Ensembles and Specialized Group Courses
Here you will find links to our various ensembles, songwriting, Montessori, and other specialized group sessions. Contact us if you have any questions!
True Beginner Ensembles and Specialized Classes
Montessori Music and Movement
Our Montessori Music & Movement class is for students ages 3-6; designed to foster a love and appreciation of music while developing listening skills, self-control, coordination of movement, and an understanding of basic music concepts and terminology.
What your child will learn:
- Listening skills and description of sounds
- Coordination of movement
- Musical concepts and symbols rhythm activities
- Plenty of free exploration time!
Music Exploration: Rock Band
Want to join a band but don't play an instrument yet? Not sure which instrument to pick? Join our Music Exploration class and get an overview of guitar, bass, drums, and synthesizer/piano/keys! This class is for students of any experience level.
What you'll learn in our Music Exploration:
- Basic techniques on each instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keys)
- Anatomy and vocabulary of each instrument
- Explore music genres and history
- Learn how to play with others: listening, communication, confidence.
What you'll need:
- No instrument is required for this class (instruments, effects pedals, and small amps are welcome but optional)
Music Exploration: String Band
Want to join a band but don't play an instrument yet? Not sure which instrument to pick? Join our Music Exploration class and get an overview of guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin! This class is for students of any experience level.
What you'll learn in our Music Exploration:
- Basic techniques on each instrument (guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin)
- Anatomy and vocabulary of each instrument
- Explore music genres and history
- Learn how to play with others: listening, communication, confidence.
What you'll need:
- No instrument is required for this class (instruments are welcome but optional)
Songwriting
Our Songwriting classes are for students of any experience level, but we recommend at least one year of experience on your instrument. Please contact us if you are unsure or have any questions!
What you'll learn in Songwriting:
- Elements of strong songwriting and habits to cultivate them
- Make your lyrics pop through poetic techniques
- Analyze new and familiar songs
- Share song ideas and drafts for constructive feedback (or analyze a non-traditional song)
What you'll need:
- Functional instrument
- Writing utensil
- Notebook
Non-Beginner, Advancing Ensembles and Specialized Classes
Introduction to Jazz
Curious about the perhaps mysterious genre of Jazz? Introduction to Jazz is a class aimed at musicians who have some to a lot of experience on their instrument or voice and want to learn the basics of performing jazz in a group.
What you'll learn in Introduction to Jazz
- Basic history, theory, and language of jazz
- Understanding how to read jazz charts
- Basics of jazz theory: 7th chords, scales/modes
- Basics of jazz improvisation
- How to play together in a small jazz combo
What you'll need
- An instrument and/or your voice
- (Some instruments are rentable from us, please contact if interested)
- A folder and writing utensil
Jazz Combo
Want to better your jazz chops with likeminded musicians? Jazz Combo is a class aimed at musicians who have experience on their instrument or voice (not necessarily in jazz) and want to improve their abilities of performing jazz in a group.
What you'll learn in Introduction to Jazz
- More history, theory, and language of jazz
- More improvisation techniques
- Band-leading techniques
- Gigging techniques
- How to play better together in a small jazz combo
What you'll need
- An instrument and/or your voice
- (Some instruments are rentable from us, please contact if interested)
- A folder and writing utensil
Rock Band
Have you ever wanted to be in a rock band? Our Rock Band Ensemble classes are for both experienced players and beginners who are ready to play with other musicians. We recommend you have completed Level I & II courses in your instrument, or feel comfortable with the following skills:
- Fretted Instruments:
- Basic strumming or picking of chords while keeping tempo
- Reading chord charts and/or tablature
- Fretboard or fingerboard patterns
- Drum Set:
- Keeping tempo
- Basic rock beat
- Keyboard
- Knowing basic chords and keys
What you'll learn:
- Selecting appropriate repertoire
- Listening and communication skills
- Jamming and improvisation
- Arranging, composition, and songwriting
What you'll need:
- Working instrument
- Appropriate accessories (e.g. cable, strap, tuner, sticks, etc.)
- Effects pedals and/or small amp welcome but optional
Cover Band
Have you ever wanted to be in a rock band? This cover band experience will let members select a band or genre to work on playing.
Our Cover Band Ensemble classes are for both experienced players and beginners who are ready to play with other musicians. We recommend you have completed Level I & II courses in your instrument, or feel comfortable with the following skills:
- Fretted Instruments:
- Basic strumming or picking of chords while keeping tempo
- Reading chord charts and/or tablature
- Fretboard or fingerboard patterns
- Drum Set:
- Keeping tempo
- Basic rock beat
- Keyboard
- Knowing basic chords and keys
What you'll learn:
- Selecting appropriate repertoire
- Listening and communication skills
- Jamming and improvisation
- Arranging, composition, and songwriting
What you'll need:
- Working instrument
- Appropriate accessories (e.g. cable, strap, tuner, sticks, etc.)
- Effects pedals and/or small amp welcome but optional
Old Time / Bluegrass
Have you ever wanted to be in a string band? Our Old Time / Bluegrass Ensemble classes are for both experienced players and beginners who are ready to play with other musicians. We recommend you have completed Level I & II courses in your instrument, or feel comfortable with the following skills:
- Fretted Instruments:
- Basic strumming, bowing, or picking of lines or chords while keeping tempo
- Reading basic music, chord, and/or tablature charts
What you'll learn:
- Selecting appropriate repertoire
- Listening and communication skills
- Jamming and improvisation
- Arranging, composition, and songwriting
What you'll need:
- Working instrument
- Appropriate accessories (e.g. strap, tuner, etc.)
Looking for INSTRUMENT-SPECIFIC GROUP CLASSES or INDIVIDUALIZED LESSONS? Click to explore!
Have questions? Please GET IN TOUCH!
FAQs
LEVELS:
All skill levels are welcome! All ages are welcome! Our absolute beginners can start in a Level I class and feel welcome to repeat as needed. We’ll play new songs as we build basic skills. Level II classes are for beginners with some practice, or experienced musicians learning a new instrument. Advancing classes allow students to explore even further techniques on their instruments. Use our FIND-A-CLASS TOOL to get started!
THE VIBE:
We recognize the importance of simply having fun in order to experience the joy of music. As an organization, Rocktown House of Music prioritizes the mental, physical, and emotional health of all students. We want you to practice! But we want you to come to class with a clean conscience even if you didn’t at all.
All students will be given the opportunity to perform at the end of each semester. No student should feel any pressure to participate, but all students are welcome!
ENSEMBLES + SPECIAL CLASSES are opportunities to meet new people and explore new types of music. Our instructors will help students learn songs and rehearse as a group. Come with an open mind, we’ll explore all kinds of music! From jazz combos to rock bands to string bands to songwriting to Montessori classes, listen out for opportunities!
Yes, of course you can bring your own instrument. You can also rent many instruments from us. Instrument rentals are $25/semester on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please contact director@rocktownhouseofmusic.com for rental or donation information.
The following local resources can help you rent or buy instruments also:
Tiller Strings - A full service violin shop offering violin, viola, cello, bass, and bow sales, rentals, and repairs in downtown Harrisonburg, VA.
Hometown Music - A local music store offering all kinds of instrument sales, including electric/acoustic guitars, basses, drums, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and more. Also offering repair and maintenance.
The Tuning Fork - A local music store specializing in personalized repair, offering a wide variety of well-maintained, repaired and refurbished instruments.
Wonder Skate Shop - A local skateboard, used records, and used musical equipment store that has an excellent rotating selection of instruments.
Hungry for Music - A non-profit friend of RHOM who has instruments for students in need!
We do offer scholarships! Contact us for more information. ACCESS THE APPLICATION HERE and GET IN TOUCH with questions.
RHOM values the connections made between people through music. We value and support collaboration, mentorship, and partnership with local organizations. Please GET IN TOUCH below.
Communication
Phone: 540-214-2981
Email: director@rocktownhouseofmusic.com
Physical Address: 1141 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 570, Harrisonburg, VA 22801