CITY VOICES OFFERINGS Summer 2023:

INDIVIDUAL VOICE LESSONS – Instructor: arranged. Students receive a weekly, free, 30-minute private voice lesson with a highly qualified instructor. Times mutually arranged between student and teaching artist.

INDIVIDUAL GUITAR LESSONS – Instructor: Dang Felton. Students receive a weekly, free individual guitar lesson with a highly qualified instructor. Times mutually arranged between student and teaching artist.

KEYBOARD LESSONS – Instructor: Kailey Gering. No experience necessary, learn how to accompany yourself or play what you want! Times mutually arranged.

COLLEGE PREP MUSIC THEORY – Instructor: Brandon Record. This class will study topics covered in a typical first-year college music theory class. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for students considering taking the AP Music Theory test, or those who plan to study music in college. High School. Time TBA.

SONGWRITING – MAY 17-18, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. (Wednesday & Thursday)  Instructor: Dang Felton.
Learn how to turn your ideas into a song! Led by Dang Felton, Studio Manager and awesome Guitar Teaching Artist at City Voices. No experience necessary! (Individual in-person recording sessions may be arranged at a later date.) Uses Bandlab browser-based music program.

RECORDING STUDIO INITIATION: In-person. Arranged on individual basis. Instructor: Dang Felton
Learn how to operate in a fully realized professional recording studio.  Work with top tier recording equipment and physical and digital interfaces, using professional recording software.

MUSIC THEATRE: Music Theatre Masterclass:  In person. August 1-4, 10 am – 2 pm Tuesday-Friday. Final performance 3 p.m. Friday, August 4. Held at Noce Jazz Club, Des Moines, IA.  Instructor: Napoleon Douglas.
The Musical Theatre Masterclass is focused on equipping young artists with skills and techniques used by modern theatre professionals both in audition settings and in live performance. Students will select a Musical Theatre selection or excerpt from a play, and spend 3-4 days rehearsing and crafting – live, in front of their classmates – under the direction of the instructor. Blending the practices of Laban, Chekov and other acting historians, as well as newer approaches developing, students will walk away with tools to excel in their theatrical performances. All classes and final performance held at Noce Jazz Club, 1326 Walnut St., DSM.

FAQ:

What ages are eligible? We are currently accepting only students entering grade 6 through freshman year of college.

How do you qualify for free lessons? City Voices is designed to provide free voice lessons to eligible students who cannot otherwise afford them. Most students qualify for free/reduced lunch, or their family income is not far above that threshold, making participation in traditional, paid arts activities and lessons difficult if not impossible. We do not ask for income verification, but we do ask that families are honest about their financial status, and do not take advantage of the program. (There are a limited number of slots for paying students, at $80/month.)

Who will my teacher be? City Voices has numerous highly qualified, experience teaching artists. We will try to match your interests and needs with the best teacher.

When will my lesson be? Your lesson will be individually arranged, by mutual agreement between student and teacher. After you sign up, your teacher will contact you with sufficient lead time to set up a weekly lesson time. That will be your lesson time every week, unless you agree to a change.

Do I have to go every week? It is important, in every situation where you study music, to commit to a regular lesson time and instructional program. Because we work with you to schedule a convenient time, we will expect you to be at your lesson every week, unless you have extenuating circumstances and have arranged the absence with your teacher in advance. (Note: we understand and will work around vacations, camps, and sudden illness!) You may not have more than 1 unexcused absence per session – after that, you are subject to dismissal from the program.

What experience do I need? None! We meet you where you are, and work with you to get you where you want to go! No materials needed, no previous experience! Just a water bottle if you have one, and a folder for your music! (We will give that to you!)

Thinking about majoring in music? Check out this article with lots of helpful hints!
http://mydigimag.rrd.com/display_article.php?id=2057967&id_issue=265527

About Us. City Voices is a community-centered non-profit music education program that provides free voice lessons to eligible students who cannot otherwise afford them.