2022 Summer Camps & Workshops

Drumming Workshops
6/11-6/12, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.

This workshop is designed to help young drummers elevate their craft as a soloist and as an ensemble player. Students will develop a better understanding of their role in ensemble playing, learn how to use drums creatively and musically, and experience other drummers’ styles. This weekend course gives students a chance to work with other musicians in a small group setting (capped at five participants), build confidence, and improve weaknesses in their playing

Who: Open to students ages 13-17, one year drum experience recommended (exceptions considered with instructor approval)

How Much: $55

Sample Schedule (subject to change): TBA

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructor: Alaundre Jefferson, lead instructor

Rock Band Camp
6/20-6/24, 9am-3pm

Jam out at our summer Rock Band Camp 2022! Students will hone their music skills under the guidance of professional performers through small ensemble coaching, daily lessons, and jam sessions.The program ends in a concert showcasing the students performing rock and blues music. Students must provide their own instrument (except for keyboard and drums).

Who: Open to students ages 12-17 with at least 2 years instruction on their instrument or a teacher recommendation. Basic proficiency on their instrument is expected. Students outside the age range considered on a case-by-base basis.

How Much: $199 for one student, $150 for additional siblings

Sample Schedule (subject to change): TBA

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructors: Alaundre Jefferson, lead instructor, Yessenia Collins, songwriting instructor

Preschool Violin Camp  
7/30-7/31, Saturday and Sunday 9am-12pm

This weekend program is specially designed to introduce the world of violin to young students ages 4-6 and their parents. We will learn basic violin playing and rest position, beginning aural skills, parts of the violin, and play lots of movement games. All students will also receive at least one 20 minute one-on-one lesson with a Suzuki-registered instructor and parents will have a 30 minute session on how to best support their budding violinist at home. Students who attend will be eligible to enroll in our Fall 2022 Suzuki Violin program at MLE and will have their registration fee waived if they sign up directly after the Preschool Violin Camp. Students will receive a model violin to use for the workshop and do not need to provide any materials.

How Much: $55

Sample Schedule (subject to change): TBA

Register Online: Fill out the online form HERE

Instructor: Dr. Erin Heidrick, violin instructor, Natasha Marsalli, violin instructor

Instrument Explorers Program @ Gentle Hands
5/31-6/3, 1pm-3pm

This four-day program is a fun exploration of all-things musical! Students will have daily hands-on encounters with real musical instruments and local musicians, play games designed to teach aural and rhythmic skills, read musical stories, and make their own musical instrument crafts. The program is open to rising pre-k and kindergarten students and their parents. The program cost is $85 and includes all materials and free play at the Gentle Hands facility after each class.

Who: Open to rising PreK and Kindergarten students

How Much: $85

Register Online: Register through Gentle Hands HERE

Instructor: Natasha Marsalli

Early Childhood Guitar @ Gentle Hands
6/6-6/9, 1pm-3pm

This four-day program, led by Dr. Ben Lougheed is specially designed to introduce the world of guitar to rising pre-k and kindergarten students and their parents. This is the perfect class for students who have graduated from general music classes and are ready for a new challenge. Students use a model guitar to learn the parts of the guitar, correct guitar posture, beginning aural skills, and more. The class focuses on building the gross and fine motor skills necessary to play the instrument, improving the focus and attention to detail necessary for taking private lessons later on, and developing a love for the instrument.The program cost is $85 and includes all materials and free play at the Gentle Hands facility after each class.

Who: Open to rising PreK and Kindergarten students

How Much: $85

Register Online: Register through Gentle Hands HERE

Instructor: Dr. Ben Lougheed

Early Childhood Violin @ Gentle Hands
6/13-6/16, 1pm-3pm

This four-day program, led by violin instructor Natasha Marsalli, is specially designed to introduce the world of violin to rising pre-k and kindergarten students and their parents. This is the perfect class for students who have graduated from general music classes and are ready for a new challenge. Students use a cardboard violin to learn rest and playing position, the parts of the violin, left hand positioning, bow hold and bow motion, and aural skill development. The class focuses on building the gross and fine motor skills necessary to play the instrument, improving the focus and attention to detail necessary for taking private lessons later on, and developing a love for the instrument. The program cost is $85 and includes all materials and free play at the Gentle Hands facility after each class. 

Who: Open to rising PreK and Kindergarten students

How Much: $85

Register Online: Register through Gentle Hands HERE

Instructor: Natasha Marsalli

Guitar Camp
7/25-7/29, 9am-3pm

This week-long camp is designed for intermediate to advanced guitar students interested in improving their classical guitar playing. The week will consist of workshops, large and small ensemble playing, private lessons, along with other fun activities and will culminate in a final performance on the last day of camp.

Who: Open to students ages 12+ with at least 3 years of instruction on classical guitar. Students falling outside the age range or years of study considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Much: $199

Register Online: fill out the online form HERE

Instructor: Dr. Ben Lougheed

Instructors

Alaundre Jefferson
Drum Instructor

Alaundre is a drum instructor and performer based in Crawfordville, Florida. He enjoys performing a wide range of styles including rock, funk, country, jazz, and gospel music. He is currently pursuing degrees in music education and performance from Tallahassee Community College.

Dr. Ben Lougheed
Guitar Instructor

Ben is a longtime instructor at Music Lessons Express where he is currently the Program Director. He is a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has completed six levels of teacher training with them, including the Guitar Practicum. He holds a DMA in guitar performance from Florida State University.

Dr. Erin Heidrick
Violin Instructor

Erin Heidrick is a violin instructor at Music Lessons Express where she teaches private violin lessons and PreTwinkle group class. She is a registered teacher and member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and holds three levels of teacher training from them as well as a D.M.A. in violin performance from Florida State University.