Music for Adults
Sherwood provides the opportunity for adults to advance their skills in a particular genre. There are also many recreational music offerings for the beginner through intermediate level student.
Important Note: For class days, times, and prices for a specific term, please visit our online registration center or download a copy of our current class schedule.
Classes for Adults
* Classes run for one term, 16 weeks, unless otherwise noted.* Classes begin the week of Sept. 12 unless otherwise noted.
Group Piano Classes
Group Piano is an ideal way to try out the piano and build the foundation for continued individual study in piano or other instruments. Students will learn orientation to the keyboard, beginning music-reading skills, and simple melodies and chords. Group piano classes are taught in Sherwood’s state-of-the-art keyboard lab. There are two different group piano classes, Introductory Piano and Continuing Piano. Enrollment in Continuing Piano requires prior enrollment in an Introductory Piano class or teacher approval.
Group Guitar Classes
Interested in playing for family and friends or becoming the next rock star? Group guitar class is a great way to get introduced or reacquainted with the instrument that everyone loves. Learn chords, strumming patterns, and melodic lines as well as how to play with others in a fun, relaxed setting. There are two different group guitar classes, Introductory Guitar and Continuing Guitar. Enrollment in Continuing Guitar requires prior enrollment in an Introductory Guitar class or teacher approval.
Opera Made Painless
Join operatic vocal coach and master teacher Beth Parker for an exploration of opera topics through the lens of the Metropolitan Opera's captivating Live In HD broadcasts. Participants will learn about opera history and terminology as well as attend live HD broadcasts at the ICON Showplace Movie Theater. (Class meets for 12 weeks beginning the week of Sept. 19. Additional fee to attend broadcasts not included in tuition price.)
Music In Motion
Newly designed by Kristen Regester, Sherwood’s Early Childhood Coordinator, Music in Motion is an inclusive class for all adults, with or without formal music training. Music in Motion is a unique approach to music education that uses kinesthetics to allow us to experience music with our whole bodies. Through participation in simple rhythmic, solfège and improvisation games, the students will learn to combine music and movement in order to develop rhythmic unity between the eye, ear, mind and body. Whether you consider yourself tone-deaf or you’re working on your next concerto or jazz standard, this class is for you!
Meet The Harp
Sherwood is the only community music school in Chicago offering instruction on harp. Join Janelle Lake as she provides a hands-on experience with the harp. The final class is a tour of the Venus Harp Factory.
Sing Out!
Learn proper singing technique from a professional singer! This is a great class for adults who love to sing and want to train their voice in a non-threatening, fun, and supportive environment. We’ll cover sound production, breathing, diction, interpretation, and musicianship. No prior singing experience is required.
Singing With Style
From Cole Porter to Kurt Weill, Burt Bachrach to Stephen Sondheim - If these are some of your favorite American songwriters, then check out "Singing With Style"! This will be an introduction to cabaret singing that will include performance and listening to classic cabaret recordings. Students will learn how to personalize their performances by telling a story, how to work with an accompanist, and how to engage an audience through the spoken word that is the hallmark of this unique genre of vocal performance. The class will culminate with a final performance at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret (or similar venue). THIS CLASS IS ONLY OFFERED IN THE SPRING TERM.
* Ensembles begin the week of Sept. 12.
Adult Chamber Ensemble
This is an excellent introduction to chamber music repertoire and rehearsal/performance techniques for students at intermediate through advanced levels. Students with at least two years of individual study will learn to play within numerous instrumental combinations. An audition will be held during the first week of class to determine placement in groups.
Columbia Community Chorus
Discover the exciting world of choral music by singing in the Columbia Community Chorus. Members learn a variety of choral literature, with emphasis on healthy tone production, blend, musicianship, and the importance of ensemble. The Chorus provides a fun and relaxed opportunity to experience the joy of singing with others. The Community Chorus performs at least twice annually in the December Holiday Concert and for the annual Spring Sing! No prior choral experience is required. The Chorus follows Columbia College Chicago’s academic calendar year and registration is for the full year, 28 weeks.
Sherwood Family Chorus(all ages)
Our new Sherwood Family Chorus is a great family activity that everyone can do together - mom, dad, and kids! Enjoy singing together with other neighborhood families in a relaxed social setting while learning new music and improving your voal chops!
South Loop Community Orchestra
Formerly known as the Columbia Community Symphony Orchestra, the South Loop Community Orchestra meets at Sherwood once per week, but is no longer affiliated with Sherwood or Columbia College Chicago. The orchestra is now managed by Ms. Cathryn Bulicek, and interested parties should contact her directly at (773) 777-6368, or at cbulicek@juno.com.
