Classes and Private Lessons

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INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ

The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts is known for setting the standard of jazz education in the Tampa Bay Area. Our program includes students from four surrounding counties, with many alumni studying in our country’s top music schools; including Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. The Jazz Track is sponsored in part by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.

Auditions:

 

Students are placed in ensembles based on their knowledge of music theory, instrument proficiency and improvisation skills.

Auditions will include:

• Memorized scales: Concert Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, C and chromatic (two octaves)
• Memorized prepared piece, short jazz etude or standard
• Sight-reading at discretion of the instructor
• Improvisation (optional) on a 12-bar blues form in concert Bb, FMaj, (Accompaniment Track can be provided on request).
• Drummers should be able to demonstrate swing, ballad, Latin and funk.

Class Information:

 

The Lab band is designed to give the traditional band student an opportunity to learn jazz styles, theory, and literature. Students are introduced to jazz musicianship concepts which they apply to performance of various improvisatory genres including the blues, big band, and traditional jazz standards. Students will gain instruction in the fundamentals of music, including reading, writing, and listening activities, as well as mastery of the elements essential for improvisation. With the recommendation of the instructors, students in this group may participate in Big Band II.

The Ruth Eckerd Hall Lab Band
Ages: 12-19
When: Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2

Register

Membership in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Bands is decided through open audition and subject to the instrumental needs of each ensemble. Literature for both of these ensembles is selected to challenge and reward students seeking to take their love of Jazz to the next level. In each ensemble, the history and development of jazz music is explored, along with tools and opportunities for developing their improvisation skills. Performance opportunities occur often throughout the Fall and Spring terms, and will be conveyed by the instructors.

Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Band I
Ages: 14-19
When: Mondays, 7:45-9pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 2.)

Register

Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Band II
Ages: 14-19
When: Mondays, 6:30-7:45pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 2.)

Register
This auditioned ensemble features students from the Ruth Eckerd Big Bands who have established themselves through participation, leadership, and musicianship.

Ruth Eckerd Hall / Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo
Ages: 14-19 (by audition only)
When: Mondays, 6:30-7:45pm
Tuition: Students in the Ruth Eckerd Hall/Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo will receive a full scholarship courtesy of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2

Register
For more information on this ensemble or to schedule an audition please contact our Education Associates at 727-712-2706

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CHOIR

Whether you have spent your life dedicated to music or you only sing in the shower, if you enjoy singing, we have a choir for you! This year we are adding new groups to match every skill level.

Class Information:

Come experience the joy of singing and community building with vocalists from around Pinellas County. Chorus Members can look forward to performing a variety of musical styles and genres, in addition to potential performance opportunities outside of the class. Fall repertoire includes popular, traditional, Broadway and concert literature that is fun to sing, and gives an opportunity for members to learn and grow as musicians.

Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus
Ages: 19 and up
When: Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm
Fees: $50 (per term)
Classes start: September 10
Classes end: December 3

Register
New this year! This auditioned choral group is for experienced singers. The Show Choir is made up of the best of the best and will be booked for several exciting performance opportunities throughout the Bay Area.

Ruth Eckerd Hall Show Choir - NEW!
Ages: 16 and up
When: Wednesdays, 8-9pm
Fees: No Tuition Fee (Standard $25 Registration Fee still applies.)
Classes start: September 11
Classes end: December 4

Register
New this year! This new choir is for all experience levels. The Murray Theatre Singers welcomes anyone who feels the need to belt out a song. Be prepared to sing anything from show tunes to classical music, requests are welcome! There will be mid-semester and end of semester themed performance nights in the Murray Theatre.

Murray Theatre Singers - NEW!
Ages: 21 and up
When: Fridays, 6-7:30pm
Fees: $50 (per term)
Classes start: September 13
Classes end: December 6
Performances in the Murray Theatre TBD

Register

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Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727.712.2706

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MUSICAL THEATER TRACK

Students will work with our master instructors in Dance, Music, and Theater to develop themselves into a true Triple Threat. Sections are available for multiple age levels. Their work will culminate in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Holiday Show, a fully produced event showcasing all levels. A great way to head into the holidays!

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Intro To Musical Theater
Ages: 8-12
When: Wednesdays, 4:30-6pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 11
Classes end: December 4 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 4)

Register
Advanced Musical Theater
Ages: 13-18
When: Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 11
Classes end: December 4 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 4)

Register

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Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727.712.2706

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DANCE

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All dance classes will end with an open house for their final session.

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Class Information:

 

Join us for a fun block of dance! Whether you love to dance on stage or just want to be fit and fun, you’ll love this class for all levels. We begin with reviewing basic and essential dance skills like rhythm, coordination, strength, flexibility, and personality. Then we’ll work on Ballet, Jazz, and Tap basics catered to the individual students’ progress.

Attire: Ballet and/or Jazz shoes, and tap shoes. Leotards (any basic color) are required for ladies which can be layered with form fitting clothes. Hair must be worn back and tights are suggested.

Dance 1 (Ballet, Jazz, and Tap)
Ages: 6-11
When: Thursdays, 5-6:30pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 12
Classes end: December 5

Register

This is a great class for those more focused on serious training for the stage. We’ll divide our time working on various dance techniques fit for the Broadway stage: Ballet, Jazz, strength, flexibility, and history. This is an open level class; we welcome beginners through advanced and will cater to the individual students’ progress. Anyone who has ever taken this class has loved it and you will too!

Attire: Ballet and/or Jazz shoes. Leotards (any basic color) with proper support are required for ladies which can be layered with form fitting clothes. Hair must be worn back and tights are suggested. Gentlemen must wear a dance belt and shorts above the knee or flexible, form fitting dance or athletic pants.

Dance 2 (Ballet and Jazz)
Ages: 12-18
When: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Tuition: $300
Classes start: September 12
Classes end: December 5

Register

For those who are looking for the next level of dance training. Students accepted in this level will receive more intensive, career driven training.

Dance 3
Ages: 12+
*Teacher approved enrollment: Must have two years dance experience with Mr. Chris or 4+ years study elsewhere.
When: Mondays, 7:30-9pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2

Register

All your digits can be drums! Come learn the percussive podiatric power of tap. This class is open to all skill levels for ages 12 and up. Adults included! Come feel the beat with your feet!

Attire: Tap shoes required

TAP (Open level)
Ages: 12+
When: Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm
Tuition: $150
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2

Register
Dance is for all ages and skill levels. Do you want to try a new hobby without pressure? Are you looking for an entertaining way to stay active without a gym? Need to brush up on skills you learned in the past? Do you just want to dance? We’ll see you in this class!

Adult Beginners Ballet
Ages: 16+
When: Wednesdays, 7:30-9pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 11
Classes end: December 4

Register

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Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727.712.2706

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DRAMA

The Drama program begins an updated curriculum this fall! All participants will be privy to a behind the scenes view of our resident theater company, Hat Trick Theatre Productions. Course work will be showcased at the end of the semester.

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Class Information:

 

While encouraging self-expression and boosting confidence, students will begin to build the “Actor’s Toolbox” made up of the voice, the body and the imagination. Students will play numerous acting games and exercises to develop these skills. The class will perform an adaptation of an existing work at the end of the semester.

Drama I "Setting The Stage"
Ages: 5-7
When: Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 21
Classes end: December 14 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 14.)

Register
While continuing to improve their “Actor’s Toolbox”, students will now explore what makes a character. By examining existing favorite characters, students will learn how to develop a role of their own creation. We will then take these characters “from the page to the stage” and create an original play to be performed at the end of the semester.

Drama 2 "Building Characters"
Ages: 8-10
When: Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 21
Classes end: December 14 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 14.)

Register
In this class, students will cooperate to workshop and write plays of their own! While furthering their skills as actors, students will learn to analyze plays in order to make their performances truer and more effective. Working alongside the instructor, the class will write sketches and short plays to be performed at the end of the semester.

Drama 3 "Story Creation"
Ages: 11-14
When: Saturdays, 1-3pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 21
Classes end: December 14 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 14.)

Register
It’s time to put your skills to the test! By using scenes and monologues from published plays, students will learn to critically examine theatrical moments in order to make the best acting choices possible. Along with learning new acting methods, students will work towards a personalized showcase of scenes and monologues to be performed at the end of the semester.

Drama 4 "Spotlighting Scene Work & Monologues"
Ages: 15-18
When: Saturdays, 1-3pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 21
Classes end: December 14 (End of Semester Performance in the Murray Theatre on December 14.)

Register

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ON-CAMERA CLASSES

Opportunities to work in commercials, film and television abound in the Southeast. On camera acting differs in many ways from stage acting, and students who wish to pursue this profession must possess a unique skill set, an understanding of vocabulary, camera technique, and an awareness of the expectations of the Film/TV Industry. These classes offer opportunities to learn and develop new skills; improve your auditioning process; work with actual commercial, film, and television scripts; to be challenged and to build confidence. Participants will also receive general information regarding castings, agents, and photographers.

Young Actors On Camera
Ages: 8-10
When: Mondays, 5:15-6:45PM
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 9
Classes end: December 2

Register

On-Camera Acting: Teens
Ages: 11-14
When: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45PM
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 11
Classes end: December 4

Register
Auditions, character development, scene development, camera technique, memorization techniques, and overcoming nerves is just a small part of our class content. This class is for “newbies” and those already working in the TV/film industry; for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their roles and a higher level of work. Our overall focus is on developing and improving skills, creating a better understanding of the business, and preparing students to work professionally.

Adult On-Camera Acting
Ages: 18 and up
When: Wednesdays, 7-9:00PM
Tuition: $25 per class
Classes start: Ongoing

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Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727.712.2706

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PRIVATE LESSONS

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Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students who wish to strengthen their performance skills. The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts offers private instruction including repertoire and literature from classical to contemporary.

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Private Lesson Fees and Policies

Lesson Fees are as follows:

• $25 - $37 for 30 minutes
• $37 - $55 for 45 minutes
• $50 - $73 for 60 minutes

Please call the Education Office at 727.712.2706 for specific rates per instructor.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS
 

• We accept credit or debit cards. For your convenience, automatic payment for private lessons is available.  Lessons will not be provided without payment.
• Private Lesson Cancellation Policy: All cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the lesson will be offered a makeup lesson.  If a student misses a lesson without notifying an Education Associate in advance, or is unable to attend a scheduled makeup, a lesson fee will be charged.
• Inclement Weather Policy: Classes are occasionally cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be rescheduled.
• To cancel or reschedule a lesson contact 727.712.2706
• ONE TIME $25.00 enrollment fee is required.

Important Dates and Info

FALL TERM
Fall classes begin the week of September 9 and end the week of December 2. The final day for Drama classes will be December 14.

FALL/THANKSGIVING BREAK
No Classes November 25 – December 1.

Missed the start date?
Some classes allow for rolling admissions at a pro-rated tuition depending on when a student joins the class. Please contact the Education Associates at 727.712.2706 for more information.

Watch for new classes popping up!
New class ideas are being explored constantly, watch for new classes added throughout the term.

Attendance Policies:
Students are expected to attend class regularly. In case of illness or family emergency, please notify our instructor prior to class through our Education Office at 727.712.2706. Students are allowed to miss 3 classes, after 3 you may not be able to participate in the final performance.

FAQ’s

• Camp sizes are limited. Advanced enrollment is recommended.
• A nonrefundable enrollment fee of $25 per person is required (waived for REH members). Membership Info
• Tuition payment or tuition assistance application is due with enrollment.
• Tuition Assistance is available due to the generosity of our sponsor, the Tampa Bay Times Fund and its commitment that no child shall be denied an arts experience because of financial need. Apply early! Please call 727.712.2706 for details and eligibility requirements. More Info
• Payment plans are available with credit card only.
• Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures: Procedures will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to the first day of your camp.
• Refunds or credits will be given ONLY if a class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, in which case fees and tuition will be refunded in full.
• Schedule, instructors, and prices are subject to change.