Community Group Classes

BMS’s Community Group Classes are generously funded by the Feigenbaum Foundation, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Appelbaum-Kahn Foundation, Lee Bank Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Community Group Classes are offered on a pay-what-you-wish basis. 

Tuition is listed separately for each class. When you register, we will discuss sliding scale options.

  • Adult Ukulele Jam

    September 11 - December 18

    Thursdays 12:30 - 1:30

    Tuition: $350 or $25 per class

    Are you craving a little music on your lunch break? Come to a fun and informal ukulele jam session. Don’t know how to play the uke? No worries, we can start you from square one and soon you’ll be strumming along! Your song suggestions are always welcome as we continuously build our repertoire. Need a uke? We’ve got one for you!

  • Youth Ukes

    Ages 8-14

    September 13 - December 20

    Saturdays 11:00 - 12:00

    Tuition: $350 or $25 per class

    The ukulele is the perfect instrument for kiddos to begin their music learning journey! This is because of the ukulele’s size and simplicity which makes it easy to hold and play. In this class, kids will learn to strum and play chords, and this will lead them to play simple songs as well as songs of their choosing.

  • Magic Violins

    Ages 3-6

    September 12 - December 19

    Fridays 3:30 - 4:00

    Tuition: $175 or $12.50 per class

    In the Suzuki Method, parents and teachers work closely together to create a nurturing environment to achieve success. This is a process, and it is in this process that we achieve our true goals of a child's lifelong character development.

  • Presto Ensemble

    Ages 6+ with caregiver

    Fridays 4:00 - 4:45

    September 12 - December 19

    Tuition: $275 or $20 per class

    Presto Ensemble is a elementary violin group for children, with caregivers encouraged to participate. Students should have one year of violin experience or permission from the teacher, Bing Liu.

  • Allegro

    Ages 7+

    Fridays 4:45 - 5:30

    September 12 - December 19

    Tuition: $275 or $20 per class

    Young musicians with some prior string knowledge come together for a first chamber ensemble experience!

  • String Orchestra

    Intermediate to Advanced

    September 12 - December 19

    Fridays 5:30 - 7:00

    Tuition: $525 or $37.50 per class

    The BMS Orchestra invites musicians of all ages to have fun making music together.

  • Music for Little Sprouts

    Ages 1.5-4 yrs with caregiver

    September 13 - December 20

    Saturdays 10:00 -10:45

    Tuition: $275 or $20 per class

    This class introduces our youngest students, accompanied by an adult, to a wide array of music from all different genres and origins through an equally wide array of fun, age-appropriate, student-oriented activities.

  • Youth Beginning Piano

    THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL.

    Age 6-9

    September 9 - December 16

    Tuesdays 4:45 - 5:30

    Tuition: $275 or $20 per class

    Immersion in music is essential for children of all ages! This piano class for kids will train young students’ ears to recognize pitch and play it back on piano, their hands to form the correct shapes for piano technique, and their minds to think outside the box and invent their own original tunes.

  • Bass Clef Club

    September 20 - December 20

    Saturdays 2:00 - 3:30

    Tuition: $525 or $37.50 per class

    For cello and bass — play music with your fellow bass clef musicians. Teacher Annabelle Hoffman creates pieces of all genres as you work to hone your listening skills. Culminates in a performance for family and friends.

  • Teen Rock Band

    Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00

    September 18 - December 18

    Tuition: $350 or $30 per class

    Get a tutorial on how to be in a band! For guitars, basses, drums, vocalists and keys, though all instruments are welcome! Rehearse, work on stage presence, and listen to each other play and interact musically. Three teachers offer a wealth of information from their experiences as performers and band leaders.

  • Adult Rock Band

    Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00

    September 16 - December 9

    Tuition: $350 or $30 per class

    Led by BMS Faculty Member Jim Wojtaszek, this group is for adults (21+) who are interested in getting together to create music in a band setting. For guitars, basses, drums, vocalists, keys, and any other instruments that may be interested in joining.

Special Programming

Special programming is not available on a pay-what-you-wish basis.

  • Finding Your Voice : Rising Stars

    THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL

    Ages 10 - 14

    September 15 - November 24

    Mondays 4:30 - 6:00

    Tuition: $199

    Elevate your vocal confidence with Sherri James Buxton's workshop! Gain insights into stage presence, microphone technique, choosing music, and preparing for auditions in a supportive setting. The class ends with a special performance for family and friends! Limited space available!

    This an eight week course - there is no class 9/22, 10/13, and 11/17.

  • Finding Your Voice : Onstage Live

    THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL

    Ages 16+

    September 15 - November 17

    Mondays 6:30 - 8:00

    Tuition: $399

    Professional singer, Sherri James Buxton, along with accompanist, Bob Shepherd, teach phrasing, style, microphone technique and stage presence. This workshop empowers singers of all abilities to learn how to choose appropriate music and keys. The session ends with a performance for family and friends.

    This is an eight week course - there is no class 9/22 or 10/13.

  • Music for Babies

    Ages 3 months - 1.5 years

    September 13 - December 20

    Saturdays 9:15 - 10:00

    Tuition: $275

    In this NEW class, parents and caregivers are invited to begin an early exploration into music for the youngest of ears. This class is designed to bring loved ones on a musical journey together, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of music and togetherness.