individual instruction. Offered as a group class in our quarterly class sessions and as private lessons on an ongoing basis.

    Saturdays, 2-2:30pm, ongoing class/lessons

Bands & Ensembles

Learn and have fun making music with others.

Join one of our ensembles: a group of students who play a variety of instruments. Each ensemble is led by one of our teachers. All are professional musicians who work with a variety of experience levels and musical styles. The ensemble members and teacher set their goals, choose music, work on arrangements, and rehearse weekly. The teacher often plays with the group.

Benefits of playing in an ensemble.

  • Get expert help in matching you up with others who think like you musically.
  • Improve your sense of timing and hone your listening and practice skills.
  • Pick up songs you might not otherwise learn.
  • Experience the joy of musical collaboration.
  • Make enduring musical friendships.

Ready? Sign up now.

  1. Decide what level best fits your goals. (See ensemble levels below).
  2. Fill out the Ensemble Application Form.
  3. Check out the fees.
  4. Mail or email us your application for review. Some bands require a follow-up audition. Have questions? Contact Us.

Our ensemble choices.

African Music Siama Matuzungidi
American Folk Music Dale Dahlquist
Balkan Folk Music Nickolai Kolarov
Bluegrass Bill Philipp
Blues Contact us
Celtic Jim Plattes
Dixeland Paul Fonfara
Gypsy Jazz Jim Plattes
Jazz Paul Renz
Jazz-Fusion, Jazz-Rock Paul Renz
Rock Contact us
Teen Rock Contact us
Vocal Bobbi Miller

Ensemble program descriptions.

  • Celtic Band for Youth or Adults
    Instructor: Jim Plattes Join this group and learn traditional jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and airs.
  • Gypsy-Jazz Band for Youth or Adults
    Instructor: Jim Plattes Inspired by the Hot Club music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, this band offers students an opportunity to play classic swing music on stringed instruments and has room for 2-3 guitars, violin, string bass, clarinet, and maybe even a little chromatic harmonica.
  • Jazz and Jazz-fusion Bands for Adults

    Instructor: Paul Renz

    Paul Renz, Director of Jazz Studies, directs and performs with three student jazz ensembles.  Caterwaul features original music composed by two of its members. Laughing Sweaters specializes in vocal arrangements, and Good Question is building its repertoire of jazz standards.New ensembles are formed based on student interest and skill level.  These ensembles represent the core of a wonderful music community of like-minded adults, highly motivated students of jazz who meet weekly to rehearse, and work hard to develop their improvisation and composition skills.  Invariably, the participants are very supportive, friendly, and bring wonderful energy to the setting. Renz asks for a minimum 9 month commitment, September to June. The more accomplished groups occasionally perform in the community.

Summer Camp

Be the Band:  Rock and Pop Summer Youth Band Camp.

Sign up your young musician for a one-of-a-kind, fun and focused experience: the 2013 Rock and Pop Summer Youth Band Camp. Camp will be led by experienced WBSM teachers at the school Monday through Friday with a final concert Friday evening. New this year: a special 3rd session for Girls Only!

Check our Photos & Video from our previous camps!
2011 Summer Camp Photos
2011 Summer Camp Videos
2012 Summer Camp Videos

Dates and Times.

Session 1 - June 17-21, 2013
Orientation and bandmate selection: Thursday, June 13, 6-8pm
Classes: Monday-Friday, June 17-21, 1-5pm
Final Concert: Friday, June 21, 7pm
Session 2 - June 24-28, 2013
Orientation and bandmate selection: Thursday, June 20, 6-8pm
Classes: Monday-Friday, June 24-28, 1-5pm
Final Concert: Friday, June 28, 7pm
Session 3 (Girls Rock) - July 15-19, 2013
Orientation and bandmate selection: Thursday, July 11, 6-8pm
Classes: Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 1-5pm
Final Concert: Friday, July 19, 7pm

How to sign up.

Contact the school’s director, David Alderson, at 612-333-6651 or david@wbsm.org.

Students will learn:

  • Fundamentals of playing an instrument.
  • How to compose songs and write lyrics with band mates.
  • How to prepare for a performance.
  • How to communicate with band members.

Basic requirements.

Age range is 10 to 18. No experience is required. Beginner to intermediate students are welcome and will be grouped by age and ability.

Instruments and equipment we provide.

Tuition includes amps, cords and microphones, guitar,bass, drums, and keyboards. Bring your own instrument if you prefer, or any instrument not listed here.

Play a gig with your bandmates.

The final session will include a pizza party and a student performance at a local venue.

Cost.

$250 for more than 20 hours of focused activity. Some scholarship support is available.