We’re dedicating the month of August to the wonderful world of Salsa music. Also known as “Afro-Cuban music”, or “Latin Jazz,” it peaked in popularity in the 1970’s, but is now enjoying a much deserved comeback. Our Salsa month begins with a call for open rehearsals for a Salsa ensemble group that meets every Saturday at 11:00AM. Membership in the ensemble is subject to an audition. In addition, our director, Aldo Mosca, will give a free seminar about the history and influence of Salsa in today’s music scene. The seminar will take place on August 15 at 7:00PM, at the School. No need to call, just come on in.
SMAS is proud to announce that Felicia McFall is now a member of the Suzuki Music Association of the Americas and one of the few Certified Suzuki teachers in Sonoma County. Felicia is very excited about her new designation and the wonderful results that Suzuki training provides to beginning violin students. Typically children from ages 4 to 7 will accomplish very good technique using this Internationally acclaimed system. The Suzuki method consists of a combination of individual and group lessons that are proven to provide a high-level of musical ability, while fostering close parent/child relationships. Sonoma Music Arts School will start offering Suzuki violin training in September of 2007. Please call to enroll in our Suzuki Violin Program.
Melody Caspari – Voice and Piano
Melody is a graduate of California State University Long Beach Opera Institute. She has performed for the New York Grand Opera in concert, the Classical Singer’s Association Spring Concert Series, the Beit T’Shuvah Honorary Gala Ball in Beverly Hills, and celebrity Master Classes all over the country. She also is the winner of the 2007 Henry and Maria Holt Memorial Scholarship with West Bay Opera and is the winner of Pacific Musical Society’s Annual musical scholarship in the Junior Vocal Division for 2006.
Tyson Schubert- Drums
Tyson brings a fresh approach to teaching the drums which he learned when taking private lessons from Jim Holland. Currently, he’s enrolled in the music program at SRJC and takes private lessons with George Marsh.
Erin Yardley- French Horn
Erin is a Sonoma county native. She is returning to the area after the completion of her Bachelors in Music Performance at CSU Sacramento where she studied with Pete Nowlen. Her other teachers include Jennifer Marsh and Chris Breeden. Ms. Yardley has made appearances at the Hot Springs Music Festival and The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in New Hampshire.
Brett Carrillo – Guitar – Rock
Brett is a young rock guitarist who cut his teeth with several area bands. His approach to teaching emphasizes learning songs and having fun while learning.
Mike Karath – Guitar
Michael teaches jazz theory and improvisation for all instruments. Karath earned a bachelor's degree in music composition at Berklee College of Music in 1982. He is a jazz guitar player who has studied with famed teacher Charlie Banacos (whose students include guitarist Mike Stern), Mick Goodrick, Jon Damian. He's studied jazz piano with Ray Santisi and popular singing with Eddie Watson. Students will learn to break down and construct music from the ground up and learn to improvise in any musical situation. Michael played for years in many bands of different musical styles in clubs in and around Boston, Massachusetts.
Felicia successfully auditioned to participate in a two-week course of Early Music- Baroque, in Vancouver Canada from July 29th to August 13th. She will take Master Classes, one with notable teacher Elizabeth Walfish and perform in an opera by Handel. David Hill will be a substitute teacher during Felicia’s trip.
We are busy making up our fall schedule, so please be sure to reserve your favorite teacher and time by calling us as soon as you can. First come first served based upon receipt of your enrollment fee, the $20 charge for all lesson books, music, CDs etc. for the year, and first month’s lesson deposit. We will continue to make our schedule work for you depending on your teacher’s availability.
Effective July 19, 2007 we have revised our enrollment requirements. We now require a minimum one-month commitment from our students in the form of a non-refundable deposit. This is for the calendar month. Any student enrolling in the middle of the month will pay the pro-rated tuition for the partial month and the following month. This policy is to guarantee that the studio reservation and contract teacher that we have arranged on the student’s behalf will be paid. Everyone loses when students do not come for their scheduled lessons, especially new students.
Our new fee structure is as follows:
Group classes (guitar) $ 80/month
Private lessons (half hour a week) $140/month
Private lessons (one hour a week) $240/month
Family discount $120/month/student
The charges for private lessons will now be a flat fee and includes 4 lessons per month. We’re still offering a family discount for more than one student in a household. Hopefully you will have noticed that there is a $10 late fee charged for payments received after the 5th of the month in which they are due.