2020 Summer Camps & Workshops

COVID UPDATE FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS

Due to the 2020 COVID outbreak, MLE has made changes to our summer camp protocols. In line with the Florida Department of Health and CDC recommendations, we are implementing the following safety precautions for our 2020 camps:

  • Daily temperature screenings for staff and campers using contactless thermometer
  • Mask requirement for staff (recommended but not required for campers)
  • Hourly hand-washing 
  • Increased disinfecting of all equipment and common surfaces
  • Limit of 8 campers per day
  • Limit of 25% capacity at our studio

Students who must unenroll from the camp for health reasons will receive a full refund prior to the first day of camp. Students who must unenroll mid-week will receive a partial refund. 

Musical Theatre Workshop CANCELED 
June 13-14, 9AM-3PM

Due to the Covid19 outbreak, our 2020 Musical Theatre Workshop has been canceled. Individual voice and acting coaching is available through our online platform. 

For students interested in acting and singing musical theatre, MLE Studio is offering our first ever Musical Theatre weekend workshop! Students will receive daily voice, dance, and acting coachings with our experienced vocal staff. The workshop will end with the performance of a short scene and/or musical selections from a favorite Broadway show.

Who: Open to students ages 12-17 of all musical backgrounds- students do not need previous singing or acting experience to attend. Students falling outside the age range considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Much: $100, siblings $50

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

9:00- Warm up, Acting Games
10:30- Musical Rehearsal
11:30- Lunch
12:30- Dance Rehearsal
1:00- Scene Rehearsal
2:00- Musical Rehearsal
2:30- Acting Games
3:00- End of Day
Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructor: Brianna Martin, lead instructor

Rock Band Camp FULL
June 15-19, 9AM-3PM

With our limited camper capacity due to the Covid-19 outbreak, our summer rock band camp is full. Please check back as we hope to add an additional rock band camp in late July or early August. 

Jam out at our summer Rock Band Camp 2020! 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):

9:00am: Small ensemble coaching
10:00am: Snack break, group games
11:00am: Large ensemble coaching
12:00pm: Lunch break
1:00pm: Semi-Private lessons
2:00pm: Songwriting workshop

3:00pm: End of Day

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructors: Lyndon Thacker, lead instructor, Alaundre Jefferson, drum instructor

Beginning Violin Workshop RESCHEDULED 

Rescheduled Date: July 25-26, 9AM-12PM
June 27-28, 9AM-12PM

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we will be rescheduling our beginner violin workshop for later in the summer. Please check back for updates.

This two-day workshop is designed for students and parents who want to jumpstart their violin-learning journey and intend to continue Suzuki violin lessons at Music Lessons Express. Dr. Heidrick and Ms. Natasha will guide students through violin fundamentals including posture, first rhythms, ear-training, and familiarity with the instrument. No instrument is required to participate.

Who: Open to students ages 4-7 and their parents (at least one parent must attend the camp) who have little or no prior violin experience.

How Much: $50 for one parent and one student (additional students are $25, additional parents are free!)

Sample Schedule: (subject to change)

9:00am: Meet and greet, movement and music games
9:45am: Snack break
10:00am: Violin group class
11:00am: Parent workshop, Student games

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

 

Instructors: Dr. Erin Heidrick, violin instructor, Ms. Natasha Marsalli, violin instructor

Intermediate Violin Camp
July 11-12, 9AM-12PM

This two-day workshop is designed for students currently in Suzuki Book 1 or the equivalent. Nationally-certified Suzuki instructors will guide students through the instrument technique, ear-training, and ensemble playing skills necessary for successful early violin playing. Parents will have their own sessions with instructors on how to best support their budding violinists and incorporate music into their daily routine. Students must bring a properly-sized violin in working order for this workshop.

Who: Open to students ages 7-10 and their parents. Parental attendance is strongly encouraged, especially for younger students, but not required. Students outside the age range considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Much: $50 for one parent and one student (additional students are $25, additional parents are free!)

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

9:00am: Technique Class

9:45am: Snack Break

10:00am: Ensemble Rehearsal

11:00am: Parent Workshop/Student Games

12:00pm: End of Day

 

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructors: Dr. Erin Heidrick, violin instructor, Ms. Natasha Marsalli, violin instructor

Intermediate Piano Camp
July 13-17, 9AM-3PM

This week-long day camp for young pianists ages 11-15 includes daily private lessons, music theory classes, and small ensemble coachings with our instructor Yessenia Mercedes. Students will work on the technique, theory skills, and improvisation necessary for intermediate piano playing in a fun and supportive learning environment. Students falling outside the age range or playing level considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Who: Open to students ages 11-15 with prior piano experience. Students should be playing and reading music at Faber Level 2B/John Thompson’s Grade 2, or the equivalent.

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

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

9:00- Chords and Improvisation
10:00- Individual Piano Lessons
11:00- Lunch and Games
12:00- Guest Artist
1:00- Music Theory
2:00- Small Ensemble Rehearsals and Masterclass
3:00- End of Day
Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructor: Yessenia Mercedes, lead instructor

Advanced Guitar Camp MOVED ONLINE
July 20-24, 9AM-3PM

This week-long, online workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced guitar students interested in improving their technique, musicality, and knowledge of the classical guitar. The week will end with a live-streamed performance and, if possible, the producing of a virtual ensemble performance.

Who: Open to students ages 12+ with at least 2 years instruction on guitar. Students falling outside the age range or years of study considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Much: $99, siblings $50

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

10:00am: Technique Class

  • This time will focus on all aspects of guitar technique (scales, slurs, arpeggios, stretching, shifting, and finger independence). Students will learn to create a daily warm-up routine, learn over 30 different technical exercises to help them improve their ability on the guitar, and talk about strategies to help make a successful performance.

12:00pm: Lunch Break and Listening Party

  • Students will have the option of joining a daily watch party during lunch where they will have the opportunity to watch a live performance on Facebook or YouTube with the camp faculty and discuss the performance.

1:00pm: Masterclass

  • Each day students will get to perform in a masterclass with one of the guitar faculty and work on musicality, phrasing, and solutions to tricky sections. Students will receive 30-60 minutes of individual instruction during this time each day and will be able to observe the other students playing as well.
  • Ensemble Option: If applicable, we will be learning and putting together an ensemble piece remotely. Students will receive their parts before the week begins and will spend 15-20 minutes every day working on their part with one of the faculty members. At the end of the week, each student will record their part and send it in to be edited together for a full, virtual performance.

3:00pm: End of day.

Intermediate Guitar Camp MOVED ONLINE
July 25-26, 9AM-12PM

This weekend, online workshop is designed for elementary and middle school guitar students with 1-2 years of study who are interested in learning strategies to increase their progress on the guitar. Students will learn how to establish a practice routine, get tips for more efficient practice, improve their note-reading ability, and gain insights on musicianship and technique from professional guitarists. Students must provide their own guitar for the workshop.

Who: Open to students with 1-2 years of study on guitar, ages 7-11. Students who fall outside the age range and/or years of study considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Much: $50 for one student, $25 for siblings

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

9:00am: Technique class

10:00am: Music theory

11:00am: Large ensemble

12:00pm: End of Day

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

 

Instructor: Dr. Ben Lougheed, lead instructor

Jazz Band Camp
July 27-31, 9AM-3PM

Calling all jazz cats! This week-long workshop allows students to perform in a jazz band, learn how to improvise, study theory and more. The program ends in a concert showcasing the students performing a selection of jazz standards. Students should have basic proficiency on piano, guitar/bass, drums, woodwinds, brass, violin, or vocals. Other instruments and students falling outside the age range or experience level considered on a case-by-case basis.

Who: Open to students ages 12-17 with at least 2 years instruction on their instrument or a teacher recommendation.

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

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

9:00am: Small ensemble coaching

10:00am: Snack break, group games

11:00am: Large ensemble coaching

12:00pm: Lunch break

1:00pm: Semi-Private lessons

2:00pm: Songwriting workshop

3:00pm: Pickup

Register Online: Fill out our online form HERE.

Instructors: Christopher Minami, lead instructor, Alaundre Jefferson, drum coach

Instructors

Alaundre Jefferson
Drum Coach

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.

Christopher Minami
Guitar Coach

Christopher is a recent addition to the Music Lessons Express studio, where he teaches classical and electric guitar, bass, and ukulele. He is currently pursuing a degree in guitar performance at Florida State University.

Cody Switzer
Guitar Instructor

Cody Switzer is a long-time instructor at Music Lessons Express where he teaches classical guitar and ukulele. He is the President of the Classical Guitar Society and Assistant Director of the Florida Guitar Festival. Cody is also a graduate teaching assistant at Florida State University, where he is pursuing his doctorate in guitar performance.

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. Erin is a doctoral candidate in violin performance at Florida State University.

Frank Kuhny
Piano Instructor

Frank is currently a doctoral candidate in piano performance at Florida State University. He holds degrees in piano and electrical engineering from Notre Dame and is also a proficient organist. Frank is registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has completed all seven levels of their teacher training. He holds additional training in piano pedagogy from University of Illinois.

Jeremy Avalos
Guitar Instructor

Jeremy is a longtime instructor at Music Lessons Express where he teaches classical guitar. He is currently a doctoral candidate in guitar performance at Florida State University and holds additional degrees in guitar performance and creative writing.

Lyndon Thacker
Guitar, Piano, and Drum Instructor

Lyndon is a lifelong musician and keyboard, guitar, and percussion instructor at Music Lessons Express. In addition to teaching private lessons and rock band, he is an active performer in the Tallahassee music scene and can be seen playing with Garnet and Soul, Mind Medicine, and HighTest, among others.