Stubbs Music

GUITAR:  The guitar department offers instruction in all levels in group and private settings.  The recommended age to begin guitar instruction is six.  Any students younger than six will have an interview with the instructor before acceptance.  Lessons encompasse all styles of music from classical, jazz, blues, country to rock.  Instruction is offered on either acoustic or electric guitars, privately or in groups.  Bass guitar students generally begin at the age of ten.  During the semester folk, classical, and rock ensembles are often formed.

INSTRUMENTAL(Bass, Woodwind and Percussion): 
The instrumental  department is a vital, integrated componet at Stubbs' Music Center.  The recommended age for beginning an instrument is nine.  All instructional materials used are standard literature publications based on the following criteria; ability, variety and the individual's school assignments.  We work closely with the area Band Directors to assist in preparing students for band requirements.  Solos are selected from the Florida Bandmasters Association required listings.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE:  Any student with two years or more experience on their instrument may audition. Each student progresses through the groups at the direction of the director.  During the ninety minute weekly session the students have 30 minutes of jazz theory and 60 minutesof performance time.  It is highly recommended that all jazz ensemble students continue to have a private lesson weekly.  These ensembles are considered an educational outreach of the Center and play for variousretirement homes, malls and special events.  The most advanced ensemble is called the Panhandle Jazz Band.  This band plays for dances, parties, and other paying engagements in North Florida and South Georgia.

PIANO:  Students may begin in our piano department at the age of four through adulthood.  All levels are taught and all styles of music are taught. in either group , private  or a combination of group and private lessons.
     1.     Group instruction is highly recommended for all beginning students and meets one hour per week plus a theory class.  Group lessons encompass interaction among students by performance, games, rhythmic movement, ensembles and private time with instrutor.  Group instruction provides a positive learning environment and provides parents a core group within which they can exchange ideas and know that all feel music education is vital to the development of their child.  Group instruction usually motivates students in a positive and fun manner.  Also group instruction has many benefits for theshy student's development in self-esteem and self-confidence.  Group students often add bi-weekly private lessons.  Our Philosophy is for students to be placed in their best learning environment.  If the student, parent, or teacher is not pleased with group instruction, the student may change to partner or private lessons.  A 45-minute partner lesson is offered when two students are not
able to fit in a group lesson with the payment being the same as a 30 minute private lesson.
     2.     Private instruction is offered for students beginning at four years of age.  The beginning student has a thirty-minute lesson per week and a 30-minute theory class. Depending upon the commitment, ability, and level students are encouraged to extend their weekly lesson time to 45 or 60 minute lessons.
     3.       Group and Private combinations are offered for the very serious beginning student.  A 60-minute group lesson, a 30-minute private lesson and a 30 minute theory class are taken each week.

RECREATION MUSIC (JINGLE JAM AND ROCKIN' AND STOMPIN"): 
     ROCKIN' and STOMPIN':  This program is a rhythmic/gross motor experience provided to childcare centers, preschools and afterschool programs for all students ages 5-12.

     JINGLE JAM:  A unique high quality program under the leadership of professional musicians at local preschools. The goal being for every child to have the opportunity to sing, play and develop rhythmic skills and share music with their peers in a positive and caring environment.  With our curriculum and our vision to instill the love of music within all participants we are committed to excellence in childhood music education.

STRINGS (Viola and Violin):  The Suzuki, Traditional and Fiddle methods are taught at Stubbs' Music Center.  We accept string students at the age of five in group or private lessons.  Potential students younger than five will be interviewed.  After the interview enrollment will be based upon the decision of the instructor.  Parents are encouraged to attend lessons of students younger than 3rd grade.  It has been demonstrated that students progress at a faster rate when they have a practice partner at home. 

SUMMER CAMPS:  A variety of summer camps/workshops are offered.  More information is available during March..

THEORY:  All Students in grades 1-12 take music theory class for two hours per month, usually 30 minutes per week.  To accomplish the goal of developing total musicians, this part of our instruction is very important.  Theory instruction is recommended for five year olds and adults but not required.  This class is for skill development in music fundamentals, ear training, music terminology, music history and theory concepts.  These skills are taught through the use of computers, written worksheets, faculty discussions and music games.  There are thirteen levels in the theory curriculum.  The average student takes six to nine months to complete each level.  These classes are fast moving, fun and give additional time for building the musical skills that are so important in the development of the total musician.  After the age of twelve, students and parents are encouraged  to arrange a variable theory schedule of attending biweekly for one hour or once per month for two hours.  This schedule must be prearranged with the theory chairperson.  It is recommended to be done between the hours of six and eight p.m.  Beginning at age twelve, students may take a comprehensive theory class during the summer for twenty-three hours instead of taking the weekly theory class during the academic year.  When  a student has demonstrated proficiency in all thirteen levels, continuing theory becomes optional. Most students that complete the thirteen levels are able to exempt the first two years of college theory requirement.

VOICE:  The students are taught both proper singing technique and a variety of song styles.  Students will learn correct breathing technique, diction, vowel production, tone quality and how to expressively perform a song.  It is important for the student to have a well-rounded repertoire of songs.  Students will learn broadway, folk, pop, opera and art songs.  The age of eight is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons.  Any person desiring to receive private voice lessons before the age of eight will be interviewed by the voice instructor.