GROUP MUSIC CLASSES
EVENING CLASSES
DaySpring Youth Strings Ensemble
Ages 11-18
Calling all string players! The DaySpring Youth Strings Ensemble is a year-long, performance-based program designed to bring young string players together in a joyful and collaborative musical community at DaySpring Arts and Education. Open to developing string students, this brand-new ensemble focuses on building strong musical foundations while fostering teamwork, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
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Students will develop essential ensemble skills, including listening, blending, rhythm, and balance, while strengthening musicianship, aural skills, music theory, and instrumental techniques. Repertoire and instruction will be carefully tailored to the level of the group, allowing students to grow together in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The ensemble emphasizes real performance experience, giving students opportunities to perform for the community and participate in outreach events. Through rehearsals and concerts, students learn responsibility, preparation, and the joy of making music as a team.
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Led by DaySpring faculty member Paul Huppert, the ensemble prioritizes musical growth, creativity, and connection. Students will not only improve as musicians, but also create meaningful musical memories—sharing a journey of learning, collaboration, and celebration through music at DaySpring.
Group Piano: Adult Beginner Level
Ages 21+
Curious if you could really learn to play the piano? This class will guide you step by step so you can start reading music and playing your own songs. Whether you’ve always wanted to play or are returning to the instrument after a long break. This group piano class offers a supportive, engaging, and welcoming environment designed specifically for adult learners. The focus is on building foundational skills while keeping music fun and accessible.
Students will learn basic piano techniques, note reading, rhythm, and introductory music theory, all at a pace tailored to the group. Emphasis is placed on practical playing skills and musical expression, so participants can begin performing simple pieces confidently. The class is also a wonderful opportunity for parents who want to support their children’s musical journey—they gain hands-on experience at a beginner level and a deeper understanding of the learning process.
The course culminates in a cozy, family-friendly recital, where students can invite family and friends to share in their accomplishment. Performing in front of loved ones not only celebrates their musical growth but also sets an inspiring example for children, showing that trying new things, learning, and following through is both rewarding and achievable.
DAYTIME ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Mini Foley Artists: Music, Movement, and Storytelling
Ages 5-7
This energetic, hands-on class is specially designed for our youngest students to explore music through performance, movement, and creativity. Students will engage with age-appropriate songs while playing a variety of instruments, including mallets, recorders, drums, and other percussion instruments. Singing, rhythm work, and musical phrasing are woven together with playful movement activities to bring music to life.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Bow and Play
Ages 5-8
This class is rooted in the principles of the Suzuki Method, which believes that every child, regardless of age or natural ability, can learn to play the violin with the right guidance and encouragement. Through a combination of engaging songs, games, and interactive activities, students will develop a strong foundation in violin technique, including proper posture, bowing, and basic note reading. The class focuses on building essential skills such as rhythm, ear training, and finger placement in a fun, supportive environment that nurtures a love for music. A rental instrument is required for this class, rental details will be given during orientation.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Class Piano
Ages 7-13
This introductory piano class covers essential techniques, including hand positioning, posture, scales, note reading, basic music terminology, and aural skills. It provides a solid foundation for students interested in further piano study. By the end of the year, students will be able to play with both hands, read music, and develop a deeper appreciation for music. Based on their progress and teacher recommendation, students may be encouraged to continue their piano journey with private lessons.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Children's Choir
Ages 8+
DaySpring’s Children’s Choir offers a fun and educational musical experience, with performances in two annual concerts. Students learn basic music concepts such as keeping a steady beat, correct singing posture, choral vocal technique, music terminology, and sight-singing skills. They perform a variety of age-appropriate repertoire, including hymns, Christian choir songs, folk music, and more, and begin singing in two- or three-part harmony. The choir emphasizes vocal technique and expression, aiming to inspire a lifelong love of music in both the singers and their families.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Songwriting with Midwestern Icons & Influential Songwriters
Ages 9-13
In this songwriting class, students will explore the craft of music creation by studying influential songwriters from the Midwest. Each artist represents a unique genre and demonstrates how Midwestern roots can inspire storytelling, melody, and musical expression. Students will examine the work of John Hartford from New Harmony, Missouri, known for his vivid storytelling and inventive folk-country compositions; Sheryl Crow from Kennett, Missouri, celebrated for her catchy melodies, strong lyrics, and genre-blending style; Chuck Berry from St. Louis, Missouri, a pioneer of rock and roll with unforgettable riffs and storytelling lyrics; and Chappell Roan from Willard, Missouri, a modern Midwestern pop songwriter recognized for expressive, relatable melodies. While the class will focus on these Midwestern songwriters, students will also explore influential songwriters from other regions and genres to gain a broader perspective on the craft.
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The class covers the fundamentals of songwriting, including song structure, rhyme schemes, and melodic composition. Students may also explore adjacent disciplines such as poetry and traditional composition techniques. This class is ideal for highly creative students, those who enjoy writing, and anyone interested in exploring the writing side of being a singer-songwriter. At the end of each semester, students will have the opportunity to perform their original songs at the Enrichment Showcase.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Class Ukulele: Pop and Folk
Ages 10-13
This fun and interactive ukulele class is designed for students who love music and want to explore playing in a supportive, creative environment. Focusing on pop and folk songs, students will learn basic strumming and fingerpicking techniques, reading chord names and types, and play songs both individually and as a group.
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Students will have the opportunity to develop confidence, strengthen their musical skills, and share their music through performance. At the end of the session, all students will showcase what they’ve learned by performing in our Enrichment Showcase.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Spoken Words and Live Music
Ages 11-15
This dynamic, project-based class invites intermediate students to explore the art of spoken word poetry accompanied by live percussion. Students who are passionate about creative writing and love expressing themselves through words are especially encouraged to join. They will study how poetic elements—such as meter, stress, rhyme, and phrasing—interact with rhythm and live musical accompaniment to create powerful, expressive performances.
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Throughout the class, students will survey a variety of poetry, examine collaborations between poets and musicians, and write their own original pieces. They will experiment with how words and percussion can work together to enhance meaning, emotion, and impact. The class culminates in a poetry slam-style performance, giving students the opportunity to share their work with an audience.
This class encourages creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, helping students develop their voice as both writers and performers while deepening their understanding of the interplay between poetry and live music.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Violin Progression
By Recommendation
This class builds on the skills learned in **Bow and Play**, introducing more structured and challenging pieces from the next level of the Suzuki method or other beginner materials. Students will advance their note-reading, rhythmic accuracy, bow control, and dynamic expression. They’ll continue to develop ear training and refine technique through targeted exercises and repertoire. The class emphasizes performance confidence, musical phrasing, and introduces simple duet playing and varied music styles, preparing students for Violin Progression II.
New students with prior violin experience are welcome to join the violin progression! Please contact the Music Department Head at crystalchu@dayspringarts.org.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
Violin Progression II
By Recommendation
Building on the skills from the previous level, this class introduces more complex pieces from the Suzuki method and other intermediate materials. Students will refine their note-reading, rhythmic precision, bow control, and dynamic expression. Ear training will focus on more intricate melodies, while technique is further developed through targeted exercises. The class focuses on musical phrasing and expressive performance, while introducing duet playing and a variety of styles—including fun techniques like fiddling—to prepare students for continued growth in advanced violin studies. Enrollment requires a recommendation from the class teacher.
New students with prior violin experience are welcome to join the violin progression! Please contact the Music Department Head at crystalchu@dayspringarts.org.
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These Friday classes are a part of our Enrichment Friday Program and can be combined with other classes to create a full day. Click here for more information!
