Bay Chamber Music SchoolA cornerstone of the Midcoast community.
Founded in 2011, Bay Chamber Music School is a place where people of all ages and diversities have the opportunity to participate in a music-making community.
In addition to a first-class music education, Bay Chamber students and their families also enjoy complimentary tickets to select performances throughout the year, bringing together our Music School community with professional performers from around the world.
Programs at a glance
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Over 350 lessons are taught each week by our 23 professional faculty, along with a wide range of ensemble and chamber music opportunities. Scroll down to learn more about our group class and private lesson offerings!
Senior College Class: Berlin to Broadway: Kurt Weill in His Time and Ours
Tue, September 22, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM
Thu, September 24, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM
Tue, September 29, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM
Thu, October 01, 2026, 9:30-11:30 AM
Taught by Senior College Course lecturer, Robert Rackmales with guests, this course will explore the life and music of Kurt Weill, focusing on the following three questions: (1) in what way is the composer Kurt Weill, who died 75 years ago, still relevant to today’s audiences, (2) how did the two very different societies for which he wrote - Weimar era Germany and New Deal era New York shape his music, and (3) what did the composers, artists, writers and scholars driven from Germany by the Nazis contribute to American culture?
The course will explore a wide range of the cultural and political issues Weill addressed in a period framed by two world wars and a great depression. Participants will have the opportunity to hear a live performance of some of Weill's iconic vocal music by vocalist Sierra Lary and pianist Ben Lary. Francesca Soriano, Associate Curator of American Art at the Farnsworth Art Museum, will also present a guest lecture.
FEE: $40, all classes at Bay Chamber’s Hammer Hall
Fall Ukulele Workshops with Jeff Weinberger
Fingerstyle Ukulele Revisited
November 14 from 10:30AM-12PM
In this workshop, we move beyond basic right-hand technique to explore new techniques and skills. We’ll play everything from folk songs to classical pieces, pop to blues. In addition to well-known songs, we’ll look at music from Jeff Weinberger's recent ukulele music books. For confident beginners and intermediates. FEE: $20
Ukulele Melody, Scales and Improvisation
October 17 from 10:30AM-12PM
In this workshop we’ll explore the melodic aspects of ukulele. One note at a time, we'll learn to sing on the instrument. A well-played melody can be satisfying, and confidence playing scales can be a gateway to improved technique. An improvised solo can lead to musical freedom! Come dive into this fun skill set! For confident beginners and intermediates. FEE: $20
Ukulele: Brushing Up On The Basics
December 12 from 10:30AM-12PM
In this workshop, we will learn to step out of beginner mode and start to refine our technique, gain good practice habits and routines, increase our knowledge of music and take our playing to the next level. Songs will be the focus in this process of growth and improvement. For confident beginners and intermediates seeking to solidify their technique. FEE: $20
Private Instruction
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Music is a part of a complete education. To that end, we offer private lessons for all levels, from beginning to advanced. Private lessons are offered in Composition, Piano, Voice, Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. We are committed to making music education affordable and accessible to all through our scholarship program. Please submit the general inquiry form so we can learn more about your interests!
Please note, participation in our chamber music program depends on availability of participants and coaches and scheduling compatibility. Please fill out the form to let us know you are interested in participating in the Fall 2025 semester and we will follow up or email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
Chamber Music
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In the spirit of collaboration, our chamber ensemble program provides an opportunity for experiential learning. Participants can play in small ensemble settings such as trios, quartets and quintets. Interested musicians of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.
Chamber Music classes are offered to students who are fully enrolled in private lessons for $175 per semester.
Jazz Ensemble
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Explore jazz in a fun supportive environment by using simple jazz/blues tunes to learn the key components of jazz, rhythm, harmony, melody, improvisation and group interplay. Come to learn what jazz is all about or to expand your existing knowledge. Tuesdays from 6-7:30PM.
FEE: Participation in the 14-week session is $210. For all others, the cost is $280. Participation is limited, please email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
Suzuki Twinklers
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The Suzuki Twinklers class is for children learning to play violin using the Suzuki method. Recommended for students currently in Suzuki Book 1 who have learned to play "Twinkle." Children will learn to play with other children, develop musical and technical skills, and play fun musical games. Please email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
Youth Choir
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Youth Choir with Sierra Lary
This one-hour class focuses on the fundamentals of singing and choral singing. Songs will be sung in unison, and will feature a variety of musical styles from American folk songs, musical theater, and world music. No music reading required. Monday from 3:45-4:45PM. Ages 7-13 welcome. FEE: $180 for 12-week session
Ukulele Ensemble
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Taught by Jeff Weinberger, this group will explore many styles of music in arrangements that allow for very simple parts to fairly complex ones. It all depends on your comfort level. The goal is to learn some basic ensemble playing skills, rehearse a diverse repertoire and at the end, give a performance for family and friends. All levels of proficiency and types of ukulele are welcome. No audition necessary. ON HOLD FOR FALL SEMESTER.
Ukulele Intensive
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This deep dive into ukulele is designed to take the confident beginner or intermediate player to a higher level of proficiency and enrichment. By studying right and left-hand techniques, good practice habits, music theory and fretboard knowledge, we will plan a strategy together for you to improve your playing in an efficient, yet fun program. In addition to an emphasis on individual progress, we will play a lot of music of different genres together and learn more about group playing. Mondays from 6-7PM. FEE: $180 for 12-week session
Cello Choir
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Led by April Reed-Cox, the Bay Chamber Cello Choir is an ensemble open to all cellists who are interested in a group playing experience. The group will provide cellists the opportunity to play together, develop ensemble skills, and advance their individual playing abilities in a fun and relaxed environment. This 10-week course will consist of a variety of repertoire ranging from baroque to pop/rock/folk. There will also be instruction in alternative playing techniques, including but not limited to chop and hammer-on pizzicato. Cellists of all skill levels are welcome, and no previous ensemble experience is required.
FEE: $175 for fully enrolled current students, $350 for new students. Please email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
Beginning String Orchestra
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In this ensemble, we will learn music with multiple parts. Students should be at the end of Suzuki Book 1 or beyond, or at a similar level, and should be primarily learning their music by note reading. All string instruments are welcome! We will play a variety of music including classical, fiddle and some popular music. Tuesdays from 5-6PM. FEE: $180 for 12-week session. Students must be enrolled in private lessons to participate in the Beginning String Orchestra. Please email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
Classical Guitar Ensemble
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Led by Jeff Rojo, the Guitar Ensemble welcomes classical guitar players looking to improve their sight reading, technique, and musicality while exploring repertoire that covers music from the Renaissance to the present day in a group setting. Participants are expected to have experience reading music and basic understanding of scales and arpeggios. Please email susan.m@baychamber.org for more information.
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