Elementary (6-11)

Pop/Rock Piano for Beginners

No previous music experience is needed. We will explore the common chords found in Pop and Rock music. We will also explore music from today’s top pop billboard charts as well as the music of the Beatles, Imagine Dragons, Journey, and others.

  • Ages: 10-18
  • Price: $55
  • Start Date: June 11th
  • End Date: August 6th
  • Tuesdays 11:00-11:30 am

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.


Kids’ Choir (5-8 yr)

Kids’ Choir is an opportunity for children to sing in a fun ensemble setting.

  • Ages: 5-8
  • Price: $90
  • Start Date: July 30th
  • End Date: August 1st
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:30-12:00 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.


Kids’ Choir (9-12 yr)

Kids’ Choir is an opportunity for children to sing in a fun ensemble setting.

  • Ages: 9-12
  • Price: $90
  • Start Date: August 6th
  • End Date: August 8th
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:30-12:00 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.


Piano Kids

This is a continuation class for students that were enrolled during the fall and spring semesters. We will continue to strengthen note reading skills in the class. Students will have opportunities in class to receive feedback and play for their peers.

  • Ages: 6-10
  • Price: $55
  • Start Date: June 11th
  • End Date: August 6th
  • Tuesdays 11:30 am – 12:00 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 Kids II

This class is the second year of the Piano Kids class. We will continue to strengthen note reading skills and piano technique in this class. Students will have an opportunity to practice and perform with their peers.

  • Ages: 6-10
  • Price: $55
  • Start Date: June 11th
  • End Date: August 6th
  • Tuesdays 12:00 – 12:30 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 Explorers

This class is for students that are complete beginners to piano. 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.

  • Ages: 6-10
  • Price: $55
  • Start Date: June 11th
  • End Date: August 6th
  • Tuesdays 10:30-11:00 am

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.


Summer Strings

This class is designed to improve music reading skills and string technique. This class is for anyone who has had at least 1 year of string instruction. Students must be able to read music.

  • Ages: 10-14
  • Price: $120
  • Start Date: July 15th
  • End Date: July 18th
  • Mon, Tues, Wed, & Thur 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Mark Mathias, Instructor

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.


Fiddle Camp

This class is for anyone who has had at least 1 year of string instruction. Students must be able to read music. Music for this class will consist of all types of folk music such as American Fiddle Tunes, Irish and Scottish Airs, Jigs and Reels, Nordic Roots and anything else from the Folk music traditions. It’s all about FUN!!!

  • Ages: 10-18
  • Price: $120
  • Start Date: June 17th
  • End Date: June 20th
  • Mon, Tues, Wed, & Thur 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Jed Fritzemeier, Instructor

Since 2019, Jed has been the Director of the Community Music School and Director of Music Education for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. A performing bassist, Jed plays with the orchestra in addition to free-lancing throughout the area. He was a public school orchestra teacher for 34 years finishing his career for the Chelsea School District, Chelsea, Mi. Jed was Teacher of the Year for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the Michigan American String Teachers Association in 2008. In addition to the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, his performance credits include the Michigan Opera Theater, Toledo Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Racine Symphony, Racine, Wisconsin, South Dakota Symphony, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and various festival orchestras, jazz ensembles, rock bands, polka bands since he was 15 years old.