Pittsburgh Youth Chorus Summer Online Courses

Choose from the following courses, or bundle and receive a discount:

PRIVATE VOCAL COACHING/AUDITION PREPARATION

You and your private vocal coach can work together to learn the vocal technique that is needed, the mechanics of the song itself, and how to deliver your most expressive performance. Whether your focus is on developing your technique or learning more about theatric interpretation, we can match you with a coach who will help you pursue your goals.

Ages: Entering grades 2 and up

Level: Beginner – Advanced

Dates and Time: Beginning June 15 – July 31, 2020; Times and dates to be individually arranged.

Instructors: Steven Cosnek, Shawn Funk, and Barbara Spiri

Required Materials: PYC will provide the music chosen by the student and instructor.

Cost: Choose a package of 20-minute or 40-minute coachings.

Package of 4, 20-minute coachings | $55

Package of 4, 40-minute coachings | $110

Package of 7, 20-minute coachings | $90

Package of 7, 40-minute coachings | $180

Package of 10, 20-minute coachings | $120

Package of 10, 40-minute coachings | $240

SONGS OF THE BROADWAY STAGE: MUSICAL THEATER REPERTOIRE

Songs of the Broadway Stage will focus on a variety of productions from different eras of musical theater. During each class, we’ll cover the history of at least two productions and study a ballad and an up-tempo song from each show. By the end of the course, you will have explored 16 different pieces of music.

Ages: Entering grades 4-12 (Course may be split by age into different sessions depending on interest)

Level: Beginner – Intermediate

Dates and Time: Tuesdays, 2:00-2:45 PM | June 23 – July 14 (4 classes)

Instructor: Angela Machi Evans

Class size: 10-30 students

Cost: $65

SONGWRITING

Ever wanted to write your own songs? This four-week Songwriting course gives you all you need to get started. You will learn the foundations of music theory for songwriting and dozens of approaches to writing effective lyrics and melodies. User-friendly assignments and activities are offered for the time between classes. Plus, have the chance to hear from practicing songwriters and ask questions about their creative process.

Ages: Entering grades 8-12 (Course may be split by age into different sessions depending on interest)

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Basic proficiency on piano, guitar, or ukulele (able to play chords or read chord charts and tune guitar/uke)

Dates and Time: Mondays and Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 PM | June 29 – July 23 (8 classes)

Instructor: Lee Saville-Iksic – Listen to Lee’s songs here https://saville-iksic.com/songwriting

Required Materials: Piano/keyboard, guitar, or ukulele to be provided by the student

Class size: 5-15 students

Cost: $135 +required materials

VOCAL IMPROVISATION

Improvisation is nothing more than musical play. This spontaneous process is the root of all creativity and an essential part of all musical styles. Learn how to harmonize by ear, sing improvised solos, and add complementary elements to an existing piece of music. You will sing in a wide variety of musical styles, including pop, folk, jazz, and classical, and all singers will receive individual feedback on their performances.

Ages: Entering grades 7-12

Level: Beginner – Advanced

Dates and Time: Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 PM | July 1 – July 15 (3 classes)

Instructor: Lee Saville-Iksic

Class size: 5-20 students

Cost: $65

INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSITION AND IMPROVISATION

Inspired by the life and music of Pittsburgh’s own Mary Lou Williams, students will use instruments and percussion to create their own original jazz compositions. Together, we’ll practice composing melodies, improvising solos, and supporting vocalists. After group coachings and workshops, we’ll create a group composition with an ensemble video performance.

Ages: Entering grades 7 and up

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Prerequisites: Intermediate skill on an instrument and basic music theory skills

Dates and Time: Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:00-12:00 PM | June 30 – July 24 (8 sessions)

Instructor: Alex Marthaler

Required Materials: Instrument at home (ideally piano or band/orchestral instrument); two electronic devices for homework assignments – one for listening and one for recording

Class size: 5-15 students

Cost: $135 +required materials

INTRO TO UKULELE

In this course, you’ll learn basic chord progressions and strum patterns to a wide variety of folk and pop music. Students will be given daily instruction via a pre-recorded Screencast, which can be viewed at any time, followed by a live virtual session where you can check-in and jam with the whole class!

*This class is designed for beginners. If you already have some experience, you can get one-on-one coaching with one of our teachers. This option is also available to beginners who have completed Intro to Ukulele.

Ages: 10+

Level: No prior ukulele experience required! We will be starting with the basics. Students should feel comfortable singing, as we will learn to use the ukulele as a tool for accompaniment.

Prerequisites: We will be starting with the basics, so students with prior ukulele experience may not want to sign up for the intro course. If you already have some experience, you can get one-on-one coaching with one of our teachers.

Dates and Time: Monday through Friday at 1:00-2:00 PM | Session #1, June 15 – June 19 OR Session #2, June 22 – 26 (5 classes/session)

Instructor: Madeline Monahan

Required Materials: (to be provided by the student)

Ukulele: soprano size (approximately $50-$100)

Popular Brands – Kala, Amahi, Ibanez, and Cordoba

Tuner: clip-on tuner (approximately $15)

Mini Capo: a small clamp used to change the key of a song (approximately $11)

Optional: Ukulele case (some ukuleles will come with a case) recommended to keep the ukulele from getting damaged.

Class size: 6-10 students

Cost: $80 +required materials