Important Pricing Information
The price you see listed on this webpage is correct. When you go to register, classes will be listed at their year-long fall registration price, the prorated tuition for spring semester will be applied at checkout.
Strings
String Team
Inspired by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Power of Dreams” string programs, the CMS String Team program provides affordable group violin classes to local Jackson elementary and middle school students in downtown Jackson. This class runs through the fall and spring semester.
String Team A
- Ages: 9-12
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 9th
- End Date: May 3rd
- Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 pm
String Team B
- Ages: 9-12
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 10th
- End Date: May 4th
- Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30-5:30 pm
More Information
- String Team Handbook
- Recitals are scheduled at the end of each semester and are included in tuition. These recitals are held at the Jackson Community Music School building, downtown. All String Team students are invited to participate.
- Violins can be easily rented from Shar Music for the year
- Easy payment plans that build equity toward the purchase of an instrument
- Method book included
- Identify yourself as a Jackson String Team Student
In addition to exploring great music, learning to play a musical instrument offers other great lifetime benefits such as:
- Developing academic and socially oriented skills, including self-discipline and concentration
- Learning to listen and follow oral/written directions
- Working within a group toward a common goal
- Refining motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- And the list goes on and on
Mark Mathias, Teacher
Mark Mathias, double bass, studied with Lawrence Hurst at the University of Michigan obtaining a Bachelor of Music Performance degree in 1974. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and has taught violin, viola, violincello, double bass, and music technology in the Jackson Public Schools for over 20 years. He attended the Interlochen Arts Academy and, in addition to membership in the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for 23 years, has performed with the Flint Symphony, Lansing Symphony, and the Toledo Symphony.
2nd Year String Team
For students with one year experience in our String Team program. Inspired by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Power of Dreams” string programs, the CMS String Team program provides affordable group violin classes to local Jackson elementary and middle school students in downtown Jackson. This class runs through the fall and spring semester.
- Ages: 9-13
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Enroll in Folk Fiddling for free when you register for 2nd Year Strings
- Start Date: January 9rd
- End Date: May 3rd
- Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 pm
Kelly Splear, Instructor
Vocals
Kids’ Choir
Students in this course will develop their musical skills by signing in ensemble with other children their age.
- Ages: 4-7
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $25/month
- Start Date: January 12th
- End Date: May 4th
- Thursdays 5:30-6:15 pm
Lisa Ebener, Instructor
Mrs. Lisa Ebener is currently in her 12th year as the third through fifth grade General Music Teacher for Northwest Community Schools in Jackson, MI. She has been teaching music in public schools since 1998 after graduating from the Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. In that time, Mrs. Ebener has been the Elementary and Middle School vocal music teacher for Decatur County Schools in Bainbridge Georgia, Elementary Music teacher for the Florida State University Laboratory School in Tallahassee Florida, and Elementary Music teacher for Northwest Community Schools in Jackson Michigan. She has also completed a Master’s degree in music education from the Michigan State University.
Children’s Chorale
Jackson Children’s Chorale is an opportunity for young people to learn basic principles of vocal production and to be introduced to quality choral literature. This group is co-sponsored by Jackson Chorale. In recent years the Children’s Chorale has performed with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and the Jackson Community Band as well as at numerous venues including the Michigan Theatre of Jackson and the Governor’s Residence in Lansing.
- Ages: 8-14
- Price: $100/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $25/month
- Additional siblings enrolled at half price
- Start Date: January 10th
- End Date: May 2nd
- Tuesdays 4:30-5:30
Jackie Livesay, Instructor
Jackie Livesay holds a Bachelor of Music degree at Westminster Choir College and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. Both degrees are in Church Music with Organ as the principle instrument. She also obtained a Master of Arts in Education degree from Spring Arbor University.
Livesay currently is the Minister of Children’s Music and Organist at First United Methodist Church, Jackson, as well as serving as Orff Music Director at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson. She has directed Jackson Chorale Children’s Choir for the past five years.
Ms. Livesay is a retired Jackson Public Schools elementary music educator. She received the JPS Outstanding Elementary Educator Award in 2001. In addition to public school teaching and church music ministries, she has also taught pre-school music, college classes, and private organ and piano lessons.
Piano
Piano Kids Beginner Workshop (ages 5-9)
This class is for beginners on the piano. No experience needed! Students will explore the fundamentals of piano such as finger numbers, the music alphabet, and basic rhythms. Students will learn new songs and have the opportunity to perform for their peers during class.
Piano Kids M
- Ages: 5-9
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 9th
- End Date: May 1st
- Mondays 6:00-6:30 pm
Piano Kids T1
- Ages: 5-9
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 10th
- End Date: May 2nd
- Tuesdays 6:30-7:00 pm
Piano Kids T2
- Ages: 5-9
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 10th
- End Date: May 2nd
- Tuesdays 6:00-6:30 pm
Piano Kids T3
- Ages: 5-9
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 10th
- End Date: May 2nd
- Tuesdays 7:30-8:00 pm
Marie Vavro-Clise, Instructor
Marie Vavro-Clise has a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Michigan. She has performed with the Detroit Opera Theater as well as performed in several countries in Europe. She enjoys teaching voice and piano to children and adults of all musical abilities.
Piano Masters 1
This class is for students that have completed at least level one or beyond in piano. Students will learn fundamental skills in composing and work with a variety of composition software. They will learn more in depth about chords and chord inversions. Students will be able to complete multiple composing projects during the course of this class and perform them for their peers.
- Ages: 9-15
- Price: $200/Semester
- Payment Plan Option: 8 months at $50/month
- Start Date: January 9th
- End Date: May 1st
- Mondays 6:30-7:00 pm
Marie Vavro-Clise, Instructor
Marie Vavro-Clise has a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Michigan. She has performed with the Detroit Opera Theater as well as performed in several countries in Europe. She enjoys teaching voice and piano to children and adults of all musical abilities.