Music for Young Adults

Ages 12 to 18

Sherwood has several different class offerings for students ages 12 to 18. Sherwood offers opportunities for students to learn and enhance individual skills while experiencing the joy of making music with others.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For class days, times, and prices for a specific term, please visit our online registration center, or download our current term class schedule.

Beginner to Intermediate Classes
* Classes run for one term, 16 weeks.
* Classes begin the week of Sept. 12.

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, simple melodies, and chords. Group piano classes are taught in Sherwood’s state-of-the-art keyboard lab. There are two levels of group piano class, Introductory Piano and Continuing Piano. Enrollment in Continuing Piano requires prior enrollment in Introductory Piano 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 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 levels of group guitar class, Introductory Guitar and Continuing Guitar. Enrollment in Continuing Guitar requires prior enrollment in Introductory Guitar or teacher approval.

Sing Out!

Learn proper singing technique from a professional singer! This is a great class for teenagers who love to sing and want to train their voice in a nonthreatening, fun, and supportive environment. We’ll cover sound production, breathing, diction, and interpretation and musicianship. No prior singing experience is required.

Intermediate to Advanced Classes
* Classes run for two terms, 32 weeks.
* Classes begin the week of Sept. 12.
* Students enrolling in intermediate to advanced level classes are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Pre-Collegiate Certificate Program.

Musicianship Classes

Sherwood’s musicianship classes are designed to create a fully integrated musician, equally comfortable with a variety of musical styles. Six distinct levels of curriculum are comprised of ear training/sight-singing, music theory, analysis, music history, class performance/improvisation and experience with various musical genres (classical, jazz, blues, and urban contemporary). Each level is designed to be completed over one term. A placement exam will be required of new students to determine placement.

Jazz Improvisation 

Learn about the jazz feel and groove, by playing standard jazz repertoire in a fun and encouraging environment. The class is specifically designed to introduce students to this special art form. Open to students who have played their instrument for at least two years and are currently taking individual lessons.

In a weekly masterclass type setting students will perform regularly for thier peers and recieve constructive guidance. Sherwood offers Performance Classes for both piano and string students. Students enrolling in performance class MUST be enrolled in the Pre-Collegiate Certificate Program.

Intermediate to Advanced Ensembles
* Ensembles run for two terms, 32 weeks.
* Ensembles begin the week of Sept. 12.
* A placement audition is required for all ensembles.
* Students enrolling in intermediate to advanced level ensembles are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Pre-Collegiate Certificate Program.

Chamber Ensembles

Participation in a Chamber Ensemble provides students the opportunity to collaborate and perform with other young musicians and to work closely with artist-coaches on a broad range of repertoire. Chamber Ensembles are arranged by an audition and are open to students performing at an intermediate through advanced level. Ensemble coachings are held generally on Friday late afternoon/evening or on Saturday. Chamber Ensembles are expected to perform at least twice per term.

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combo is an excellent medium for those interested in studying this great American art form. Combos are formed based on similar playing ability and age. In order to audition for a jazz combo, students should have basic instrumental competency and must be taking individual instruction.

Percussion Ensemble 

Under the instruction of Columbia College's percussion instructor, students will rehearse weekly learning music specifically written for percussion ensemble.