Performing Arts - Community Education - Meadows School of the Arts

Performing Arts: These classes include instrumental and vocal music, theatre and dance. A typical semester includes offerings for both children and adults.

Early Enrollment Discount

Register seven or more days in advance and receive an early registration discount, available on designated courses listed beside the regular course fee in brackets ( ). Discount does not apply to “Concurrent Enrollment” classes.

Dance

Ballet, Beg I DN102SP08 Tiffany Halay, Dance Major, Division of Dance, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU Students will attain a basic understanding of ballet terms, positions, and technique in this course designed for both beginning and experienced dancers. In addition to physical fitness, ballet strengthens the ability to concentrate and focus, improves coordination and rhythm, and increases flexibility through stretching. Teens may enroll with approval of instructor. Limit 15.
10T (2/19-4/29, skip 3/11), 5:00-6:00pm, Age: Adults
Cost: $125

Ballet, Beg II DN103SP08 Tiffany Halay, Dance Major, Division of Dance, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU Students will continue basic understanding of ballet terms, positions, and technique and will be able to successfully execute the steps necessary to advance to an intermediate level class, if desired. In addition to physical fitness, ballet strengthens the ability to concentrate and focus, improves coordination and rhythm, and increases flexibility through stretching. Teens may enroll with approval of instructor Limit 15.
10R (2/21-5/1, skip 3/13), 5:00-6:00pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $125

Jazz DN104SP08 Tiffany Halay, Dance Major, Division of Dance, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU For those who always wanted to but never did…this class is for you! Let the music motivate you while you enjoy an hour of moving and shaking. Class consists of stretching exercises, across-the-floor movements and high-energy center combinations in this course designed for both beginning and experienced dancers. Notice the results as your fitness improves and your confidence soars! Teens may enroll with approval of instructor. Limit 25.
10W (2/20-4/30, skip 3/12), 5:00-6:00pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $125

Pilates MC195FA07 Shelley F. Estes, BSE dance specialization, University of Arkansas; Certified Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer, Goodbody’s Wellness Center Dallas Find out for yourself what Jodie Foster, Jane Seymour, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and Dustin Hoffman already know about this incredible system of movement. Imagine an exercise program that you look forward to, that engages you, and that leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. A non-impact body conditioning method, which is designed to give the student an understanding of the principles behind the Pilates® Method. Proper alignment, full range of motion, and patterned breathing will be emphasized as well as an introduction to the essential mat work, consisting of non-weight-bearing exercises in this course designed for both beginning and experienced students. Currently, the Pilates® Method is used internationally by individuals at all levels of fitness as well as by dance companies, Broadway shows, students at performing arts schools and universities, and sports teams. Teens may enroll with approval of instructor. Limit 20.
Sec A: M&W (2/4-3/5), 7:15-8:15pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $175
Sec B: M&W (3/24-4/30), 7:15-8:15pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $175

Music

Build-A-Song MU285SP08 Mary Dawson, 23 years in the Professional Music Business; Creator and Host of the internet radio talk show, “I Write the Songs”; Songwriter, Music Publisher, and Author of How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business (from Nowhere with Nothing) This course will educate aspiring songwriters in the basics of crafting commercial songs – songs that communicate to listeners and have potential for recording and radio airplay. Topics include: The RNA and DNA of a song; song form and communication; free-flow and cadence; melody; the emergency of verses; and finishing touches. Limit 20.
6T (4/1-5/6), 7:00-9:00pm, Age: 16-Adult
Cost: $89

Guitar, Classical for Beginners I MU104SP08 John Galvan, MM in Guitar Performance, School of Music, University of Texas at Austin This course is for the complete beginner to music and the guitar. Course covers introductory skills for continued development of classical guitar. Topics include guitar technique, a basic practice routine and learning to read music notation. The master class format simulates performance, but allows for a comfortable and relaxed learning atmosphere. All ages are welcome. Requirements: 6 string nylon-strung guitar, a footstool, and music stand. Textbook required. Textbook: The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1 (Revised). Textbook may be purchased at the SMU Bookstore. Limit 10.
5M (3/17-4/14), 7:00-9:00pm, Age: 16-Adult
Cost: $149

How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business (from Nowhere with Nothing) MU256SP08 Mary Dawson, 23 years in the Professional Music Business; Creator and Host of the internet radio talk show, “I Write the Songs”; Songwriter, Music Publisher, and Author. This course is based on her new book of the same title published in 2006. It equips songwriters and musicians to become pro-active in promoting their own music and music careers, starting where they are with what they have. New opportunities opened by the internet and other new technologies are explained and explored. Text required. Textbook: How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business from Nowhere with Nothing may be purchased at the SMU Bookstore. Age: Adult. Limit 20.
6T (2/12-3/18), 7:00-9:00pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $109

Music Together (Mixed Age: 7 mo-4 yrs) MC174SP08 All classes are taught by Registered Music Together Instructors Music Together classes are based on the idea that making music with children, in the family, and in a community of families...enriches the lives of both children and parents, and promotes musical growth in children, optimizing their musical aptitude and future success in music. A child’s music development benefits greatly from early exposure as an infant. Three and four year olds benefit by having the opportunity to be leaders in the mixed age classroom. Activities focus on adult/child interaction rather than child/child, so children of different ages (such as siblings) can enjoy classes together. Sibling discount is available. Tuition includes: a songbook with illustrations and activities; parent education materials, and a CD of music used in class. Each semester you will receive a new, exciting collection of songs. This semester features the Sticks Collection. Limit 12.
Sec A: 10M (2/11-4/28, skip 3/10), 9:15-10:00am
Cost: $185
Sec B: 10M (2/11-4/28, skip 3/10), 10:15-11:00am
Cost: $185
Sec C: 10M (2/11-4/28, skip 3/10), 11:15am-12:15pm
Cost: $185
Sec D: 10R (2/14-4/24, skip 3/13), 11:00-11:45am
Cost: $185
Sec E: 10R (2/14-4/24, skip 3/13), 6:30-7:15pm
Cost: $185

Piano, Adult Beg I MU150SP08 Alfredo Arjona, Artist Certificate & MM in Piano Performance, Division of Music, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU This class is designed specifically for those with no musical experience, students will learn the basics of reading music and keyboard playing are covered, with an emphasis on establishing good habits for future study. Beginning elements of music theory will also be covered. Students taking Piano I will be playing and reading music from the very first class. Classes will be structured around activities that are fun, relaxing and enjoyable. If you have always wanted to give piano a try, this is the class for you!!! Absolutely no experience required. Piano practice rooms will be available for enrolled students’ use. Limit 10.
Sec A: 12S (2/9-5/3, skip 3/22), 9:30-10:30am, Age: Adult
Cost: $210
Sec B: 12W (2/13-5/7, skip 3/12), 6:30-7:30pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $210

Piano, Adult Beg II MU151SP08 Alfredo Arjona, Artist Certificate & MM in Piano Performance, Division of Music, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU Prerequisite: completion of Piano, Beginning I or prior experience equivalent to roughly ½ years of study. Textbook may be purchased at the SMU bookstore. A continuation of the Piano I class, this course will continue to lay the groundwork for good reading skills and a musical future. Students will apply their skills to increasingly difficult repertoire, improve technique, and continue to explore elements of music theory. Initial activities in harmonization and improvisation will be explored, and students explore a variety of styles, from classical to jazz and popular. This class is also designed for those who have had a limited amount of study yet still consider themselves beginners. Students should have a basic knowledge of reading note names and easy rhythms. Piano practice rooms will be available for enrolled students’ use. Limit 10.
12S (2/9-5/3, skip 3/22), 10:45-11:45am, Age: Adult
Cost: $210

Piano, Adult Beg III MU154SP08 Alfredo Arjona, Artist Certificate & MM in Piano Performance, Division of Music, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU A continuation of the Piano II class, this course will continue to lay the groundwork for good reading skills and a musical future. Students will apply their skills to increasingly difficult repertoire, improve technique, and continue to explore elements of music theory. Initial activities in harmonization and improvisation will be explored, and students explore a variety of styles, from classical to jazz and popular. This class is also designed for those who have had a limited amount of study yet still consider themselves beginners. Students should have a basic knowledge of reading note names and easy rhythms. Prerequisite: completion of Piano, Beginning II or prior experience equivalent to roughly 1½ years of study. Textbook may be purchased at the SMU bookstore. Limit 10.
12S (2/9-5/3, skip 3/22), 1:00-2:00pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $210

Piano, Intermediate MU251SP08 Alfredo Arjona, Artist Certificate & MM in Piano Performance, Division of Music, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU This class is designed as a “refresher” class for those that have had some previous piano experience. The fundamentals of good technique and reading will be covered, and the course will also include topics in music theory. Students will also learn various aspects of music history, including composer backgrounds, performance practices, and music appreciation. This class will focus on the playing of piano pieces in a variety of classical styles, usually focusing on one specific style or composer each semester. Students will use repertoire to develop interpretive skills, practice strategies, and performance skills. Students will be encouraged to present works in progress in relaxed, informal class settings. This allows everyone in the class to learn from the experience. This class can be repeated. Topics and repertoire covered vary each semester, so the class is never the same and can be enjoyed again and again! Limit 10.
12S (2/9-5/3, skip 3/22), 2:15-3:15pm, Age: Adult
Cost: $210