If you’re interested in music performance, but you’ve gotten a little rusty, you can rectify that for a very reasonable price. The same applies to those of you who are looking to pick up a brand new instrument but don’t want to commit too much time or money to the pursuit of mastering it. How? you may ask. Well, it’s as simple as visiting a community college in your area. For me, that would be Manchester Community College www.Mcc.Commnet.Edu , in Conn .
If you’ve never been there, you’d be shocked at its attractive, professional campus. Some people think of “community colleges” as dilapidated ruins of once-glorified classroom buildings. But MCC is a remarkably classy place, and it has an immense amount to offer, with a lovely light price tag. (I know musicians, especially, hate to pay more than they have to). And no, you don’t have to be working toward a degree to utilize this. This Spring semester, for example, MCC is offering several non-credit classes, many of them in music – perfect for anyone brushing dust off an old instrument or looking to learn a new one.
For $75, you can conquer that lust for your old bluegrass days by taking “Continuing the Five-String Banjo” on 6 consecutive Saturdays from 10am to noon. Not interested in the same old instrument? For $65 and 5 consecutive Saturdays, you can take “Introduction to the Mandolin” and discover what it’s like to immerse yourself in an instrument rich in history and exotic in sound. Not interested in any instrument at all? Rather write songs and learn about how to become a mogul? They have something for you at MCC too. For $40 and 2 Tuesdays, you can enroll in “Songwriting and the Music Business” and kick-start your career.
These are just a few great examples. This semester they are also offering “Beginning Guitar,” “Improve Your Guitar Skills with Fingerstyle,” “Vocal Instruction,” and “Playing the Ukulele.” This isn’t meant to be an endorsement solely of MCC – it’s just a small CT school in my backyard, and a prime example of the superb things you can find in your own area. There are so many colleges and universities offering similar courses for similar prices. Credible educators at credible institutions are always better than those hokey seminars you find yourself considering after 3am infomercials.
And not only do community colleges offer these types of courses, but also many major universities. Western CT State University, for instance, is a school with a great reputation for its outstanding music program. They consistently offer enriching classes for low prices and at times convenient for even the most hectic schedule. Enrolling in a refresher course or two is a great way to enhance your resume and suit you up for your budding career.
Kara Nielsen, Editor www.BandSpace.Fm (2/16/07)
