Menu

Music and Performing Arts

Arts Outreach

Program Coordinators:

Malcolm Brannen
Mary Scanlan

For Registration Information Contact:

Malcolm Brannen
(616) 234-3944
mbrannen@grcc.edu

Piano Classes

  • Grades 3 and 4 combined, and grades 5 and 6 combined
  • Unique beginning piano study in small classes of 4 to 6 students
  • Fourteen 50-minute lessons
  • Lessons available weekday afternoons

Kent Philharmonia Orchestra

The Kent Philharmonia Orchestra, in existence since 1975, is a college/community symphony orchestra devoted to the performance of symphonic literature. The orchestra provides an outlet for people who love to perform but do not depend on it for their livelihood. Members, who freely give of their time, come from all walks of life. All share a common love of performing great music from composers of the past and present.

The orchestra operates through Grand Rapids Community College which provides funding for the conductor, orchestra manager and concertmaster. Leadership of the Kent Philharmonia Orchestra is provided by its Board of Directors, comprised of members of the orchestra elected by their peers.

Kids at the Keyboard (Summer)

  • Grades (entering) 2 through 6
  • Teaches basic concepts of music
  • No piano at home is necessary through group piano lessons
  • Small classes
  • Four 45 minute classes
  • All materials provided
  • Taught by GRCC staff
  • Classes are held at the GRCC Music Center, Monday through Thursday.

Private Instrumental Study

  • Grades 2 through 12
  • Private study with a GRCC-approved teacher
  • Option to study with a college student apprentice (lower tuition)
  • Choice of fourteen 20, 30 or 45 minute lessons
  • Convenient lesson schedule
  • Low cost rental of instrument (violin only, if available)

Suzuki Violin

What is Talent Education or the Suzuki Method?

Talent Education is a philosophy of teaching based on the principle that all children can develop ability and talent. The Suzuki method applies this philosophy to teaching violin. Dr. Sinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and educator, founded the Talent Education Institute in 1947. His method is based on the development of the natural ability of children. He stresses that if children can master language by listening and imitating, so can they learn to play an instrument. The learning process is broken down to the smallest possible steps so that the child achieves success at every level and learns at his or her own pace. The basic principles consist of motivation, repetition, listening, reinforcement and correct technique. The parent plays a very important role in the child's learning process. He or she learns the fundamentals of the instrument in order to be the "home teacher." This is an opportunity to have a direct influence on the child's learning and development of self-discipline, patience, sensitivity and feeling of self-worth. The goal of the Suzuki method is to open each child's life to the joy of music and to develop the child's potential to the fullest.

Who can enroll?

Enrollment is open to children from age four through children in the ninth grade.

How often are lessons and where are they taught?

Each child takes a private lesson and a group lesson each week. Observation of another private lesson is encouraged. Lesson times are arranged as best as possible to fit the parent's schedule. Parents should attend private lessons. Car pooling is popular with group lessons. Most lessons are taught at the Grand Rapids Community College Music Center.

What are some of the program's unique qualities?

  1. At first children learn to play by listening and imitating. Note reading is introduced later.
  2. Parents and children join in an enjoyable educational experience.
  3. The program allows for every child to progress at his/her own speed and to experience success.
  4. Children learn healthy educational and social attitudes through a fun learning experience.
  5. Children have opportunities each year to perform for others.
  • Ages 4 through 9th grade
  • Learn violin through the Suzuki method
  • Taught by GRCC approved teachers
  • 14 private lessons per semester
  • Various length lessons available
  • 13 group lessons per semester
  • Convenient lesson schedule
  • Performance opportunities
  • Opportunity for other lesson observations
  • Low cost instrument rental available on a 1st come 1st served basis.
  • Apprentice teachers available at lower tuition rate

West Michigan Flute Association

The purpose of the (WMFA) is to provide a showcase and forum for the flute. The WMFA will provide the opportunity for performance and the means to share knowledge, education, and resources with those playing, performing, teaching, and promoting flute.

The Junior High Flute Choir is a unique opportunity that develops and reinforces basic flute fundamentals in a group setting. Students work together to develop tone, pitch, rhythm, posture, and basic knowledge of music literature.

The High School Flute Ensemble is open to any high school flutist currently enrolled in a school musical ensemble and/or studying flute privately. This ensemble will give high school flutists of West Michigan an opportunity to play in a flute ensemble, not usually available through school or other community organizations. The flute ensemble will give students a chance to perform not only on flute and piccolo, but will also include experiences on the alto and bass flutes. The ensemble's goal is to reach out and educate the young flutists in our community and five them a venue for performance.


Updated on 20-MAY-08
Edit this page | View text only version