Join a New Music Program in Swissvale

Singing River School of Music is a new venture in with a goal to introduce children of all ages and abilities to the beauties and wonders of classical music and folk music of many cultures, and to nurture children and adults in expressing themselves through music. 

You need not be a “talented” musician to take part in Singing River. The doors are open to people of all abilities—the only requirement is that the student have a strong desire to sing or play music and the dedication to practice his or her instrument.

The director, Holly Puett (“Miss Holly”) has a B.A. in piano from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul and a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota. She has conducted both child and adult choirs and has many years’ teaching in a variety of settings.  She is active in church music and is a singer-songwriter.

Summer 2012 classes and lessons will begin June 12 and end August 16.  

Lesson and class offerings include:

• Private Piano lessons for grade 2 through adult.  These are half-hour lessons once per week, scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons.
• Private Beginning voice lessons for grades 8 through adult.  These also are half-hour lessons once per week, scheduled Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons.  Students must have some basic knowledge of music notation and a keyboard at home, to aid in practice sessions.
• Song Circle – a class for grades 1-3, introducing children to rhythm notation and singing folk songs of many nations, and hopefully folk dancing as well!  Meets twice per week for ½ hour each class.  Maximum of 10 children per class.
• Recorder class – for grades 4 through adult.  Learn to play a simple flute and get an idea of music notation.  Maximum of 8 per class.
• In the future, a choir for grades 4-8 will be introduced.

The name “Singing River” comes from a rousing choral piece called “River in Judea,” and describes the river flowing from the throne of God in the book of Revelation.  It also, of course, refers to the rivers of Pittsburgh!

For more information, email hpuett@gmail.com.