| Art, Music and Photography - Spring 2013 Courses |
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 13SAM09 - Beginning Art
Non-Artists Only!! Talent is Not Required!
If your life-long dream has been to learn how to draw and paint but you are always held back by a feeling that you have no talent - this is the class for you. First and foremost, we will take the fear out of basic drawing - the building block of art. We will explore shapes, perspective, and portraiture. We will develop our creativity, composition, and color sense in a non-threatening, fun atmosphere. We will dispel art myths and learn to “see” as artists see. We will learn how to use various art tools and discover the tricks and techniques many artists use. This class is a good foundation for any of the painting mediums (watercolor, oil, acrylic, and pastel).
Note: You will need to bring paper, pencil, and eraser to the first class. We will discuss art supplies during the first class.
(Textbook required. Text: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (paperback); Author: Betty Edwards; Publisher: Tarcher, 2nd revised and enlarged edition; ISBN: 0874774241)
10 weeks/25 hours
Kathleen Hebert has been teaching art classes in drawing and painting since 1986. She has recently finished a Kindle version of her new book: No Talent Required: My Journey from Paint by Numbers to Art Instructor. She is featured in the book The Art of Lake Champlain. Kathleen’s artwork is on display at Worcester State College, Unitarian Universalist Church, Abbots Animal Hospital, and City Hall in Worcester. You can view her work online at www.artkatcards-paintings.com.
Thursdays, February 28 - May 16 (NOTE: NEW END DATE DUE TO 3/7/13 SNOW DAY)
(No class April 18)
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $210
 13SAM17 - The Unique Art of Tissue Paper Painting!
In this hands-on class you will learn how to work in tissue paper painting, a unique, and little known form of art. Tissue paper painting is part painting, part collage and part craft. Whether you have painted before or not, in a short period of time you will be creating paintings that range from bold and striking to soft and muted. Bleeding tissue paper allows the colors to run and blend into each other in beautiful, surreal, and unpredictable ways.
The beauty and creativity of tissue paper painting is effectively captured in the well-known children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by the noted children’s author Eric Carle. You, too, can create great characters and color for children’s rooms. You will learn how to combine the full palette of tissue paper colors in a painting that is a fresh and exciting expression of your innate talent. Together let’s create art for your home or office.
Note: There is a $10 material/tool fee which covers all materials and tools, payable to the instructor on the first night of class.
8 weeks/24 hours
Geraldine Joseph has over 20 years’ experience teaching art at elementary, high-school and college levels. Besides “painting” in tissue paper, Geraldine also has worked extensively in watercolor, acrylic and oil media. She has a Masters in Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Wednesdays, March 13 - May 8 (Please note NEW start and end dates)
(No class April 17)
6:30 PM- 9:30 PM Course Fee: $190
 13SAM08 - Mastering Oil Painting
This fun class caters to everyone with an open mind from those who have never held a brush to artists who would like to gain new experiences. The individual attention provided will enable anyone to follow along, develop new skills, or revive forgotten abilities; each session will address your respective needs!
You will explore the medium of oil paint with emphasis on fundamentals. The class will develop your skills in composing an image, creating illusions of light and space, understanding perspective, color mixing, and most of all, help you enjoy creating art with your own hands.
Note: Students will be mailed a list of materials prior to class. Please bring materials that you already have.
10 weeks/25 hours
Lee Su studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and has taught for nearly two decades. He has exhibited from Arlington, MA, to Rome, Italy, and is currently online at www.Lee-Su.com.
Tuesdays, February 26 - May 14 (NOTE: NEW END DATE DUE TO 3/19 SNOW DAY)
(No class April 16)
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $199
 13SAM10 - Mat and Frame Your Own Photos and Artwork
Take your family photos or artwork and create a framed gallery on one of your home or office walls. Why pay the exorbitant prices charged by framing shops? Learn how to mat and frame your own pictures for a fraction of the cost with a minimum of supplies and equipment! Frame one or two pictures and the investment you made in this course will already have paid handsome dividends.
The instructor will bring mat cutters and rulers to class the first night and demonstrate how to cut mats, double mat, mount on foam-core board, and then inexpensively mount in pre-cut frames. The second and third class will be devoted to hands-on work, cutting mats, mounting pictures, and assembling everything into pre-made frames (we will not be mitering frames).
Note: Instructor will hand out a list of supplies (i.e., mat-board, foam-core, frames, and glass/plastic) on first night of class.
3 weeks/7.5 hours
Jim Quinn has a Masters degree from WPI and has taught many courses on matting and framing.
Mondays, February 25 - March 11
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $99
 13SAM01 - Electric Guitar for Beginners
It has been said that the guitar is one of the easiest instruments to learn, yet one of the hardest to master...
Many understand that learning to play the electric guitar is much different than learning the acoustic guitar. Factors such as proper usage of amplifiers, effects, and applications can be daunting. This course incorporates these factors while learning to play music on the electric guitar. We’ll have you strumming rhythms and playing chords and easy songs after just a few lessons while learning how to get the most out of your instrument.
You will learn:
- up to five songs
- major and minor scales, chords, and rhythms
- the anatomy of your electric guitar
- how to train your musical ear
- proper playing techniques
- multiple tuning methods
- basic music notation
- basic chord theory
- common music arrangements
- how to produce viable tones for practice and beyond
- electric guitar effects
Styles covered will include rock, jazz, and country music. You will be better prepared to start a private program at a local music store once you complete the course. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the electric guitar, now’s the time to strap on your guitar and produce a little thing called music!
Note: Please bring an electric guitar, a pick, and an 18+ foot instrument cable to class.
9 weeks/18 hours
Glenn Randall has been a professional musician/technician/teacher for more than 30 years and has owned and operated a music store for more than 11 years. He has repaired and modified hundreds of guitars, amplifiers, and effects. Glenn has a degree in Electronics Technology and an M.B.A. He currently plays in two professional bands.
Tuesdays, March 5 - May 14 (NOTE: NEW END DATE DUE TO 3/19 SNOW DAY)
(No class April 16)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $225
“Good mix of playing, technique and
electronics” … “Glenn covered all the bases: theory, chords, scales, songs,
sight reading, etc.”
Comments from students in Glenn Randall’s Electric Guitar for Beginners
 13SAM02 - Guitar for Beginners
It’s never too late to learn a musical instrument! Here’s a great opportunity to learn the guitar with other beginners without paying the high price of private lessons - which cost $60 per hour. This relaxed, fun, slowly paced course is designed for beginners and for players who know a few chords. You don’t need to read music or understand theory. You will learn scales, chords, and rhythm patterns and then play basic beginner songs. Handouts will be included.
Note: Students need their own acoustic guitar with steel or nylon strings and an electronic tuner. Please come tuned and ready to play.
9 weeks/18 hours
Bob Alessio plays guitar, fiddle, and mandolin and sings in folk, country, and bluegrass bands.
Mondays, February 25 - April 29
(No class April 15)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $199
 13SAM03 - Violin/Fiddle and Mandolin for Beginners
Have you ever had the desire to play the violin, fiddle, or mandolin? This is your opportunity to learn with a fun and enthusiastic teacher! The violin and fiddle are the same physical instrument played in different styles: the violin for classical music and the fiddle for folk genres including folk, country, bluegrass, swing, blues, etc. The initial steps to learning the fiddle and violin are the same: learning scales, easy tunes, and bowing patterns.
The mandolin is tuned the same as a violin/fiddle and makes a great companion instrument for learning and playing with the fiddle. Many great instrumental tunes and song melodies can be easily flat-picked on a mandolin. We’ll also progress to learning the basic chords to accompany easy and popular vocals.
We’ll start from the basics (tuning your instrument and learning the open strings and basic scales) and learn two tunes in the first class! We will focus on ear training with minimal use of music notation.
Inexpensive “student” learning violins and mandolins can be purchased or rented at many area music stores. So get yourself a violin or mandolin and join the fun of learning one or both of these great little stringed instruments!
Note: Please come to the first class with your instrument tuned and ready to play. (Music stores can help you tune your instrument.) You’ll need to buy an electronic tuner. Violin/fiddle players: you should have a Kun (or equivalent) shoulder rest.
9 weeks/18 hours
Bob Alessio plays guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, and sings in folk, country, and bluegrass bands.
Wednesdays, February 27 - May 1
(No class April 17)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Course Fee: $199
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"I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and was worried I would get bored. But there were still things I learned from Bob, from developing good practice habits to new ways of looking at old material. You don't always get a good player who
enjoys teaching but Bob has both parts covered. I can't say enough great things about him."
Student's comment about Bob Alessio's class Violin/Fiddle and Mandolin for Beginners
 13SAM05 - Introduction to Hand Drumming and Drum Circles - Level One
Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument, but were intimidated by all the hours of practicing? Playing hand drums in a drum circle is a wonderful alternative because it allows you to participate in a satisfying musical experience without the years of training. And it’s so much fun that it doubles as a social event as well!
In this introductory course, we’ll focus on learning to play the West African djembe drum which is the most common drum you’ll encounter in any community drum circle. You’ll learn basic hand techniques for producing a good sound from the drum, as well as simple rhythms that will build your confidence so that you’ll feel comfortable joining one of the many local drum circles. We’ll also talk about purchasing a drum that is right for you, and give you tips on how to hold your own with more experienced drummers. We’ll take a relaxed approach, with lots of hands-on demonstrations and plenty of “play time” to get you comfortable with drumming. Enough drums will be provided for the class, but if you have your own, you’re welcome to bring it.
The class size is limited to 12 students, so be sure to sign up early.
4 weeks/8 hours
David Curry is the creator of Drums For One And All which provides drum circle facilitation and workshops for all types of organizations. He has been leading community drum circles for over 10 years at locations all around New England. He is a co-creator of the annual Eastern MA Rhythm Festival and is a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild. He has studied with Arthur Hull, the “father of the American drum circle movement.”
Wednesdays, February 27 - March 20
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $99
“Dave’s enthusiasm is contagious. His style of teaching is especially conducive
to those musically uninitiated.” …
“Dave made the class entertaining and educational.” … “Fun and noisy!”
Students’ comments on Dave Curry’s class Introduction to Hand Drumming and Drum Circles – Level 1
 13SAM06 - Introduction to Hand Drumming and Drum Circles - Level Two
If you took the Level One class and found yourself hooked on hand drumming, you’re encouraged to continue the fun by taking the Level Two class. Or, if you haven’t taken the first class but already know the basics of how to play a djembe (or similar drum), then you’re welcome to join in as we move to the next step of learning specific cultural rhythms that broaden your foundation of hand drumming knowledge. We’ll start to branch out to other types of African drums, as well as Afro-Cuban (“Latin”), Middle Eastern, and Native American-style drums. We’ll experiment with the wide variety of percussion instruments that help to spice up the rhythms from around the globe. We’ll also begin working with multi-part rhythms, which is where things really get exciting.
All drums and materials will be provided, but if you have your own drum, you can bring it along. By the time you complete the Level Two class, you will be ready to explore the thriving drum circle community.
The class size is limited to 12, so be sure to sign up early.
4 weeks/8 hours
David Curry is the creator of Drums For One And All which provides drum circle facilitation and workshops for all types of organizations. He has been leading community drum circles for over 10 years at locations all around New England. He is a co-creator of the annual Eastern MA Rhythm Festival and is a member of the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild. He has studied with Arthur Hull, the “father of the American drum circle movement.”
Wednesdays, April 3 - May 1
(No class April 17)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $99
 13SAM07 - Hands-On Blues and Harmonica
If you love the blues in all its expressive and different styles and would like to try your hand at a little beginner blues harmonica, then join us for this fun and fascinating class. Each night will consist of a combination of discussion on blues history and artists, listening to recordings of blues pioneers and masters, and some simple blues harmonica instruction. Musical/instrumental ability is not required - just a love of blues music and the desire to learn about this unique form of American music.
Note: Please bring $15, payable to the instructor, for a blues harmonica and practice CD.
3 weeks/6 hours
Kent Kissinger is an accomplished blues musician who plays drums, guitar, trumpet, and harmonica. He has a passion for blues and a blues collection second to none. He has taught this course to rave reviews in various venues.
Thursdays, February 28 - March 21 (NOTE: NEW END DATE DUE TO 3/7/13 SNOW DAY)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Course Fee: $80
 13SAM04 - Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People
If you yearn to experience the joy of playing piano but don’t want years of weekly lessons, this short course is for you. In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to make piano playing a part of your life.
How is it done? Typical piano lessons teach you note reading, but piano professionals use chords. You will learn all the chords needed to play any pop song in this one session. And you will get a healthy dose of insider secrets.
Topics include:
- constructing major, minor, and seventh chords
- practicing and memorizing chords
- getting away from reading music and starting to make music
- transposing a song into your key and accompanying yourself singing
Don’t miss this unconventional method of playing the piano. It will enable you to finally play the music you love with ease and flair. Every student receives a workbook and CD for follow-up home study. Note: If you have your own keyboard, please bring it with you. If you are not familiar with the treble clef, download the free pamphlet at www.EasyPianoStyles.com/FreeMusicDownload tab.
It is recommended that you know the notes on the keyboard and the treble clef before taking this class. Please call the office if you are bringing your own keyboard to class.
1 night/3 hours
Debbie Gruber has a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Debbie has published many books, CDs, and DVDs on how to play popular piano music. You can visit her website at www.easypianostyles.com.
Thursday, April 11
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $99
 13SAM16 - Get Familiar with Your Camera's Settings and Controls
Do the settings and controls of your digital camera frustrate you? Do you find your camera manual confusing? Learn how to use the buttons and menus on your camera during this hands-on workshop. The instructor will demonstrate a specific camera setting, describe why you would pick one option over another, and show the results. Students will then find this setting on their camera and experiment using the different options.
Camera settings to be covered include:
- auto and program modes
- ISO
- flash settings
- exposure compensation
- white balance
- scene modes
- focal length/zoom
- image size/resolution
Note: Please read over your camera manual beforehand and bring it to class along with your camera and fully charged batteries. This workshop is suitable for point-and-shoot or beginning SLR camera users. A handout will be provided by the instructor.
1 night/3 hours
Lynne Damianos has over 30 years’ experience in architectural, product, and people photography. She received her B.S. in Photography from RIT and has published two books. Lynne teaches at the Danforth Museum, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and at her studio. Visit DamianosPhotography.com, DamianosPublishing.comand DigiGreyShop.com for more information.
Tuesday, March 12
6:15 PM - 9:15 PM Course Fee: $59
 13SAM14 - Introduction to Digital Photography
This course covers the fundamentals for operating your digital camera, and will also touch upon editing, storing, and sharing digital images (workflow). Anyone can snap a photo on an automatic setting. We’ll teach you what to do when the image doesn’t come out as expected, and what to do to solve the problem. You will learn to shoot your photos in semi-automatic and manual modes so you have more control over your pictures. This class demystifies the process of creating digital images and will help you become comfortable with your camera and its features. We assume you are a beginner and we will teach you to use most of your camera’s features.
Note: This is a “hands-on” course and includes a Saturday morning field outing where you’ll get to apply the concepts you learn in class (time and meeting place will be announced in class). There will be a photography assignment each week.
Topics include:
- demystifying your camera’s manual
- digital camera settings
- exposure
- white balance
- program, aperture and shutter priority, and manual modes
- internal flash modes
Note: Suitable for SLR camera or point-and-shoot users (camera must have Aperture and Shutter Priority modes). Please read your camera’s manual thoroughly before the first class. Bring your camera, manual and fresh batteries to each class.
5 classes plus 1 field trip/18 hours total
Lynne Damianos has over 30 years’ experience in architectural, product, and people photography. She received her B.S. in Photography from RIT and has published two books. Lynne teaches at the Danforth Museum, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and at her studio. Visit DamianosPhotography.com, DamianosPublishing.comand DigiGreyShop.com for more information.
Thursdays, February 28 - April 11 (NOTE: NEW END DATE DUE TO 3/7/13 SNOW DAY)
(No class March 14)
6:15 PM - 9:15 PM Course Fee: $235
 13SAM15 - Overview of Portrait Photography
Did you ever wonder why your portraits of family and friends don’t look as polished as you’d like? This presentation will give you a jumpstart to useful techniques for creating a great portrait.
Topics to be covered include:
- posing
- composition
- focal length
- depth of field
- lighting
- how to work with your subjects
Note: Email five of your photos in JPEG format (up to 15 MB total per email) to classes@DamianosPhotography.com by Friday, March 15 with the subject line “AssabetP_YourLastName” for inclusion in the discussion.
1 night/3 hours
Lynne Damianos has over 30 years’ experience in architectural, product, and people photography. She received her B.S. in Photography from RIT and has published two books. Lynne teaches at the Danforth Museum, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and at her studio. Visit DamianosPhotography.com, DamianosPublishing.comand DigiGreyShop.com for more information.
Monday, March 18
6:15 PM - 9:15 PM Course Fee: $59
 13SAM12 - Photo Retouching with Adobe Photoshop CS6
Do you have a sentimental old photo that is wrinkled, faded, torn, or scratched that you would like to restore to its former glory? Join us for this fun and fascinating Photoshop workshop and take your photos from sad to fab. No previous Photoshop experience required.
You’ll learn your way around Photoshop including:
- how to use the palette, history, and layers tools
- how to fix skin wrinkles, smooth skin tones, and retouch blemishes
- photo fading and backgrounds
- special techniques to create realistic toning and texture changes
- how to use the Photoshop cloning and selection tools
- specialized filters available in Photoshop
- how to correct the overall color of an image
- how to remove lens specks, scratches, and tears in images
- how to retouch lips and eyes with retouching and airbrushing tools available in Photoshop
4 weeks/12 hours
Michael Koykka has a B.A. in Communi-cations from Fitchburg State College and is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, and webmaster with over 14 years of Photoshop experience. He is an Adobe Authorized Print Service Provider and a graduate of the Adobe SuperPro training program.
Wednesdays, February 27 - March 20
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $145
“Obtained good working knowledge of Photoshop.” … “The hands-on exercises reinforced the concepts.”
Students’ comments on Michael Koykka’s class Photo Retouching with Photoshop CS5
 13SAM11 - Introduction to Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
Interested in becoming a video editor? Learn how to make your own movie, edit home movies, or create a photo slideshow of a special event or vacation. Recommended for creative artists, designers, videographers (wedding, etc.), web developers, anyone considering a career as a video editor, and home video enthusiasts.
This fun course combines instructor-led demonstration with hands-on practice to teach you the basics of Adobe Premiere Pro CS6.
Topics include:
- importing and exporting digital media
- basic editing and trimming techniques
- adding video transitions
- basic video effects
- creating dynamic titles
- acquiring and editing audio
- DVD authoring
Prerequisite: This class uses Mac computers. Students should have working knowledge of a Mac before coming to this class.
(Textbook optional. Text: Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Classroom in a Book (paperback); Author: Adobe Creative Team; Publisher: Adobe Press, 1st edition; ISBN: 9780321822475 )
8 weeks/24 hours
Jeffrey Gordon is the Video Development Manager for an educational company where his primary focus is creating training and informational videos. He has a Masters degree in Education Media Design, a Bachelors degree in digital recording, and over six years’ experience working with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Tuesdays, March 5 - April 30
(No class April 16)
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Course Fee: $325
“Jeff is an engaging and knowledgeable instructor with pertinent real-life professional experience in video editing with the Adobe Creative Suite. The Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 software is an outstanding video editing tool – intuitive, yet in-depth.” … “Awesome equipment (MACs) in the digital video classroom.”
Students’ comments on Jeff Gordon’s class Introduction to Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
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