Announces expanded fall schedule
Since the Beacon Music Factory’s (BMF) opening, they’ve met many neighborhood kids who are very curious about the school, wishing to participate, but not having the means. Feeling there is a need today for music education for all, especially with music education shrinking in public schools, BMF has just established a need-based scholarship fund. The Dutchess County Arts Council is the fiscal sponsor of the fund. The goal this year is to raise $2,500 and distribute ten $250 scholarships.
The school, which opened last January, has been continually growing throughout this first year and has lessons and classes both for kids and also adults still dreaming of playing in a band or a particular instrument. They have as many adult students as kids. With its quarters in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church at 50 Liberty St., the BMF’s instructors are a group of professional musician/teachers who came together to start a school with innovative and affordable classes for every age group.
These teachers, who are all professional musicians, represent a wealth of musical experience. Between them, they have produced and played on hit records; performed in symphonies, clubs and arenas; and led workshops and panels at festivals. For them, this school represents their desire to share what they know. All the teachers also agree there is always more to be learned.
New for BMF this fall is the Music Factory Choir, a non-auditioned community choir, where all are welcomed. This choir will support and join in powerful community-based activities, with regular performances throughout the year.
Fall classes include babies/toddlers/pre-K music; group harmonica workshop; jazz improvisation; rock-band boot camp; Ziggy Stardust adult rock-band boot camp; group violin; group guitar; group guitar, with separate sections for adults and teens; group chamber music for strings; group baritone ukulele; songwriting workshop; and others. Private instrument instruction is available for guitar; ukulele; bass; violin; viola; voice; trumpet; drums and harmonica.
More details on all of the above can be found at beaconmusicfactory.com.
