In just a few hours you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give yourself years of musical enjoyment. How do we do it? While regular piano teachers teach note reading, piano professionals use chords. You can learn all the chords you will need to play any song in one session. Any song! Any style! Any key! Topics include: how chords work in a song, how to get more out of sheet music by reading less of it, how to form the three main types of chords, how to handle different keys and time signatures, how to avoid “counting” and how to simplify over 12,000 complex chords. Beginners can print out a free pamphlet on reading music by going online to http://www.pianofun.com/downloads/notes.html.  Don Pride is a professional musician, teacher and composer who plays throughout the United States. He is a member of the Portland Jazz Orchestra and leads The Don Pride Band. Don teaches at the University of Southern Maine, St. Joseph’s College, the Portland Conservatory of Music and in his private studio.

Wednesday, 5/8, 6:00pm-8:30pm, GMS, $59 (includes $29 book fee)

Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours, you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Bring your acoustic guitar. Students age 13+ are welcome. Don Pride is a professional musician, teacher, and composer who plays throughout the United States. He is a member of the Portland Jazz Orchestra and leads The Don Pride Band. Don teaches at the University of Southern Maine, St. Joseph’s College, the Portland Conservatory of Music and in his private studio.

Wednesday, 5/15, 6:00pm-8:30pm, GMS, $59 (includes $29 book fee)