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About
Native American Style Flute Teacher *2020-2023* Teacher of the Year for Native American Style Flute*
About the Native American Style Flute Instruction
If you have ever wanted to learn an instrument but never found the time…
If you have owned a Native American style flute but haven’t played it yet…
If you think that you are not musical and have no musical ability…
You are in for a healing journey with an instrument that is easy to learn to play and soothes the soul.
It is never too late to learn to play an instrument! The Native American style flute (NAF) is a great choice because it is relatively easy to learn to play. With group class options and private lessons, I hope I have an offering that fits your interests and schedule. I look forward to teaching you how to play this wonderful instrument!
Many of my beginner NAF students have never played an instrument. That speaks volumes about the ease of learning to play the flute at any time of life. Don't be discouraged if you have not been successful in learning to play another instrument. The NAFs an easy instrument to begin playing at any age.
My musical career started as soon as I was big enough to crawl onto the piano bench. From the time I was 6 until I was 21 years old, I took piano lessons. They have served me well as a foundation for becoming a music educator. But even though I had musical training, I was glued to the piece of paper on the stand. There was anxiety around playing, performing, and being judged. It was not the relaxing and freeing experience I yearned for in my musical life.
Many years later, a friend introduced me to a Native American style flute. I didn’t have a lot of time to learn a new instrument as my family's demands were very real, but this was a primitive instrument after all. I had been in love with the sound of beautiful Native American style flute music for some time and decided to do something healing for myself and learn to play this intriguing instrument.
In 2015, I enrolled in the Music for Healing and Transitions Program (mhtp.org). Over the next two years, everything changed for me as a flute player, a musician in general, and even as a person. I became a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) in 2016. Playing the Native American style flute, now skilled at using music to address a variety of patient conditions in clinical settings, mostly in a hospital gave me a deeper appreciation for the sound and potential healing ability of the flute. This changed my identity and focus in my musical career. I learned to be in service to those I played for. In numerous encounters, I witnessed how the NAF was a profound and powerful healing tool.
If you have heard the call of the flute, respond from your heart with a resounding YES!
Need Individualized Training? Get One-on-one help to build your Plan
Learn to make your music practice time and music lessons productive and rewarding every time. Music Practice Personal Training is available to customize your approach to effectively using your Musician’s Practice Journal. Learn more about working one-on-one to create your ideal music practice plan.
One-on-one training for any music student, regardless of level or instrument. This is ideal for beginning students of any musical discipline or those who have been playing instruments for a while but feel like they are in a rut.
Learn the building blocks of your ideal music practice.
Focus areas of this individualized training include:
• How to set up undivided focus conditions
• The tools of the trade — metronomes, practice journals, and beyond
• Create a balanced music practice
• Breathe to relax your body and focus your mind using a Musical Mantra
• Technique – embrace your inner musical geek
• Muscle memory technique for musical mastery
• Pre-Game! How to have better music lessons with your teacher or on recorded courses
This one-on-one service is available as a one-time personal training session, or as an ongoing service to optimize your music lessons with your teacher or on recorded courses. This service is not music lessons. It is a method of structuring your music practice for outstanding and rewarding results.
One of the main benefits of working together one-on-one is to get a clear picture of how segmenting works. Segmenting is a process that evolves as you evolve as a musician. Setting up segments takes thought and logic. Together, in a private personal training session, we take a look at your instrument(s), the elements of what it takes to progress in different specific areas and create a plan. For example, if you are learning guitar, a few of the main segments we would define for practice elements would be:
• Rhythm
• Technique
• Songs
• Scales
• Chords
Many segments need to be chunked down even further.
Then you may have a big segment area such as chords. Chords are such a vast topic for guitar players that it can be divided into smaller segments such as:
• Chord shapes
• Chord transitions
• Chord progressions
From there we create a structure for your practice, taking into consideration your schedule, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Get started today by setting up a time to craft a plan for yourself using the Musician’s Practice Journal method.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”
—Benjamin Franklin
A Little Insight Your Music Practice Personal Trainer
Admittedly, I have an inner compulsion to improve systems in whatever I do. My co-workers, friends, and family might roll their eyes and chuckle if they were reading this.
How has this shown up in my career? I becoming a teacher in multiple disciplines. Most applicable to this service, years ago I was an aerobics instructor and personal trainer. After some time, I became a trainer of aerobics instructors and personal trainers. I loved it! The ingredients of a great class included rhythm, balanced workouts, and creating an awesome class experience, etc. were all part of the recipe. It was a creative and thoughtful process.
Fast forward a few decades…
It turns out there is a lot of crossover between training people to become fitness professionals and training hobby (and performing) musicians to get a lot more out of their musical pursuits.
In some ways, I feel like I’m a personal trainer to my music students. Whether they are learning to play the Native American Style flute or are learning the building blocks of an effective music practice ritual, my job is to lead them from point A to point B at a pace that they feel comfortable and empowered. Again, as it was with the fitness career, I love it!
As your personal trainer for attaining your musical dreams, we begin by defining and breaking down big steps into medium steps, then smaller steps, then to the very next step. This applies to crafting your ideal music practice ritual. In this individualized process, we make a customized plan for you!
Avoiding Bad Habits
I decided to set myself up for success and get good quality instruction right up front. One thing I knew from learning an instrument before, once bad habits set in, it is hard to undo them. If I just learned the best practices from the beginning, perhaps I could actually make some music on my flute.
I was amazed to see where I was after just 10 hours of practice. Finally, I had found an instrument that I could improvise on. I even started to be able to express my emotions in my playing. I started to bring my flute with me and have enjoyed playing little interludes in so many different places in nature.
Writing the Book and Teaching Classes
I wrote the first edition of my book and started holding group classes which were popular. Within a couple years, I was teaching three different levels of classes. In a safe and supportive atmosphere, my students were exploring this new territory and I was thrilled to be their facilitator.
My experience deepened as I traveled to several flute schools around the country. I brought all I learned home to my own classes and workshops and refined the courses. Next, I started to teach online quite a bit and found online learning to be a viable way to learn the flute. These and many other learning experiences along the way brought me to the creation of my book (now in its final edition), my CD, and my flagship work, my full online course.
Discover Your Heartsong
For those who have heard the calling of the flute and have a true desire to learn to play, I hope my online offerings will make it entirely possible in a way that is enjoyable, affordable, and engaging.
Truly, I am delighted to be a steward of this ancient and mystical instrument. The Native American flute has provided an outlet for my emotions, a platform from which I could share the experience with others, and a place of solace and beauty.
 Music Practice Personal TrainingNeed Individualized Training? Get One-on-one help to build your Plan Learn to make your music practice time and music lessons productive and rewarding every time. Music Practice Personal Training is available to customize your approach to effectively using your Musician’s Practice Journal. Learn more about working one-on-one to create your ideal music practice plan. |
 Weekly Journaling Retreats for MusiciansJoin a community of musicians of all levels who enjoy journaling silently together online each week. Get traction with weekly goals by using the tools of the Musician’s Practice Journal available in free PDF form and as a printed journal for purchase. No musical or journaling experience is necessary. On our weekly journaling retreat, our presence keeps us connected. We feel the support of each other as we journal silently together, like gathering in a library. |
Upcoming Group Classes with Ami
Learn to Play the Native American Flute - Learn more
Native American Flute Improvisation Formula - Learn more
Learn to Read and Write Nakai Tablature for the Native American Flute - Learn more
Additional Scales on the Native American Flute - Learn more
Learn to Read and Write Interval Tablature for the Native American Flute - Learn more
Modes 1, 2, and 4 on the Native American Flute - Learn more
Develop a Repertoire on the Native American Flute - Learn more
Tools to Accelerate Your Progress on the Native American Flute - Learn more
Reviews from Group Classes
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Intro to Native American Flute
Verified Student on June 12, 2022
Very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Confirmed some things I had been thinking about re another class I took on the Native American flute from another instructor. Easy pace. Good overview.
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Learn to Read and Write Nakai Tablature for the Native American Style Flute
Verified Student on May 7, 2022
Excellent class which helped solidify the foundation to playing the flute and enjoying it more.
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Native American Style Flute Improvisation Formula
Gil W. on April 2, 2022
Very good. Ami covered the topic in a clear, organized manner. It gave me a lot to work on the next few weeks and I'll probably use the method the rest of my life.
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Native American Style Flute Improvisation Formula
Cathie D. on April 2, 2022
Amazing! I have an overflowing toolbox going forward! Amy has perfected the art of the step by step progression of mastering the Native American style flute. We are so blessed to have her! Can't wait for the next session ! Thankyou !!!
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Tools to Accelerate Your Progress on the Native American Style Flute
Cathie D. on March 5, 2022
This course with Ami gave us, not only a toolbox for organizing our music practice, but a complete and clear method to achieve our individual goals. This course left me feeling empowered and excited to move forward. Ami has amazing teaching skills. Every part of her plan builds on the previous one. I look forward to continuing with her structured plan. It's exciting to know you are in such capable hands. Cheers & gratitude to Ami !!!
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Introductory Course: Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute
Christine G. on January 29, 2022
So happy that I took Amy's beginners NAF class. The first lesson made it worth my while and the rest were gravy. I successfully close the finger holes and no longer squeak or whistle my way when playing. Signed up for intermediate lessons. Thanks, Amy for your kind and thorough approach.
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Musician's Heart Journey
Gail H. on March 1, 2022
This course was more than I expected. I don't consider myself to be that musical, but having picked up the Native American Flute in my 50s and found Ami as my instructor, I was curious about this other course she offered. The insightful part for me was that Ami combines her musical expertise and her experience and training in guided journaling to help uncover some things that can keep us from a full expression of our musical selves. An ah-ha for me came when I realized an early memory of my own was playing the piano by ear as a kid. It was fun for me and I was uninhibited…until an older neighbor boy made a comment to my parents that I was "entertaining the neighborhood." Our piano lived in the garage, my own little amphitheater. Once I realized that, my shy introverted self all but stopped playing. I'd never have thought of that as a possible influence when I picked up a flute 40 years later, enchanted by its soulful tones and connection to my home in the Southwest. But then I couldn't look past a pattern I'd missed, realizing that I was only practicing my flute in those stolen moments when even my very supportive husband wasn't home. You may not find me perched atop the Boynton canyon "entertaining the neighborhood" with my flute, but in bringing that old imprint into the light, I feel free of it should i choose to. All of that from just one of these lessons in this program. Come in with an open mind and heart and see what unfolds for you. Wherever you are on your journey and whatever role music may have in your life, I bet you'll walk away with a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the layers of richness it adds to your world.
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Musician's Heart Journey
Cathie D. on February 2, 2022
LOVED this class. Ami has orgnized things so there is not a moment wasted. I now have new skills for journaling that are going to change everything for me. I am really looking forward to learning the last piece of this program and then to move forward with what I'm sure will be amazing tools to work with.
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Musician's Heart Journey
Debbie . on February 2, 2022
Ami is an amazing Native American flute player and teacher. She really draws you into the program and goes deep into the learning. I love having classes with her I started with her in 2014 And I am fortunate to be training with her again.
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Introductory Course: Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute
Verified Student on January 8, 2022
Excellent
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Introductory Course: Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute
jerry on January 8, 2022
great start
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Introductory Course: Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute
Jerry R. on January 29, 2022
Great, gave me a huge amount of self confidence. Looking forward to learn as much as possible. Thank you
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Introductory Course: Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute
Joyce K. on January 15, 2022
I understand so much more then I never imagined. Much of my confusion is clearing, just have to practice, practice, practice...put the miles on to hear the sweetness that is possible.
• Certified Music Practitioner since 2016 through the Music for Healing and Transitions Organization • Level 2 Music for People's leadership program • Trained facilitator of community music-making events through Flute Haven and HealthRHYTHMS • Teacher of Native American style flute earning Teacher of the Year on Lessonface for 2020, 2021, and 2022. • Author of book (available on Amazon) Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute, as well as student CD, One Life. • Member of the World Flute Society and an active writer on the Health and Wellness Committee. • Healing arts practitioner (Certified Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, T’ai Chi Chih Instructor)
Learning to play the Native American style flute is truly a beautiful journey.
No musical experience is necessary. Here’s what the journey looks like:
Learn to Play the Native American Flute: Discover Your Heartsong with Ami Sarasvati, Author and NAF Teacher
Beginners, it is recommended that you order:
• a well-tuned Native American style flute (I can give you recommendations)
• my book is published on Amazon, Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute, as well as get my ONE LIFE recordings for free on my website and Soundcloud account.
• and a metronome
From there, private lessons or group lessons are available. After completing the Introductory group course or in private lessons, your journey continues based on your goals and desires. You can pursue any and all of these in private lessons or in a group setting. After the foundation has been established, here are additional areas of lessons either in groups or privately.
Here are your choices:
1. Introduction to the Native American Style Flute (NAF)
This beginner course is recommended before any other course in the series.
2. Tools to Accelerate Your Progress on the Native American Flute
3. Modes 1, 2, and 4 on the Native American Flute
4. Learn to Read and Write Nakai Tablature for the Native American Flute
5. Develop a Repertoire on the Native American Flute
6. Additional Scales on the Native American Flute
7. Learn to Read and Write Interval Tablature for the Native American Flute
8. Native American Flute Improvisation Formula
9. Flute KARAOKE
All these Group Classes can be viewed at https://lessonface/naf
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See below for the full curriculum on each of these in-depth topics with the NAF.
1. Introduction to the Native American Style Flute (NAF)
This beginner course is recommended before any other course in the series.
This course is the perfect place to start your journey of learning to play the Native American flute (NAF). No musical experience is necessary! For many people, learning to play the NAF is their first experience playing an instrument. This course will guide you through the basics of playing your flute right away. The Native American flute is a musical instrument that is easy to learn to play. Discover your heartsong on the Native American flute.
We will be using Ami’s book, “Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute: Discover Your Heartsong,” which is available on Amazon for just $9.99. It is best to have your copy of the printed book or ebook prior to the first class in this series.
Week One
• Proper flute, body, and hand positions
• Making a quality sound
• The ladder
Week Two
• The pentatonic minor scale
• Neighboring tones
• The scale song
• New ornament
Week Three
• Leaps
• New ornament
• Pass the solo over drone
Week Four
• Vibrato
• Review
• Resources online and live events
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2. Tools to Accelerate Your Progress on the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
In this course, you will learn to use practice tools, try them out, and find your favorites that are sustainable for you. A new online NAF resource will be shared each week. Guided journaling activity will help track your progress. We will explore two significant styles of NAF playing, learn to use a metronome, and set a realistic weekly goal. You will learn how to segment your practice and use daily and weekly practice sheets for the gentle structure needed to reach goals. Join us for a challenging and stimulating course. Get real traction with your NAF skills.
We will be using Ami’s book, “Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute: Discover Your Heartsong,” which is available on Amazon for just $9.99. It is best to have your copy of the printed book or ebook prior to the first class in this series.
Week One
• Explore two significant styles of NAF playing: playing on a timeline vs. riding the breath
• Learn to use a metronome: Just 1-5 minutes a day practicing with a metronome accelerates your dexterity
• Goal setting journaling exercise
Week Two
• Learn to use the daily and weekly practice sheets (provided)
• Determine segmented practice areas
• Create a weekly plan with segmented practice areas
Week Three
• Review metronome usage
• Review segmented practice areas
• Learn to set practice time goals based on musical goals
Week Four
• Prioritize your top three goals for the NAF
• Final goal-setting journaling exercise
• Map out your goals
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3. Modes 1, 2, and 4 on the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
Did you know that each Native American flute can play three different keys? Learn how your A minor flute is also a C major as well as a D minor. Master the pie chart (provided in course) of all the keys and flutes. Determine what keys you can play with your flute.
Week One
• Overview of Modes 1 and 2
• Identify flute keys
• Transition between 1 and 2
Week Two
• Overview of Mode 4
• Identify flute keys
• Transitioning between 1 & 4 and 2 & 4
Week Three
• Integrate the modes
• Balance major and minor keys in your practice
• Map out an improvisation
Week Four
• Call and response on all modes
• Optional improvisations share
• Review
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4. Learn to Read and Write Nakai Tablature for the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
Numerous songs are annotated in a system created by R. Carlos Nakai. Learn where to find the music, how the system works, and even how to write your own song using this system. Understanding Nakai tab will give you a new lens through which you can choose music that will make sense.
We will be using Ami’s book, “Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute: Discover Your Heartsong,” which is available on Amazon for just $9.99. It is best to have your copy of the printed book or ebook prior to the first class in this series.
Week One
• Overview of Nakai Tab
• Basic musical notation
• Bottom hand notes
• Written exercise
• Online resources
Week Two
• Review
• Top hand notes
• Written exercise
Week Three
• Musical notation review
• Both top and bottom hand notes
• Written exercise
Week Four
• Write a 2-line song
• Written exercise
• The extended scale
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5. Develop a Repertoire on the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate to advanced. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course. Already able to read and write Nakai Tab.
Participants are assigned considerable homework between each class. Learn to categorize songs and musical ideas. Consideration of the effects of flutes in different keys will be presented. Learn about many flute music resources from which you will build your repertoire list.
Week One
• Establish categories of music
• Internet resources
• Homework assignment
Week Two
• How to handle overlapping categories
• Taking freedoms and stretching out music
• Matching music to the desired outcome
Week Three
• Identifying preferred categories
• Establishing goals for printouts and downloads
• Organization systems to consider
Week Four
• The vast category of improvisation
• Paper-based vs. electronic
• Flutes keys considered
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6. Learn to Play Additional Scales on the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate to advanced. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
Did you know that there are over a dozen scales that a Native American flute can play? This course takes you beyond the pentatonic minor. You will choose two or more scales from a selection of scales provided and demonstrated. We will break down the new scales into lower hand notes, upper hand notes, and tricky combinations. Learn to cross-fingering cleanly and smoothly. Scales such as the Blues scale, the Middle Eastern (Gypsy) scale, the Major scale, and others inspire you to learn and improvise. Challenge yourself with intriguing new scales on the Native American flute.
Week One
• Review scales
• Choose your first scale
• Cross-fingering skills
Week Two
• Refine your first scale
• Work with a metronome
Week Three
• Choose your second scale
• Identify new notes
Week Four
• Integrating scales
• Learn to bridge
• Optional share
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7. Learn to Read and Write Interval Tablature for the Native American Flute
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
Learn about the intervals of the NAF and how to navigate and reference the notes. Knowing Interval tab will serve you well on your Native American flute journey. Learning this system is worth the effort. Interval tab may be the most efficient way to capture musical ideas as well as understand how intervals “feel.” This short-hand system is wonderfully versatile and works across all flute keys. This course is a game-changer! Music theory concepts will provide you with a big-picture look at the NAF. You will work on a small project during the course.
We will be using Ami’s book, “Learn to Play the Native American Style Flute: Discover Your Heartsong,” which is available on Amazon for just $9.99. It is best to have your copy of the printed book or ebook prior to the first class in this series.
Week One
• Explore four notation systems of the NAF extended scale
• Learn how Interval tab works across any key flute
• Begin playing interval tab
• Example of project demonstrated
Week Two
• Continue playing Interval tab
• Begin writing interval tab
• Use Interval tab to play with songs you enjoy
Week Three
• Review and clarification
• Continue playing Interval tab
• Continue writing interval tab projects
Week Four
• Review and clarification
• Optional sharing of interval tab projects
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8. Native American Flute Improvisation Formula
Skill Level for this course: Intermediate to advanced. Proficient with the material in the NAF Introductory Course.
Many people come to the Native American flute with the desire to play effortlessly from the heart. The Improvisation Formula course unpacks a method of improvisation that you can use as a map of an endless (yet structured) improvisation. The sky is the limit, yet this formula gives you a map that guides you in playing from the heart with tremendous variety and longevity. The skill of improvisation may seem out of reach at first and may leave the beginner improviser/player without any sense of direction. This course gives you a playbook and still leaves plenty of room for spontaneity. From a simple structure, you can get lots of mileage! Free yourself from being stuck to the music stand. Learn to play effortlessly yet with variety using the Improvisation Formula. This course will stretch you as a flute player in surprising ways. Join us for a challenging and rewarding journey deep into the canyon of improvisation.
Week One
• Learn the big picture of the Improvisation Formula
• Play through the entire formula in Mode 1
• Modes 1, 2, and 4 review
Week Two
• Map out favorite Modes and Scales
• Create a list of embellishments
• Learn to use embellishments as bridges
Week Three
• Observe transitions between these modes
• Learn to combine embellishments
• Review and Q&A
Week Four
• Optional share scales
• Bridges and more bridges
• The alpha and the omega of bridges, long tones
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9. Flute KARAOKE on the Native American Style Flute
In this course, you will learn to play your Native American Style Flute (NAF) flute along with a favorite song or two of yours using Interval Tab. Imagine, you are a member of the band of one of your favorite groups. You will learn how you can pick up your flute and jam along to your favorite songs!
This course is best taken after the Introductory Course
and
Learn to Read and Write Interval Tab
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
In this course, you will learn to play your Native American Style Flute (NAF) flute along with a favorite song or two of yours using Interval Tab. Imagine, you are a member of the band of one of your favorite groups. You will learn how you can pick up your flute and jam along to your favorite songs!
When I started doing “Flute Karaoke” along with my favorite songs, I discovered another facet of my inner musician that no other activity revealed in the same way. Get ready for your socks to be blown off. Leave a good amount of time for homework during this course so you can get the full benefit from learning this process and going to a different level as a musician!
Week One
• Choose a song based on suggestions and guidelines
• Research the key it is recorded in
• Choose your flute keys and intervals
• Chart out intervals using long tones
Week Two
• Chart out the intervals
• Find the home note
• Add two more primary intervals
• Identify traveling notes
Week Three
• Learn to keep an open mind about your choices
• Explore dissonance and harmony
• Internet resources
• Take musical risks
Week Four
• Q&A
• Plenty of time for group exploration and sharing
• Amplification system recommendation
Teens and Adults
Skill Level
Intermediate to Advanced.
See all about the classes and register at:
http://lessonface/naf