Group Classes
We can't wait to make music with you this fall. Browse our group classes below to learn more and register. Our fall semester runs from late August through mid-December.
Teaching Approach
At Magnolia, our guitar and ukulele classes focus on making music right away. We use chord charts, tabs, and lyric sheets so students can start playing songs they love from the very first lessons, while building the skills and confidence that support a lifelong musical journey.
This approach helps kids:
Build rhythm and strumming fluency
Develop strong ears and musical intuition
Gain the confidence to play with others or sing while they play
Begin writing their own songs, if they’re inspired to
We focus on expression over perfection - encouraging students to play with heart, explore their own style, and enjoy the process. The vibe is relaxed, creative, and rooted in contemporary genres like folk, pop, and indie.
Our goal isn’t to create virtuosos - it’s to nurture musicians who love playing and feel proud of what they can do.
How Class Progression Works at Magnolia
Our intro classes give kids a strong musical foundation. After completing one of our beginner instrument classes, next step can look a little different from semester to semester, since group sizes and scheduling change throughout the year.
Most students continue in private lessons—either one-on-one or in small shared groups of 2–3 students when a good match is available.
As students gain confidence and fluency, some eventually join our Mixed-Instrument Jam Classes, designed for kids who have a foundation on their instrument and are ready to play with others.
When your class is wrapping up, we’ll always help you choose the right next step for your child.
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This very small-group class is designed for total beginners and for kids who may already know a few chords but want to build a stronger foundation. Students will learn how to hold and tune the guitar, read chord diagrams, strum with confidence, and play real songs right from the start.
About the Class
Guitar 1 is a small-group class designed for total beginners.
Students learn how to hold and tune the guitar, read chord diagrams, strum with confidence, and play real songs right from the start — all in a supportive, low-pressure group setting.
In this class, students:
Learn 5+ common open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am)
Play familiar indie, folk, and pop songs
Practice keeping steady rhythm and switching chords smoothly
Learn fun recognizable riffs
Learn how to make music as a group — starting, stopping, and listening together
Work toward a casual, low-key sharing at the end of the session
This class emphasizes confidence, curiosity, and joy over perfection. No prior experience required.
What comes next?
After Guitar 1, students are well prepared to continue with:
Private or semi-private guitar lessons
Songwriting class
And, once fludity of playing is reached, ensemble-based offerings at Magnolia like our Mixed Jam classes
What to bring
An acoustic or classical guitar in a carrying case or gig bag. Guitar rentals may be available depending on availability.
Wednesdays 4:45-5:30pm with Josh Icban
Sept 2 - Dec 16 (No class on Nov 25)
14 Classes
Tuition: $685
Class size: Capped at 4 kids
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Taught by Sara Jayne
Ukulele 1 is a playful, hands-on introduction to making music in a tiny group setting. Students learn the basics of strumming, rhythm, chords, and singing while building confidence and musical friendships along the way.
No prior experience is required — just a ukulele and a willingness to try something new.
Because beginning instruments can feel overwhelming at first, class sizes are intentionally very small so that each child receives lots of individual attention and support.
Classes include group songs, movement breaks, and lots of playing together. The atmosphere is encouraging, relaxed, and geared toward helping kids fall in love with music-making rather than pushing for perfection.
The class ends with a fun in-class show for families.
Ukulele 1 is offered in two short sessions during the fall semester:
Session A: Aug 26–Oct 14
Session B: Oct 21–Dec 16
(No class Nov 25)
Students who continue into Session B deepen their chord vocabulary, ensemble playing, and song repertoire over time.
After Ukulele 1, students may continue with private lessons, mixed-instrument jam classes, songwriting classes, or other ensemble offerings at Magnolia.
What to bring:
A soprano or concert ukulele. Instrument rentals may be available depending on availability.
Wednesdays 3:30–4:15 PM (ages 6-8)
8 meetings per session
Tuition: $395 per session
Class size: capped at 4
The class ends with a fun in-class show for families. -
Does your child love to sing and dream of accompanying themselves on the piano, but have little interest in traditional piano lessons?
In this class, we will learn to play piano and sing at the same time using chords, lyrics, and popular songs. Students will learn to accompany themselves without traditional sheet music, building practical skills they can use right away. We'll explore chord progressions, rhythm, and techniques for coordinating singing and playing. By the end of the session, students will be able to accompany themselves on several songs independently.
What comes next?
After this class students are well prepared to continue with:
Private or semi-private guitar lessons
Songwriting class
And, once fludity of playing is reached, ensemble-based offerings at Magnolia like our Mixed Jam classes
Ages 8–10 (11-year-olds welcome if new to piano and looking for a beginner class.)
Mondays 5:45-6:30 with Ben Einstein
Sept 14-Dec 14
$395
Capped at 4 students
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Piano 1 is a playful, hands-on introduction to piano in a tiny group setting. Students learn the fundamentals of reading music, rhythm, healthy piano technique, and simple songs while building confidence and having fun along the way.
No prior piano experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
Because beginning piano can feel overwhelming at first, class sizes are intentionally very small so that each child receives plenty of individualized attention and support.
Classes include familiar songs, musical games, creative activities, and ensemble playing that help students develop strong musical foundations while having fun. The atmosphere is encouraging, relaxed, and focused on helping children fall in love with making music rather than striving for perfection.
The class concludes with a fun in-class performance for family and friends.
Students should have a 61 key (or longer) keyboard or piano at home for practice.
If this class fills, we may open another section.Thursdays Sept 10-Dec 3 with Kathryn Pannell
$595
Capped at 4 students
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Magnolia’s Mixed Jam classes are for kids who already have some basic playing experience and are ready to collaborate. Students play guitar, ukulele, keyboard, and voice while building rhythm, listening skills, confidence, and ensemble awareness in a supportive small-group setting.
Students should already feel comfortable playing at least four chords on their instrument before joining a Mixed Jam class.
All Mixed Jam classes include:
• 75-minute weekly ensemble rehearsals
• Two individualized 30-minute coaching sessions built into the semester
• Opportunities for singing, songwriting, improvisation, and trying multiple instruments
• A fun, low-pressure final performance for family and friendsMixed Jam 1 (ages 9-11)
Thursdays 5:30–6:45 PM
Aug 27–Dec 17
(No class Nov 26)13 ensemble rehearsals + 2 coaching sessions
Tuition: $845
Class size: capped at 5Mixed Jam 1 is an upbeat, collaborative class for kids who are ready to begin making music in a band setting. Students learn a shared set of songs together while developing rhythm, confidence, listening skills, and ensemble awareness.
Classes include group rehearsal, creative exercises, collaborative arranging, and individualized coaching support throughout the semester. Students who love to sing are encouraged to explore solos and harmonies, while instrumentalists learn how to support and respond to the group.
Mixed Jam 2 (ages 10–13)
Mondays 5:30–6:45 PM
Aug 24–Dec 14
(No class Sept 7, Oct 12, or Nov 23)12 ensemble rehearsals + 2 coaching sessions
Tuition: $795
Class size: capped at 5Mixed Jam 2 is designed for tweens and early teens who are ready for greater musical independence and creative responsibility within a small-band setting.
Students work together on a shared repertoire while exploring collaboration, arrangement ideas, songwriting, improvisation, and performance skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment. The pacing and musical expectations are geared toward students who are ready for more challenge and deeper ensemble work. Each band member also works on a couple of solo songs throughout the semester with peer encouragement.
Mixed Jam enrollment is by teacher recommendation or conversation.
If you're interested in Mixed Jam, please email kat@magnoliamusicschool.com to discuss placement and current availability. -
Taught by Kat White
About the Class
Calling all young songwriters! This small-group class invites students to write their own original songs while building skills in melody, lyrics, chord progressions, and song structure.
Each week, students explore new creative approaches, listen to inspiring examples, and share work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
No prior songwriting experience is needed.
This class is a great fit for kids who:
Like to sing and create their own ideas
Can play at least four chords on guitar, ukulele, or piano
Are curious about how songs are built and want to try writing their own
Whether a student arrives bursting with song ideas or just beginning to explore, they’ll leave with tools and momentum to keep writing.
What students will work on
Lyric writing and storytelling
Melody and phrasing
Chord progressions and song form
Collaborative feedback and creative sharing
Developing and finishing original songs
Students also have the opportunity to share a couple of their original songs at a Magnolia student showcase later in the session, in addition to an in-class show for parents.
Culminates in a fun in-class show on the last dayOur next Songwriting session begins January 2027.
Registration for this class will open later this fall. Join the interest list to be the first to hear when enrollment begins.
Testimonials
“Enrolling my shy daughter in Magnolia’s small group music classes was one of the best decisions we made. The nurturing, encouraging, and fun approach helped her feel seen, supported, and excited to make music. She gained so much confidence that she even sang a solo at her recital.”
““My 8-year-old daughter has loved her group ukulele lessons with Sara Jayne. She’s grown tremendously in just a few months, and we’re so grateful to be part of the Magnolia community.”
★★★★★ Google Review”
““This is one of the best, most inclusive music schools I’ve ever encountered. Kat and her team are amazing with kids. No matter the level, they bring out the best in them, encouraging them to take chances, try new things, and be everything they can be.”
★★★★★ Google Review”
““We have had the very best first year at Magnolia Music School! Our 7-year-old daughter sings with the Warblers Choir and our 13-year-old takes guitar and songwriting. Both have been incredible experiences that our daughters love.”
★★★★★ Google Review”
““Our son loves taking piano lessons at Magnolia. It’s a wonderful place to introduce your child to music!”
★★★★★ Google Review”