Private Lessons

Boulder Symphony Music Academy (BSMA) offers one-on-one lessons with the finest musicians in the Front Range. Lesson lengths are 30, 45, and 60 minutes and happen once a week with your private teacher.

Young boy taking piano lessons at the Boulder Symphony Music Academy

Instruments Offered

Strings
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion
Voice
Conducting
Alexander Technique

String Instruments

Violin

Viola

Cello

Guitar

Woodwind Instruments

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

Brass Instruments

French Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion Instruments

Drums

Piano

Voice Lessons

microphone

Voice lessons, also known as singing lessons, are sessions with a professional vocal coach or teacher intended to improve an individual’s singing abilities. These sessions typically cover various areas, including pitch, tone, vocal range, breath control, vocal health, and performance skills. The aim is to enhance the student’s vocal technique and musicality.

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Here are some aspects that are typically included in voice lessons:

  1. Breathing techniques: Singing relies heavily on breath control. Teachers often start with exercises to improve breathing and teach students how to properly use their diaphragm when singing.
  2. Vocal exercises: These are designed to improve various aspects of the voice, such as range, power, tone quality, and pitch accuracy. They often include scales, arpeggios, and other patterns sung on different vowel sounds.
  3. Repertoire selection and interpretation: The teacher will usually help students select appropriate songs for their vocal range and skill level. They will work on these songs to improve interpretation, phrasing, and emotional connection.
  4. Music theory and sight reading: Some voice teachers also teach music theory, which can be helpful in understanding the structure and elements of the songs a student sings. Sight reading (the ability to read and sing music at first sight) is another important skill for singers.
  5. Performance techniques: This can include how to use a microphone, move on stage, and convey emotion to an audience.
  6. Vocal health: A good voice teacher will also provide guidance on how to care for the voice, advising on things like hydration, rest, warming up, and cooling down.

Voice lessons can benefit anyone, from beginners who want to learn the basics to professional singers who want to hone their craft. The lessons are tailored to the individual’s skill level, goals, and musical preferences.

Conducting Lessons

Devin Patrick Hughes conducting the Boulder Symphony

Taking conducting lessons is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in leadership, musicianship, and communication. Conducting is the art of guiding and directing an ensemble of musicians, and it requires a deep understanding of music theory, interpretation, and performance. Learning to conduct requires dedication, practice, and the guidance of a qualified teacher.

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The first step in conducting lessons is finding a qualified teacher to guide you through the learning process. A good teacher can assess your current ability level and create a plan that suits your individual needs and goals. They will provide instruction on conducting techniques, score analysis, rehearsal techniques, and other key aspects of conducting.

Learning to conduct requires consistent practice, but it is also a deeply rewarding experience. As you progress in your conducting lessons, you will learn to lead different types of ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, and bands. You will also learn to interpret different types of music, including classical, contemporary, and popular pieces. Conducting lessons can also help you develop important communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Taking conducting lessons also provides numerous benefits beyond just learning how to conduct an ensemble. Studies have shown that conducting can improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and reduce stress. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

In addition, conducting is a highly respected and essential role in the world of music. Conductors are responsible for bringing together and guiding the musical talents of many individuals into a cohesive and beautiful performance. Learning to conduct can provide opportunities to collaborate with other musicians, work with talented soloists, and lead musical organizations.

Taking conducting lessons is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in leadership, musicianship, and communication. While conducting requires dedication, hard work, and patience, the benefits extend far beyond just mastering the technique. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician, conducting lessons can help you achieve your musical goals and develop skills that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Alexander Technique

close up of guitar strings

The Alexander Technique is an educational process created by Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869–1955), a Shakespearean orator who developed the method while trying to address his own problems with voice loss during performances. The technique is a type of teaching that helps people unlearn harmful postural and movement habits and replace them with more efficient and less stressful ways of moving.

The Alexander Technique isn’t just about posture but about improving how we use our bodies. Used by people of all ages and abilities to enhance performance in all activities, the unique method teaches people how to stop using unnecessary muscular and mental tension levels during everyday life.

The technique is often taught one on one with a certified Alexander Technique teacher. The teacher uses verbal instructions and gentle hands-on guidance to help students find ease and balance within themselves in simple movements and positions such as sitting, standing, and walking.

Tuition

2024 - 2025 School Year

30-minute: $165/month

45-minute: $260/month

60-minute: $306/month

Fall 2024 Semester

30-minute: $175/month

45-minute: $276/month

60-minute: $324/month

Spring 2025 Semester

30-minute: $175/month

45-minute: $276/month

60-minute: $324/month

3-Lesson Package

30-minute: $162

45-minute: $243

60-minute: $324

5-Lesson Package

30-minute: $266

45-minute: $399

60-minute: $531

2-on-1 (One Semester)

30-minute: $250/month

45-minute: $406/month

60-minute: $478/month

Tuition is paid in 10 payments, which covers 32 weekly lessons, two recitals, and two community events. Payments are due the day of the month that you initially purchase your pass or plan. For example, if you purchase your fall semester plan and pay for August’s lessons on July 19, you will be billed each following month (September – May) on the 19th. August’s tuition payment is required at the time of registration.

Recital Fee: A $30 recital fee will be charged for students wanting to perform in the semester recital.

Duplicate Billing: Only one party will be billed per student. Duplicate bills and split payments are the responsibility of the registering guardian.

You can learn more about BSMA tuition and policies here.

Important Dates

Stay up to date with Boulder Symphony Music Academy events, from holiday breaks to end-of-semester recitals.

Fall 2024 Semester: August 19 – December 13

     Thanksgiving Break: November 25 – 29

Make-up Week: December 16 – 20

Winter Break: December 23 – January 10

Spring 2025 Semester: January 13 – May 9

     Spring Break: March 24 – 28

Make-up Week: May 12 – 16

Summer 2025: May 27 – August 15

Scholarships

JARED Music Foundation Scholarship

Boulder Symphony & Music Academy is proud to be partnering with the JARED Music Foundation to offer scholarships to students in need.

JARED Music Foundation’s Mission

The JARED Music Foundation intends to bring those dynamic and impactful feelings of creating and experiencing music into the community by expanding access to instruments and music education and coming together over music and art to honor and celebrate Jared.

Group Classes

Beginner Djembe Class (Level 1)

Dates: Tuesdays 8/20 – 10/8

Times: 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Tuition: $200

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Adult Djembe Class (Level 2)

Dates: Tuesdays 8/20 – 10/8

Times: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Tuition: $200

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Group Class and Summer Camp FAQ

Will there be any food/drinks provided for campers?

For all summer camps, there will be an allocated snack time, approximately halfway through the camp. Campers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and drinks. Boulder Symphony Music Academy can provide water. For group classes, there is no allocated snack time.

What is your cancellation policy?

All summer camp and group class sales are final.

Do you offer scholarships or discounts?

We offer a 10% sibling discount for summer camps only.

Do I need to bring my own instruments?

If you already have an instrument appropriate for a group class, you are welcome to bring it. Otherwise, instruments are provided for group classes and summer camps.

Is there before and after care?

We are unable to offer before and after care at this time.

Where are you located?

Boulder Symphony Music Academy is located on the east side of the 4730 building. Just head up the stairs and we are located on the right! If you have any trouble finding us, please give us a call at 720-328-8286. A helpful landmark for locating BSMA is Hummingbird Hair Studio; we are located directly above.

Is this building accessible?

Boulder Symphony Music Academy is located on the second floor of the building. Currently, we are only accessible via stairs; there is no ramp or elevator. The music studios inside of our building are only accessible via an additional staircase.