Darien Music Center
2007 - 2008 Music Classes and Teachers
Piano | Guitar | Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet | Voice | Violin | Special Classes | Teachers
Piano
Focus on spatial reasoning and observational skills; tone memory through ear training, improvisation via pentatonic scales i.e. black keys; various games to improve concentration & knowledge of the piano. 4 yrs & up.
Tuesday through Saturday (off campus)
Instructor: Catherine Savoca
Beginners to Intermediates welcomed. Emphasis on Music Theory and performance in the form of piano solos & duets. 7 yrs. & up
(off campus)
Instructor: Juanita Bosee
Careful consideration is given to guide students toward achieving good technique, memorization and ultimately
performance through classical pieces and beginner methods.
.
7 years & up
Tuesdays (on campus)
Instructor: Alla Okladchik
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Guitar
All styles, from traditional to contemporary on any guitar, acoustic or electric are taught with positivity & patience. All ages
Tuesdays and Thursdays (on campus)
Instructor: John Burns
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Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
The importance of breathing and sound is emphasized as the foundation of good playing. Technique, reading, theory &
improvisation is advanced via solo and duet pieces. Music is drawn from both classical and jazz repertoire for a lively
learning experience. 9 yrs. & up
Mon. - Sat. (off campus)
Instructor: Catherine Savoca
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Voice
A classical approach to singing in which each student
gains an understanding of the entire vocal mechanism.
Students learn the basics of vocal production, as well as
diction and phrasing while developing a repertoire of
English, early Italian and musical theatre songs. These
lessons are designed to cultivate poise and stage presence.
Ages 6 & up.
(on campus)
Instructor: Rebecca Vaccaro
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Violin
Basic fundamentals of violin for the early beginner. Learn the oopen strings, fingering, correct handling of the bow and a small repertoire of songs.
Tuesday or Thursday (on campus)
Instructor: John Burns
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Special Classes
- Music Workshop
One hour a week, limited to 3 music students (piano, sax, clarinet, or flute) of similar level. Onoe-on-one lessons are streamlined for each student. k Balance of time given to group theory, ensemble, rhythm activities, etc. Special arrangements created for the 3 with goal of ensemble work. End of each month is "Mini-Recital Day": students perform and are critiqued by each other. Requirement: at least 2 years of private lessons. Personal compatibility is also a consideration. Detailed brochure available upon request. 2 years of private instruction
Wed & Fri, 5 - 6:00 pm (off campus)
Instructor: Catherine Savoca
Fee: $30.00 per club
Director's home - Private Instruction Off-campus
Scheduling is arranged directly with the instructor.
Catherine Savoca, Piano, Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
Juanita Bosee, Piano
(off campus)
Instructor: Catherine Savoca
Fee: Standard instruction fees apply
- Guitar Workshop
This course is geared to introduce students to group playing in an ensemble format. Students will learn songs, have a specific part to play in each song, and then switch parts.
Prerequisites for:
Beginners - Must be able to read notes on all 6 strings.
Intermediates - Must be able to read notes on all 6 strings in open
position, know sharp & flat notes in that position.
Thursday (on campus)
Instructor: John Burns
Fee: $15.00 per workshop
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Teachers
- Catherine Savoca - is a Darien native and graduate of Berklee
College of Music, with a diploma in jazz Composition & Arranging. Her instructors included the late Joe Viola, Warne Marsh & Frank Foster; arranging with Phil Wilson. For over a decade she was lead and/or 2nd alto with several big bands and free-lanced with a number of rock and soul groups, from Block Island to Lincoln Center's "Midsummer Night's Swing". Although her main instruments
include saxophone, flute and clarinet, Catherine began with piano & studied privately for several years. She firmly believes that no matter what instrument is undertaken, piano should be the first. She is currently serving as Director and instructor for the DMC.
- Juanita Bosee - acquired a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport and was a teacher in the Stamford public schools. A long time resident of Darien and mother of two, Mrs. Bosee has taught piano privately for 10 years. Her classes for beginners to intermediate emphasize music theory.
- John Burns - studied guitar and composition, graduating from Berklee College of Music in 1977 with a degree in Composition. He has toured the U.S. working with various Top 40 bands and has taught guitar and bass privately for 18 years.
- Alla Okladchik - received her Master of Arts in Music at Kiev Conservatory In Honor of Tschaikowsky. For 10 years she was
Piano, Musicianship & Theory Instructor in Kiev before coming to NYC to teach in various music schools. Alia now teaches privately in the Fairfield County area.
- Rebecca Vaccaro - Rebecca Vaccaro has a degree in vocal performance from the Hartt School of Music, and has been very active in staging and directing a variety of workshops throughout Fairfield County. She also studied under and directed with the late Catherine Lindsey of Darien.
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Darien Music Center