Heart Encounters Music Classes

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     Be sure to complete the Personal Information section before 
    ​clicking the ​​ "Music Registration" button at the bottom of this page
    Spring Choir - Coming Soon
    Class #3027
    Teacher: Daniela Podobea
    Spring Choir
    Ages 7 - 17
    Meets once a week
    Tuesdays
    5 - 6pm
    Start Dates - To be Announced
    Room #323
    Musicianship - Teen & Adults
    Class #3001
    Teacher - Frank Fortunato
    Growing in Musicianship 
    Age::  Adults & Teens
    1-on-1 or group - depends on interest
    8 sessions
    Meets weekly
    Week nights or Saturday AM
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    $175 for group class
    ​$200 for 1 on 1
    Music theory
    Keyboard techniques
    Improvisation
    ​[email protected]
    Voice
    Daniela's Voice Studio
    Class #3014
    ​​Teacher: Daniela Podobea
    Daniela's Vocal Studio
    Choose Voice for Adults or Voice for Children 6 - 18 yrs old
    ​30 minutes - $30
    ​1 hour-  $60
    Teacher will contact  you to schedule dates and time
    ​Room #323
    ​Your voice is the most complex wind instrument in the world. Learn how to manage the air you inhale and exhale when you’re speaking or singing. Learn how to strengthen and project your own unique sound through different exercises and techniques that will help you achieve endurance, agility, volume, flexibility and freedom so that you can be confident when you speak and when you sing any musical genre: pop, country, musical theatre to opera. You will work your vocal cords with specific vocalizes in the first half of the lesson.  Then you will implement the technique in a song in the second half of the lesson. Start your vocal transformation journey today!  
    [email protected]
    Early Childhood Music Education
    Class #3003 
    Teacher: Jessica Davis
    Early Childhood Music Education
    Ages - Birth through 5 years old
    Meets 1 day per week
    15 week semester
    Mon: 10:30 - 11:15am
    Tue:  5:15 - 6:00pm
    Thu:  9:30 - 10:15am
    Join any time - price will be prorated
    Sibling Discount  - 20% off for second child
    Take advantage of the the Free Intro class
    ​Room #314
    Cost: $300 for 15 week semester
    [email protected]
    Contact teacher:  470-588-4336
    If you have not completed a Student Member Application in the last 365 days, please also complete a Student Member Application when prompted on the Registration Confirmation,
    We believe music is meant to be joyful, playful, and shared together! Our early childhood music classes are designed for little ones and their caregivers to explore the magic of music through singing, dancing, instrument play, and creative movement. Each class is full of energy and discovery—children will shake, tap, clap, dance, and laugh as they experience rhythm, melody, and the pure fun of making music. We use a wide variety of instruments and engaging songs to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage group bonding. Parents and caregivers join in the fun, creating special moments of connection that extend far beyond class time. Whether your child is bouncing to the beat, experimenting with sounds, or joining in with friends, our classes nurture a lifelong love of music while supporting early development, creativity, and joyful expression.
    Seniors Music & Song Group
    Class #3017
    Teacher: Michael Dwyer
    Seniors Music & Song Group
    Age: The Older the Better! 
    No previous skills needed
    Meets weekly
    1 hour
    ​​Dates and times arranged with the teacher
    1 hour
    Class is ongoing 
    Free Intro Class
    ​Room #318
    Class Cost:  $10 each weekly session
    Instruments will be provided, but students can bring their voices & drums if they have them    ​
    You will love this fun senior  class!  Class will explore music in all its forms. Sessions will be based on participant's experience, musical goals and objectives. We will sing and play music, as well as listening to music and discussing music.
    [email protected] 
    818-299-6709     ​
    Music Therapy
    Class #3020
    Teacher: Michael Dwyer
    Music Therapy
    Any age 
    Meets weekly
    50 minute sessions
    Dates and times arranged with teacher
    Take advantage of the free Introductory class
    ​Room #318
    Class Cost
    $55 per week
    All materials will be provided
    ​    [email protected]
    818-299-6709
    Music therapist will work with musical instruments and music therapy techniques to focus on medical goals and objectives. Any medical condition can be addressed. Conditions that are frequently addressed include autism, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities.
    Drums
    Class #3026
    Teacher: Michael Dwyer
    Drums
    All ages
    No previous experience required
    Half hour and full hour classes
    Meets weekly
    Teacher will contact student to arrange times and dates
    Free introductory class
    Room #318
    ​Cost:  $40 for a half hour class - $60 for a one hour class
    Students should have drumsticks and a practice pad.
    Class will cover all aspects of playing the drum set.  Classes will be ongoing
    [email protected]
    818-299-6709
    Piano
    Piano - All Ages
    Class #3018
    Teacher: Jessica Davis
    Piano - All Ages
    Private lessons are arranged with the teacher
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    Classes: 30, 45 & 60 minutes
    Take advantage of the Free Intro Class
    Room #314
    Cost: $30, $45 and $60
    Materials and Supplies - Printed music may be required. If required, teacher will tell parents what to purchase.
    Contact teacher:
    470-588-4336
    [email protected]

    We require a Student Member Application for each Heart Encounters Student.  When you submit your registration below, you will be directed to the Student Member Application. If you have not completed a Student Member Application in the last 365 days, please select and complete the Student Member Application - Good for 1 year.
    Piano lessons are tailored to each individual—whether students are just starting out, returning after a break, or ready to take playing to the next level. In a supportive and  encouraging environment, students of all ages can grow their skills and confidence. Lessons are designed around each student’s learning style and goals. Beginners will discover the joy of reading music, playing simple songs, and developing strong foundations in rhythm and technique. Intermediate and advanced students will refine their artistry, expand their repertoire, and explore expressive playing. Piano should be both fun and meaningful—so, along with building solid technique and music theory, lessons include creativity, exploration, and music students truly enjoy. From classical to modern, each piece chosen helps students connect deeply with the music while gaining lifelong skills. Whether a child, teen, or adult, private piano lessons offer a personalized journey into the world of music—where learning is joyful, progress is celebrated, and every student’s musical voice is valued.
    ​Piano for Adults
    Class #3005
    Teacher - Frank Fortunato
    Adult Piano 
    Week nights - Saturday Mornings
    ​Private Lessons
    8 sessions
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    Cost: $25 per lesson ($100 monthly)
    Must audition before starting class
    ​[email protected]
    Jazz, Pop & Classical Piano
    Class #3006
    ​    Teacher: Russ Starrett
    Jazz, Pop and Classical Piano
    ​Children, Adults and Special Needs Students
    Student Requirements: Must play at an intermediate or advanced level
    Exceptions will be made for special-needs students
    Private or Group lessons
    Group lessons:  4 students +
    Ongoing classes - depending on student's desire to continue to learn
    1 hour classes
    Class times:  Mid-morning or early afternoon
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    ​Room #323
    Cost:  Private lesson - $30 - Group lesson - $15
    Teaching material:  Will choose and provide written notes and material
    Students will learn techniques for playing solo jazz, pop or classical piano styles, including chord construction, jazz harmony, improvising melodic phrases and improvising arrangements.
    ​[email protected]
    19 String Harp
    Class #3008
    Teacher: Lane McDuffie
    ​19-String Harp
    Ages 10 +
    Private Lessons
    No musical experience required
    4/30 minute lessons per month
    Meets weekly - same day each week
    Teacher will contact student to arrange dates and times.  
    ​Room #318
    Cost:  $115/ month
    Sheet music is included.
    Harp is not included
    ​    ​[email protected]
    This is a fun and educational class for both kids and adults.  We will cover the basics first:  tuning, plucking technique and playing posture.  Then we will be learning your first songs!  This course includes a wide range of music, such as Celtic, traditional hymns, folk, pop and music for the holidays.  Students will learn how to play music by notation and by ear.  We will cover chords, melodies, rhythm, scales and improvisation.  Creativity is encouraged.  

    Harps may be rented for $20/month, or rented with the option to purchase, or purchased from the teacher.  There are also several websites where harps can be purchased online.  Please contact the teacher for details.  These harps are light and portable, and are to be taken home, so the student can practice in between lessons.    ​​
    Ukulele
    Class #3011
    Teacher: Lane McDuffie
    Ukulele
    Age: 6 to Adult
    Class times available:
    Monday and Thursday 10am - 2pm
    Tuesday and Friday 2pm - 6pm
    Private Lessons
    4/30-minute lessons per month
    ​Room #318
    Cost: $130 per month
    Cost: $80 per month
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    Free introductory class
    ​[email protected]
    Experience big benefits from this happy and versatile instrument.  Beginners with no musical experience are welcome.  This is a great way to start your musical journey.  You can play many songs with basic chords.  Learn a variety of strumming and picking patterns, how to play simple melodies, and build finger dexterity and coordination.  Students will be taught how to change chords on time, while keeping the beat.  Basic music theory is included, such as learning notes and scales.  Students will also learn how to improvise and are encouraged to be creative.
    Students who have been playing for awhile can explore chord-melody arrangements, moveable and altered chords, more rhythms and alternate tunings. Fall and Spring recitals are encouraged. Take advantage of the free introductory lesson.
    Guitar
    Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced Guitar
    Class #3016
    Teacher: Lane McDuffie
    Guitar Studio
    Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced 
    Ages 7+
    Class times available:
    Monday and Thursday 10am - 2pm
    Tuesday and Friday 2pm - 6pm
    ​Room #318

    Private Lessons - Free Introductory Lesson 
    $130 / month, 4/30-minute lessons per month
    $20 / monthly group class for private lessons students 

    Fall and Spring recitals are offered.

    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times. Please contact teacher for guitar recommendations.
    ​    [email protected] 
    Beginning lessons are based largely on the Suzuki method.  Learning first by ear, students will focus on perfet posture and technique.  Notation will be introduced after building a strong foundation.  Students will gradually progress through carefully selected repertoire, from simple melodies, to more complex pieces.  The goal is to create a fun, positive environment, where students feel inspired and musically supported, as they enjoy every level of their guitar learning.  

    Private Lessons will include a monthly group lesson,  offered so that students can develop social skills, learn to play music together, and play music theory games. 

    Advancing Students     may choose to focus on a particular style, such as classical, flamenco, jazz or blues.  They will learn music theory, more challenging techniques, and how to improvise. 
    Electric Rhythm Guitar Basics
    Class #3022
    Teacher: Lorenzo Dawson
    Electric Rhythm Guitar Basics
    Age - 12 to Adult
    Weekly Private lessons
    45 minutes per week
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    Cost $28 per lesson

    ​    Discussions about electric guitar purchases are welcomed.
    Self-taught students who want to go over the basics are welcomed.  Students who have tried acoustic guitar and want to add electric guitar experience are also welcomed.   Students will learn the basics of electric guitar chord production, including first-position chords and bar chords, short-cuts, finger dexterity, and the use of a capo.  A basic overview of amplifiers and their controls will be included.  Some music theory will be covered to make sense of how songs are constructed and why.  This is NOT a course in lead guitar, which covers playing individual notes.  A student need not bring an electric guitar for the first lesson -   teacher will provide.  An amplifier and cords will be provided.  
    [email protected]
    540-871-9300 (text for quick response)
    Flute
    Class #3023
    Teacher: Jessica Davis
    Private Flute Lessons
    All ages
    Classes: 30, 45 & 60 minutes
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    ​Take advantage of the Free Intro Class
    Room #314
    Cost: $30, $45 and $60
    Materials and Supplies - Printed music may be required. If required, teacher will tell parents what to purchase.

    We require a Student Member Application for each Heart Encounters Student.  When you submit your registration below, you will be directed to the Student Member Application. If you have not completed a Student Member Application in the last 365 days, please select and complete the Student Member Application - Good for 1 year.
    Flute lessons are for any age, as long as the student is ready. Students will learn the basics of playing the flute while also working on music theory, tone and musicianship. There will be  2 recitals each year for students to display what they have learned. Lessons are fun and the teachers's love for music spills into the lives of the students.
    470-588-4336
    [email protected]
    ​ 
    Celtic Instruments
    Class #3024
    Lorenzo Dawson
    Beginning Celtic Instruments
    Age 12 - Adult
    Weekly - Private Lessons 
    Pennywhistle and low-octave straight flute (also called the Irish Low-D Whistle)
    4 lessons & 1 free introductory class
    30 minutes per week
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    Cost:  $120 - 4 lesson course
    Plus 1 free introductory lesson
    Celtic instruments capture the joyful, emotional, and healing sounds of Ireland and Scotland that are ancient sounds, now becoming very popular again. (Listen to RIVERDANCE to get a sampling).  This course will cover finger dexterity in order to play 6-holed Celtic instruments, breath control, rhythm and pacing, as well as clear tone production and note-bending.  After the free introductory lesson, the student/parent will need to purchase a quality pennywhistle (about $12).
    ​    [email protected]
    540-871-9300 (text for quick response)
    Harmonica
    Class #3025
    Lorenzo Dawson
    Rhythm Harmonica Short Course
    Age 12 - Adult
    Weekly - Private Lessons 
    3 lesson course
    30 minutes each lesson
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    ​Cost: $48 for 3 lesson course
    If a student needs one extra lesson to finish the course, $15
    ​Harmonica is first and foremost a rhythm instrument.  So much can be done with a “mouth harp” by learning the basics of rhythm harmonica. This course will NOT cover playing individual notes and note-by-note melodies, or tonguing.  A student can add that skill if he/she wants - after taking this basic course.  In this course, a student will get a feel for what the harmonica adds to musical presentations such as are performed with bands, including sampling the skill of “improv” which will allow a student to play a solo over top of keyboards and guitars the same way a saxophonist would play a solo in a band.   NOTE:  A student can expand this course if desired - if the student wants to finely hone the skill of improvisation.  In that case, 3 more lessons can be purchased and scheduled.
    [email protected]
    540-871-9300 (text for quick response)
    Saxophone
    Class #3021
    Lorenzo Dawson
    Saxophone "Jump Start"
    Age - 12 to Adult
    Private Lessons
    Student should have made significant effort to play saxophone but unable to improve because student feels “stuck.”
    45 minute classes
    Week days and occasional Saturdays
    Meets weekly until class is no longer necessary
    Teacher will contact you to schedule dates and times
    ​Cost  per class - $28
    No supplies needed, unless it is determined that the student needs a new mouthpiece, ligature, neck strap, etc
    ​Students who have taken band at school (or a few individual lessons) are often not happy with the sound that their saxophone is able to produce.  Instead of giving up, the student just needs a "jump-start". This class offers a unique approach where students will learn a fresh attitude toward their instrument, new techniques for getting better on the instrument, and the ability to produce a better sound and style.
    [email protected]
    540-871-9300 (text for quick response)
    Personal Information
    Parent information is required if student is not 18 years or older
    Complete a separate registration for each student
    We are required to have a Student Member Application for every student that attends Heart Encounters classes.  When you click the Music Registration button, the confirmation page provides a link for you to complete a Student Member Application.  If you have not completed a Student Member Application in the last 365 days, please click the link to complete a current Student Member Application.

     If you are not see a confirmation message, it means you didn't complete an item in the Personal Information section.  Fill in all items to complete the registration. Click the registration button again.