Arts & Entertainment

Free Music Classes Give Inspiration to Next Generation of Rockers

Started as a way to encourage teens already hanging out at the center; include piano, guitar and drums

In a semi-darkened room in the , a girl’s fingers are running across the keyboard, hurrying then stopping as she coaxes a simple melody from the piano.

This may be 12-year-old Avery DuBois’ only fourth piano lesson at the teen center and concert venue, but she is pouring all of herself into the endeavor, hunching her shoulders and tilting her head like a pro while teacher, Carlos Vasquez, sits nearby.

"I already play the flute and guitar, but have always wanted to learn how to play the piano," says DuBois, who aspires to a career in music and writing. "I love the sound of it."

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The music classes have been a staple of the Phoenix for three years, offering teenagers free instruction on the piano, drums and guitar. They are taught by professional musicians and paid for with concert fees and private donations to the center's foundation started in 2003.

"Studies have shown that playing music helps develop your spoken language, critical thinking and cultural exposure," says Tom Gaffey, general manager of the Phoenix Theater. "The classes really started as a way to stimulate the kids who were already hanging out here, to give them something to do."

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Anyone who has ever inquired about music tutoring knows that it’s not cheap, with cost ranging from $40-80 an hour. Sure, there are YouTube videos and books, but at a certain point even the most motivated self-taught musician needs feedback and the gentle hand of an instructor to guide them onward.

Chris Newton, a student at Santa Rosa Junior College who already plays the guitar and is now taking piano classes at the Phoenix, tried learning music from books.

“But I had so many questions and no one to ask,” he says, adding that playing the piano has given him more dexterity on the guitar.

So Newton started taking classes at the Phoenix and says he hopes to put the experience toward a career as a studio musician or teacher.

“For me, music is a great escape,” he says. “It’s very spiritual, a creative process and what I live for.”

Newton says he “grew up” at the Phoenix, doing homework and playing guitar.

“It’s a place where you can really express yourself and not have to worry about cliques,” he says. “It’s like a family.”

To sign up for music classes at the Phoenix, call Tom Gaffey at (707) 479-1219.


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