Music Lessons (TOP)

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin & Wind Instruments

Download a Registration Form Here!

Individual Music Lessons are available at the Downtown YMCA, the East Area Family YMCA, and the North Area Family YMCA. The following programs are currently available: Guitar, Piano, Voice, Violin, and Wind Instruments (currently, only piano and guitar are available at the North Area Family YMCA).

All lessons are taught by professional instructors with prior teaching experience; most of our teachers also perform locally and regionally, either as solo artists or as members of ensembles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are your instructors? Piano is taught by George Skafidas, Cynthia Bromka-Skafidas, and Nancy Benson. Guitar is taught by Jason Kessler. Voice is taught by Luba Lesser. Violin is taught by Nancy Benson. Wind Instruments are taught by Patti Heath.

• How old do you have to be to take lessons? Lessons are available for students of all ages. For voice and guitar lessons, we recommend that students start at age 8 or older.
  
  
• Does the YMCA supply guitars, violins, or flutes for lessons? No, you will need to have your own instrument.
  
  
• Do I need prior experience? Lessons are available for all experience levels. Beginners are welcome!
  
  
• Are lessons one-on-one or in groups? All lessons are individual lessons.
  
  
• Are parents allowed to stay for their child's lesson? Sure! In fact, we encourage it… by staying for your child's lesson, you can help them practice at home.
  
  
• Where are lessons held? Lessons are held at various spaces in the YMCA branches. We have dedicated music rooms at both the East Area Family YMCA and the Downtown Y.
  
  
• When are lessons held? Lessons are held at different times throughout the week and weekend. To arrange a lesson time with an instructor, follow our registration procedure (below).
  
  
• How long are lessons? Most lessons are 30 minutes long, and meet once per week. For serious students, lessons of 45 minutes or 60 minutes are available. For small children (up to age 5), 15-minute piano lessons lessons are available.
  
  
• Are sheet music and lesson books provided? Some sheet music may be given to students. If books are required, students will need to purchase them on their own.
  
  
• How Do I Get Started? Like personal training, individual lessons require a personal approach. Here is our procedure:
  1. Download and complete the registration form, providing all information.
     
     
  2. Payment information is required before lessons can begin. We have two payment options: students can pay for lessons by check, in advance, in eight lesson blocks. Or simply provide us with your credit card information on the registration form… students paying by credit card will have their card charged every two months, for lessons taken in the previous two months (for example, in early March we bill students for lessons taken in January and February).
     
     
  3. After we receive your registration form, you will be contacted by Music Lesson Coordinator George Skafidas to arrange a lesson time.
     
     
  4. For all registration questions, contact Music Lesson Coordinator George Skafidas at 474-6851 x398, or email george@ymcaarts.org.

REGISTRATION FORM (TOP)

Click here to download a music lessons registration form (PDF format)