Music Making

Free drum circles led by Frank Thompson

Join our introduction to West-African Handdrumming!

Arizona Musicfest Piano Ensemble Class (Multi-Level) Dr. João Paulo Casarotti, instructor Course Description The Piano Ensemble course offers students the opportunity to collaborate in small groups, typically in settings such as 4-hands, 6-hands, and 8-hands ensembles. When appropriate, collaboration with other instruments may also be incorporated based on students’ goals and repertoire interests. A wide range of ensemble literature is available for this class, including both original works and multilevel arrangements for multiple pianos. This course emphasizes the development of ensemble musicianship, interpretive awareness, and collaborative performance skills. Students will explore a varied selection of repertoire—from classical to contemporary styles—which may include pop, film, and video-game music in addition to traditional works. The class is suitable for late-beginner, intermediate, and advanced piano students. During the first class, students will complete a brief assessment to determine their current skill level and musical interests. This will help the instructor assign appropriate repertoire and form balanced ensemble groups for the course. Course Objectives Ensemble Musicianship: Develop the ability to perform effectively with other pianists, with emphasis on timing, balance, communication, and overall cohesion. Interpretive Development: Strengthen musical expression and stylistic understanding through the study of a variety of ensemble works. Technical Growth: Improve ensemble-specific technical skills such as sight-reading, rhythmic accuracy, and dynamic control. Repertoire Discovery: Become familiar with a broad selection of piano ensemble music, including duets, trios, quartets, multilevel ensembles, and larger group configurations. Performance Preparation: Build confidence and stage presence through frequent in-class performance opportunities. Course Structure Weekly Ensemble Rehearsals: Regularly scheduled sessions focused on developing ensemble precision, musicality, and teamwork. Sectional Coaching: Smaller breakout rehearsals where individual groups or parts receive targeted guidance. Individual Practice Expectations: Students are responsible for practicing their parts independently and are required to use Piano Marvel to reinforce accuracy, rhythmic fluency, and familiarity with the ensemble context. Listening & Analysis: Students will study recordings of their assigned works—both individual ...

https://youtu.be/5v3Yxcj3Euc Course Overview Group Piano Fundamentals III is a welcoming course designed for adult beginners who have "graduated" from Piano Fundamentals II. In a supportive group setting, students explore the foundational elements of piano playing and music theory, progressing from elementary to intermediate levels. The course incorporates technology such as digital sheet music, interactive apps, music theory games, and ear training tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A key component of the course is the use of the Piano Marvel app, a powerful learning platform that enhances practice, progress tracking, and sight-reading development. Piano Marvel provides instant feedback on accuracy and rhythm, structured curriculum levels, video tutorials, and personalized learning paths that align with each student's goals. What You’ll Learn: Healthy Piano Technique (Taubman Approach): Develop proper body alignment, hand positioning, coordinated movements, and ergonomic technique for long-term success and injury prevention. Basic Music Theory: Learn to read music, understand intervals, scales, and chord progressions through traditional instruction, interactive apps, and gamified learning. Piano Ensemble: Collaborate with fellow students in multi-part pieces, fostering rhythm, listening, and ensemble skills in a fun, community-based format. Improvisation: Explore basic improvisation techniques to enhance creativity and confidence in self-expression at the keyboard. Course Topics Include: Music Notation: Clefs, notes, durations, and time signatures Musical Terms: Essential vocabulary for reading and interpreting music Intervals, Pentachords, Triads, and Inversions Major Scales and Application in Repertoire Chord Progressions: I, IV, V, and vi chords in various keys Repertoire: Simple melodies, homophonic textures, block and broken chord accompaniments Materials Provided: Printed and digital sheet music tailored for beginners Practice resources including sight-reading and music theory apps Access to online video tutorials and supplementary learning tools What You’ll Need: To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel's features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in "Book Mode". ...

https://youtu.be/5v3Yxcj3Euc Course Overview Group Piano Fundamentals II is a welcoming course designed for adult beginners who have "graduated" from Piano Fundamentals I. In a supportive group setting, students explore the foundational elements of piano playing and music theory, progressing from elementary to intermediate levels. The course incorporates technology such as digital sheet music, interactive apps, music theory games, and ear training tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A key component of the course is the use of the Piano Marvel app, a powerful learning platform that enhances practice, progress tracking, and sight-reading development. Piano Marvel provides instant feedback on accuracy and rhythm, structured curriculum levels, video tutorials, and personalized learning paths that align with each student's goals. What You’ll Learn: Healthy Piano Technique (Taubman Approach): Develop proper body alignment, hand positioning, coordinated movements, and ergonomic technique for long-term success and injury prevention. Basic Music Theory: Learn to read music, understand intervals, scales, and chord progressions through traditional instruction, interactive apps, and gamified learning. Piano Ensemble: Collaborate with fellow students in multi-part pieces, fostering rhythm, listening, and ensemble skills in a fun, community-based format. Improvisation: Explore basic improvisation techniques to enhance creativity and confidence in self-expression at the keyboard. Course Topics Include: Music Notation: Clefs, notes, durations, and time signatures Musical Terms: Essential vocabulary for reading and interpreting music Intervals, Pentachords, Triads, and Inversions Major Scales and Application in Repertoire Chord Progressions: I, IV, V, and vi chords in various keys Repertoire: Simple melodies, homophonic textures, block and broken chord accompaniments Materials Provided: Printed and digital sheet music tailored for beginners Practice resources including sight-reading and music theory apps Access to online video tutorials and supplementary learning tools What You’ll Need: To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel's features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in "Book Mode". ...

https://youtu.be/5v3Yxcj3Euc Course Overview Group Piano Fundamentals I is a welcoming course designed for adult beginners with minimal or no prior piano experience. In a supportive group setting, students explore the foundational elements of piano playing and music theory, progressing from elementary to intermediate levels. The course incorporates technology such as digital sheet music, interactive apps, music theory games, and ear training tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A key component of the course is the use of the Piano Marvel app, a powerful learning platform that enhances practice, progress tracking, and sight-reading development. Piano Marvel provides instant feedback on accuracy and rhythm, structured curriculum levels, video tutorials, and personalized learning paths that align with each student's goals. What You’ll Learn: Healthy Piano Technique (Taubman Approach): Develop proper body alignment, hand positioning, coordinated movements, and ergonomic technique for long-term success and injury prevention. Basic Music Theory: Learn to read music, understand intervals, scales, and chord progressions through traditional instruction, interactive apps, and gamified learning. Piano Ensemble: Collaborate with fellow students in multi-part pieces, fostering rhythm, listening, and ensemble skills in a fun, community-based format. Improvisation: Explore basic improvisation techniques to enhance creativity and confidence in self-expression at the keyboard. Course Topics Include: Music Notation: Clefs, notes, durations, and time signatures Musical Terms: Essential vocabulary for reading and interpreting music Intervals, Pentachords, Triads, and Inversions Major Scales and Application in Repertoire Chord Progressions: I, IV, V, and vi chords in various keys Repertoire: Simple melodies, homophonic textures, block and broken chord accompaniments Materials Provided: Printed and digital sheet music tailored for beginners Practice resources including sight-reading and music theory apps Access to online video tutorials and supplementary learning tools What You’ll Need: To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel's features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in "Book Mode". ...