Group Lessons

The Academy offers a wide variety of group lessons for students of all ages and abilities.

Youth Songwriting Spring Camp with Corwin Fox

Monday to Friday

March 27 - 31

Noon - 5pm

This course focuses on both writing and performance aimed at facilitating self-expression through music, song, and spoken word poetry.

Combining elements of musical theory, improvisation techniques, lyric writing, collaboration with peers, and working one-on-one with the instructors, students get an incredibly dynamic and transformational experience.

This program is suitable for complete beginners, as well as students with prior musical experience.

Corwin will record all the songs as part of the course and students will then perform their new songs at a special showcase concert at the Dream Cafe on Saturday, April 1.

Having taught this course at IMA for over ten years, professional BC musician Corwin Fox has developed an incredible program that has been life-changing for many of the young people who have taken part.

Monday to Friday

March 27 to 31, 2023

Noon to 5:00 pm

Ages: 12 to 17

Tuition $175 (plus registration fees)

Location: Penticton Community Centre

SongCatching

9 Mondays

5:30-6:30pm

Yanti will lead participants through a vocal catch and release practice known as SongCatching, using the songs of the Ubuntu Choir Network as taught in the oral tradition. Raise your voice in an informal, friendly, and safe environment. All voices and levels of experience are welcome. Come along, bring a friend, or bring the family. (Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)

9 Mondays Nights

April 3 to June 12, 2023 (no group April 10 and May 22)

5:30-6:30 pm

OR Drop-In Fee: $10 each time

Location: Community Art Room (downstairs), Leir House

Strum Group

9 Mondays

6:30-7:30pm

Get comfortable and bring out your instruments (ukuleles, guitars, tambourines, etc.) for strumming, stomping, and shaking to some favourite songs. This is a no-audition group. You don’t need to read sheet music and no previous experience is required. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. (Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.)

9 Mondays Nights

April 3 to June 12, 2023 (no group April 10 and May 22)

6:30-7:30 pm

OR Drop-In Fee: $10 each time

Location: Community Art Room (downstairs), Leir House

The PAMDA Fiddle Group

16 Mondays

7:30-8:30pm

Make this the year you step into the fun world of trad music, including Celtic, Old-Time and Bluegrass.

Fiddling is a popular social activity and in this group setting, PAMDA instructor Jeff Andrew will teach common fiddle tunes that you can play at jam sessions, fiddle camps, and other gatherings. You’ll also learn the ornamentation, rhythms, and bowing techniques that give each style its unique character.

The PAMDA Fiddle Group is open to players who know their way around the instrument in first position. Tunes will be taught by ear as well as from the page.

January 30 to June 12, 2023
(no lessons February 20, March 20, 27, and May 22)
Tuition: $150 (plus registration fees)

Location: Community Art Room, Leir House

The Good Vibes Junior Singers

16 Mondays

4-5pm

This is not your typical singing group. Choir leader Yanti Sharples will lead members through a cappella harmonies using the uplifting and inspiring songs of the Ubuntu Choir Network. No audition is necessary. All young voices and levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to sing loud and proud!

There will be at least two performance opportunities throughout the term.

Ages: 8 to 14

Time: 4 to 5pm

Dates: January 30 to June 12, 2023 (16 Mondays)

(no sessions February 20, March 20, 27, April 10, May 22)

Tuition: $175 (plus registration fees)

Location: Community Art Room, Leir House

Ukulele for Beginners COMING SOON

8 Thursdays

4-5pm

Learn how to play an instrument by Spring Break! The ukulele is a fun, light-weight, easy-to-play instrument and it’s great for socializing. In this 8-week introductory class, you’ll learn foundational skills while playing some familiar songs. You’ll learn how to properly tune and hold your ukulele, as well as commonly used chords and simple strumming techniques. No music theory required. Just bring your ukulele and a notebook.

Sign-up now and we'll let you know when classes will begin.

Ages: 8 and up

Time: 4 to 5pm

Dates: TBD (8 Thursdays)

Tuition: $80 (plus registration fees)

Location: Community Art Room, Leir House

Playing with Strings

14 Tuesdays

6:00-7:00pm

This fun strings group is open to all PAMDA students ages 7 and up, who are playing orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, or bass) at levels RCM 1 to 4 (middle of Suzuki Book 1 to end of Suzuki Book 3) and are comfortable sight-reading.

This is not your typical chamber ensemble! The repertoire will include music from a variety of genres, such as celtic, pop, show tunes, and festive holiday music. You’ll build your ensemble playing skills and, most importantly, you will be inspired and have fun!

14 Tuesdays

October 18, November 1, 15, 29, December 13, January 10, 24, February 7, 21, March 7, April 4, 18, May 30, June 13.

6:00-7:00 pm

Tuition: $200 (plus registration fees)

Location: Community Art Room (downstairs), Leir House

The PAMDA String Orchestra

34 Wednesdays

7-8:30pm

This is a fun and exciting opportunity to gain experience in orchestral performance under the direction of Kelsey Zachary, with a focus on developing good intonation, rhythm, and musicianship.

Membership in the orchestra is open to all string musicians aged 16 and older, who play at a Grade 4 level or higher and are comfortable sight-reading.

Ages: 16 and up

September 28 to June 14, 2023

$340 (plus registration fees) (discount of $80 if taking private lessons at PAMDA)

No sessions: December 21, December 28, March 22, March 29