1. hobbies and interests
2. guitar

WINTER
2015 C atalog
CLASSEs
LESSONS
wor k s h ops
fo r al l ages
Table of
CONTENTS
Thinking of
taking lessons
or classeS at
Blue Bear?
Introduction
About Us 2
Teachers 4
Why Blue Bear
6
What Students Say
8
Community Programs
10
Support12
The New Bear
14
Winter Overview & Calendar 15
Want to
see what it’s
like first?
Blue Bear
OPEN
HOUSE
private lessons
Private Lessons (ages 5 & up)16
Interested
in a preview
of our
expansion?
songwriting, recording
& seminars
Creating Music Program
32
Short Seminars
34
Sunday, January 11 • 2 – 5 pm
kids & teens Group classes
After-School Classes
36
All Star Bands
38
Summer Camps
40
Or, maybe you just want to hang out with some welcoming Bears?
Then join us for a special Open House to celebrate the new year!
Everyone is welcome for this event, where you can:
Check out our new “Creating
Music” room and learn about
this new program, which gives
you the opportunity to write
and record your own music
Check out the music of some
of Blue Bear’s instructors
Talk with Blue Bear staff and
learn more about what classes
may be right for you
Enjoy food, drinks, door prizes
and, of course, music!
See the full schedule at
adult group classes
Band Workshops
18
Guitar22
Jam25
Ukulele26
Bass27
Theory27
Voice28
Little bears
Overview44
Group Classes
45
Schedule46
Frequently Asked Questions 47
Meet other rockin’ people
who hang out at the Bear
It’s tim
e
play
bluebearmusic.org/open-house
to
community programs
Overview48
Digital Audio Program
49
Group Classes
50
teacher biographies
Teacher Biographies
52
gifts, grants & scholarships
Scholarship Donors & Matching Grants 56
General Fund Donors
57
trustees & staff
Board of Trustees
Program & Administrative Staff
61
61
information & events
General Information
Fort Mason Map & Directions
Blue Bear Holiday Party
Blue Bear Benefit with Mavis Staples
62
63
64
65
sliding scale tuition
Income-based sliding scale tuition is
available for all Blue Bear instruction
and summer camps, with potential
savings of 20% to 30% or more.
Please visit bluebearmusic.org/sliding
to see whether you qualify!
winter 2015 catalog production
Managing editor
Mike Charlasch
Design
Hélène Côté
Writing & editing Dennis Criteser
& Mike Charlasch
Photography
Jane Higgins, Grason Littles
Alycia Moore, Dennis Criteser
Pax Ahimsa Gethen & others
PrintingFolgerGraphics
Cover bassist
Kat Mihalov
Cover photo
Pax Ahimsa Gethen
NOTE: Class and seminar schedules subject to
change. Visit bluebearmusic.org for the most
current information.
visit bluebearmusic.org 1
S
U
About
Blue Bear School of Music is a nonprofit
organization founded in 1971. As the Bay Area’s pre-eminent school
of rock, blues, jazz, folk and other popular music styles, Blue Bear
is a home for aspiring musicians of all skill levels, a place where
each student’s unique talents and goals are recognized and supported.
Blue Bear is a vibrant community, a place for making, learning and
sharing music.
With its main location at Fort Mason Center and a satellite location
in SOMA (South of Market), Blue Bear offers private lessons on most
instruments and voice. We also have a broad range of group classes,
workshops, seminars and summer camps. Blue Bear provides music
instruction at offsite locations, partnering with local schools and
community organizations to bring exciting programs into the classroom.
Between quarters, Blue Bear offers
Short Seminars, classes that only meet
for one day on a wide range of music topics.
They are led by some of Blue Bear’s most
popular teachers, along with special guest
instructors, and are a low-cost way to dip
your toes in the water!
Creating Music Program
For music creators and collaborators, Blue
Bear offers 10-week workshops that end with
a polished recording, as students are guided
through the entire process of creating,
arranging, recording and mixing original
material. 11-week songwriting classes are
offered for those wanting to write their first
song and for experienced writers as well.
2 call 415.673.3600
During the academic year, Blue Bear offers
a variety of afternoon classes and bands for
students in elementary school through high
school. These offerings represent a great way
to augment and complement what may be
very limited exposure to music in the school
system. And they’re fun!
All Star Bands (ages 11 to 17)
Band Workshops
These are the heart and soul of Blue Bear!
After a brief placement discussion with the
Program Director, workshops are assembled
under the guidance of a professional musician
and instructor. Student bands rehearse for 10
weeks and then perform a 40-minute set in a
local San Francisco club. These workshops are
offered quarterly at both Fort Mason Center
and SOMA locations.
Group Classes (ages 6 to 17)
Private
(ages 5 & up)
LESSONS
Throughout the year Blue Bear
offers private instruction on most
instruments and voice, for students age
five years and up. Instruction is also
offered in music theory, composition, sight
singing, ear training and improvisation.
Our students range from “square one”
beginners both young and old, to serious
musicians preparing themselves for study
at places like Berklee School of Music
and Musicians Institute.
Our youth All Star Band program is for young
musicians in grades 6-12 who are serious about
developing their musicianship and ensemble
playing skills. There are several All Star bands
rehearsing on the weekends, and each band has
the opportunity to play at least one live show at
the end of each semester. New members can
join in January and September each year, after
a brief assessment audition with the instructors
that ensures a good match among players
of similar skill levels.
Summer Camps (ages 8 to 17)
Blue Bear offers weeklong day camps from June
through early August at Fort Mason and in Marin.
The lineup includes rock bands and guitar, voice
and songwriting camps, all under the direction of
the Bay Area’s most experienced musicians and
instructors. New this year is an exciting camp
devoted to the art of film scoring!
nt
o
Blue Bear offers a wide range of small group
classes in guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, and music
theory, generally offered on an 11-week quarter
system. They’re an affordable way to either start
your adventures in music or enhance your skills
and keep growing as a musician. And they are
great for meeting others who are passionate
about learning and playing music.
Short Seminars
bears
4m
Group Classes
TEENS &KIDS
Little
s
(age
AdultS18+
h
Little Bears music classes are s to
5 ye
ars)
for the very young ones and their
parent or caregiver. Little Bears teachers
are musicians who involve students in
music through singing, rhythms, games
and movement. Early introduction to
music has been shown to improve speech
development, motor skills and listening and
concentration skills, all by singing your heart
out, moving to the music, and making a
joyful noise! Read on to learn more about
our classes for Boogie Bears, Bouncy Bears
and Baby Bears.
Community
programs
Blue Bear community programs stem from
a desire to revitalize music learning via popular
music genres. Our commitment to social
equity through teaching current styles such as
rock, blues, urban, world and even digital audio
technology, makes learning accessible to
greater numbers of youth in our community —
and this has been part of the Blue Bear culture
for over 40 years. Programs are offered in
partner schools and community centers and
range from fully or partially underwritten to
fee-based and parent-supported.
visit bluebearmusic.org 3
Teachers
Blue Bear’s instructors are experienced mentors committed to helping you reach your
musical goals. They are passionate about sharing the knowledge they’ve gained both
from traditional training and from performing, on the stage and in the studio. With
impressive biographies (see pages 52-55), our teachers have played and recorded with
a long list of “who’s who” in the popular music world.
Hall & Oates
The Mermen
Don Byron
LOS LOBOS
LES CLAYPOOL
Clarence Clemons
Tracy Chapman
Freddie Hubbard
Glenn Branca
Bobby McFerrin
DEE DEE RAMONE
NEAL SCHON
PRINCE
Narada Michael Walden
Vinny Appice
Kenny Loggins
Eric McFadden
MICHAEL JACKSON
The Tubes
Animal Liberation Orchestra
STING
VAN MORRISON
Mickey Hart
William Kennedy
MICK JAGGER
The Mother Hips
JACKSON BROWN
SAMMY HAGAR
Skerik
Tea Leaf Green
Nicki Bluhm
Stu Hamm
AL JARREAU
Todd Rundgren
WHITNEY HOUSTON
NEIL DIAMOND
Earl Klugh
Oscar Brown, Jr.
SANTANA
DEREK TRUCKS
Merl Saunders
The Billy Nayer Show
Paul Jackson
Sheila E.
4 call 415.673.3600
visit bluebearmusic.org 5
WHY
Blue Bear?
Students of all ages pursue their
music studies at Blue Bear, year
after year. Here are a few of the
most important reasons why.
Community
Blue Bear welcomes everyone, whether you
just want to play music for your own personal
enjoyment or you’re seriously considering
music as a career.
Blue Bear unites people passionate about
Individualized
music. Many of our Band Workshops have spun
off practice bands that continue to play together Attention
long after the end of the quarter. Some have
even turned into regularly gigging bands. And of Blue Bear offers 1-on-1 consultations. As
course, many friendships (and a few marriages) a new student, you’ll meet with our Program
Director, who can answer your questions about
have begun in Blue Bear classes!
Blue Bear programs, the process of learning music
and your musical goals. Together you’ll determine
Blue Bear fosters a casual and supportive
atmosphere, free from the judgment, academic what teachers and classes are best suited to
your needs. Consultations are available whenever
rigor and competition of some other schools.
you have questions about what to do next.
Blue Bear has a strong track record. We’ve
offered popular music instruction since 1971, so our
programming reflects deep experience and lots
of student feedback. 90% of our new students
come through a personal recommendation.
6 call 415.673.3600
Top Notch Teachers
Blue Bear instructors are committed to
teaching as a profession. Our teachers are here
because they are dedicated to helping students
meet their goals, not just to make some extra
money on the side. And if a teacher you start with
doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, it’s easy to
notify our staff and request a different one.
Blue Bear teachers work as musicians.
Our instructors are experts in their craft, with
significant experience in all facets of the music
industry (see pages 52-55).
Convenience
Blue Bear has ample low-cost parking.
Parking in the Fort Mason Center pay lot is
usually easy and if we know in advance that
a Fort Mason Center event will make parking
scarce, we’ll send you an email alert. You
can also find parking alerts on the calendar
at bluebearmusic.org. Free parking can
sometimes be found outside the Fort Mason
Center gates, along the Marina Green, or in
the nearby neighborhood.
Blue Bear provides flexible payment and
scheduling options. You can pay by the lesson,
prepay for four lessons, or prepay for 10 lessons
(for the lowest per-lesson rate). Refunds for
unused lessons are available. We offer half-hour
and one-hour lessons. Hour lessons can be
taken weekly or every other week. Some people
schedule lessons irregularly, on an ad hoc basis.
You don’t need to commit to a certain number
of lessons and you may cancel any scheduled
lesson for a $5 administrative fee if you give us
two days advance notice. (Most other schools
don’t allow cancellations at all.)
When you consider Blue Bear’s unique
benefits and affordable cost, it’s easy to see
why many of our students continue their
work here over a period of several years.
Blue Bear keeps class sizes small. Most of
our guitar classes are limited to six or seven students.
Voice classes that involve solo singing are usually
limited to five or six. Most of our vocal technique
classes are limited to eight. At these sizes, the
teacher can give individual attention as needed.
visit bluebearmusic.org 7
“Matt Driscoll is so calm and patient with me in class.
I look forward to seeing him every time and I practice
every day I can to prepare.” — Jacob Spiegel
fun
rock
What Students
proud
SAY
“Steve Kirk has been an excellent teacher for me,
not only as far as guitar technique but also for musical composition
and theory. He made it all come together in a well-directed, fun way.”
— Jim McDaniel
Blue Bear makes a big difference
in the musical lives of our students.
Here are a few examples of what
students (and parents) have to
“I still have a blast and
learn
something
new every time.”
say about it.
blast
— Brian Gifford
“Brian Gire is classically trained, but also has
an appreciation for (as well as an encyclopedic
knowledge of) all genres of music. This, and
“Randy Clark is an EXCELLENT
his patience, make him the perfect teacher.”
slide guitarist and fingerpicker. His
— Deborah Addad
technique is pristine and his attention to detail
motivated excellent
break through
when teaching is awesome.” — Riz Alani
“Caroline Dahl is a great teacher. I look forward to
my lesson every week and always leave motivated
to learn more and get better.” — Mike Evans
do it
“Thanks for the great program,
I couldn’t have done this on my own!
— Forbes Husted
“Even when I feel completely stuck and think I just don’t have the time to devote to it,
John Turner always finds some way from his wonderful tool kit to make me produce a
little breakthrough. He is very patient and has the ability to make it fun.”
“I would highly recommend Blue Bear as the go-to place for
your children’s musical experiences!”— Kristen Lemaster
great
“I’m extremely happy with Blue Bear in general and Kent Brown
in particular. I encourage anyone interested in learning (or improving)
to be like Nike and just do it!” — Dan Shaw
“Thank you for all you do to make this possible.
Our son Shawn really enjoyed himself, and what great
experience for him and his band!” — Wendy Bolker
8 call 415.673.3600
“Janak Ramachandran’s classes helped me make
big improvements in both my singing and my stage
presence. Very highly recommended to all you rock
star wannabes!” — Mark Mayper
“Our son Julian’s eyes have been opened so much
and we’re very proud of the accomplishments the kids
have created.” — Joycelin Craig & Conrad Lopez
love
cool
“We credit Teacher Rachel and the Little Bears program for our
daughter Audrey’s sense of rhythm, melody and overall love of music. We
look forward to many more years at Blue Bear.” — Uma & George Lerner
tricks
“Mike Rao has in-depth knowledge about blues,
rock and jazz, and has a cool, relaxed teaching style
that makes learning fun and interesting.
Thanks, Mike!” — Kathy Miller
“With Kent Brown’s tips and tricks,
I was able to play my favorite songs in just
a few months!” — Jaclyn Hood
coaching
“I’m not sure I could ever have made it this far if it hadn’t been for
Janak Ramachandran’s support and coaching. He will challenge you to step out of
your comfort zone, but you always have a safety net of support and encouragement.”
— Jeanette Flodel
awesome
“J.T. Locke has been awesome to work with! Part drill sergeant, cheerleader,
spiritual guru, fashion police and now a great friend, he has given me
musical knowledge and ability way beyond my expectations!” — Alan Nichols
beyond expectations
“I’m sticking with Blue Bear, you do a wonderful job.” — Dick Millet
“Want to try a band workshop? Request Sean Leahy. Sean is one of the nicest people
you will ever meet and he will have you sounding good within the first day. Great
musician and singer, and a great person.” — Brett Ortiz
nicest people
visit bluebearmusic.org 9
Digital audio program
Community
PROGRAMS
As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is committed
to making a difference beyond the scope of our
in-house programs. We partner with a variety of
schools and other community centers to provide free
and low-cost music education. More on pages 48-51.
Group classes
Grades 5-12
Blue Bear community programs provide highquality instruction by our artists-in-residence.
These classes are geared for elementary through
high school settings and students often participate
in public performances that build confidence and
self-esteem.
Rock Band Ensemble — Involves hands-on
instruction with a focus on practicing and
performing as a group; also includes active
listening, music theory, music critique and
instrumental technique.
Grades 2-4
Get Rhythm — Our entry-level class teaches
students the fundamentals of one of music’s
most important building blocks.
Instrument Petting Zoo — Designed for the
beginning-level music student, with the goal of
increasing interest and helping determine which
instrument they like best and want to focus on.
Sing! Dance! — This vocal performance class
takes the playful, contemporary side of the TV
show Glee and combines it with a traditional
choral class.
10 call 415.673.3600
Our new dedicated Digital Audio Program
at Bayview Hunters Point YMCA empowers
at-risk youth to write, produce and record
their own original music with state-of-the-art
tools such as GarageBand, Ableton, Logic and
Pro Tools. Students can gain pre-professional
skills in the fields of digital audio and video
production and engineering.
Other Digital Audio Classes
Studio 101: Beginning Digital Audio
Production — Teaches students to create
their own original songs using the acclaimed
Apple program GarageBand.
Studio 201 — Furthers the instruction and
offers a glimpse into other more advanced
programs such as Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools.
DJ Course — For students interested in a more
current musical art form, covering all styles
and genres from hip hop to techno.
Current and past partner sites for Blue Bear
Digital Audio Programs include:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Glide Memorial Church After School Center
• Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School
• Bayview Opera House
• International Studies Academy
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• Friends of the Children
• Saint Joseph’s Family Center
• Real Options for City Kids
• Streetside Stories
• Lincoln High School
• James Lick Middle School
• Starr King Elementary School
• Claire Lilienthal
Beginning Group Guitar — A hands-on intro
to acoustic guitar that includes basic playing
skills and learning music fundamentals.
Keyboard Lab — Beginning instruction on
piano, the foundational musical instrument;
includes music theory as well as playing skills.
Blue Bear community programs take place
at these and other Bay Area partner sites:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Tenderloin Rec Center
• St. Joseph’s Family Center
• Rooftop Alternative School
• Creative Arts Charter School
• The Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Miraloma Elementary School
• Buchanan YMCA
11
“Music in the soul can be heard
by the universe.” — Lao Tzu
FEED the bear
SUPPORT
Blue Bear has helped over 30,000 students discover
their musical talents, cultivating skills for a lifetime
of learning and enrichment. Your charitable support for
our nonprofit work is crucial — without it, we cannot
continue to offer affordable (and free) music education.
Why give
what your gift supports
Just imagine a world without music…
A gift of any amount directly subsidizes
Blue Bear’s ability to make high-quality music
education both accessible and affordable.
Here are just a few of the many ways we
put your support to work:
A donation to Blue Bear is an investment in
a vibrant, effective nonprofit organization that
improves lives, one note at a time. With the
disappearance of music programs in the
schools, Blue Bear is an increasingly important
community resource. Making music helps make
the world go ‘round and here are some reasons
why what we do is important work:
•Music is a deeply meaningful and core
mode of human expression, for all ages.
•Making music together gives people a
positive social experience.
•Music can serve as a gratifying counter-
balance to demanding professional lives.
•Learning music enhances brainpower and
improves academic performance.
•Making music has proven health benefits.
•Music gives young people a way to express
themselves — even to find themselves.
12 call 415.673.3600
Playing music changes lives! And you can
make a difference by helping us provide both
free and very affordable music education —
at a time when music programs have been
slashed throughout the public school system.
Contributions to our 2014-15 “Feed the Bear”
campaign make Blue Bear’s day-to-day
operations possible. Please donate online any
time at bluebearmusic.org — it’s easy thanks
to our partnership with Network for Good.
How to contribute
There are many ways to support Blue Bear and
you can also designate your gift to specifically
benefit one or more of our programs. Please
consider the following:
And, you can make your gift go further —
check with your employer’s HR department to
see if they have a matching grant program
for donations made to nonprofits.
•Make a one-time, monthly or quarterly
Blue Bear is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Please contact our Development Associate,
Alycia Moore, with any questions about
your contributions. She can be reached at
alycia@bluebearmusic.org and
415.673.3600.
donation on our website.
•Send a check by mail.
•Donate musical instruments or
equipment in good working condition.
•Include Blue Bear as part of your
planned giving.
•Seven off-site Youth Outreach Programs
in public schools and community centers
•A new Digital Audio Program at the Bayview
Hunters Point YMCA, providing free music
education to some of the Bay Area’s most
at-risk youth
•A new Vocal Performance Program at
the Tenderloin Rec Center, in another of San
Francisco’s most underserved neighborhoods
•Multiple Youth All Star Bands for talented
teens
•A Little Bears Program for toddlers in
a community center
•Sliding scale tuition assistance and
scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear
programs for all
13
the new
BEAR
The catalog you’re holding represents a new beginning for this 43-year-old
institution affectionately known as The Bear. Please join us at the new Bear
— a bigger, bolder, broader version of the school that many of you
have helped create.
The new Bear embraces the sense of community, the love of music and
the joy in the learning and playing of music that have been the hallmark of
the school since its early days in the wake of the ‘60s counterculture here
in San Francisco. Please join us at the new Bear — looking forward into
the multicultural world of musical styles and the explosive capabilities of
technology that are creating new versions of popular music across all
age groups and all genres.
The new Bear celebrates its faculty, staff and Board; some have woven
the web of music through our community for as many as 40 years and
others have been with us for as little as 40 days. I believe the current
faculty, staff and Board of Trustees represents the most forwardthinking and exuberant version of Blue Bear ever! Please join us at the
new Bear — where innovative new programs meet beloved classes
and workshops that have been enjoyed by generations of music makers.
The cast of characters that invented this venerable institution and the
cast of characters that are currently reinventing it share the belief in
music as a powerful force for good in our community. Please join us at
the new Bear — as we continue this decades-long tradition of
changing lives through the transformational power of playing
music! Welcome to the new Bear,
Steve Savage
Founder and President of the Board of Trustees
14 call 415.673.3600
At Blue Bear, we’ve always said that we’re a music school for all
ages. That means Blue Bear is a music school for you! With this
wonderful new catalog, we can finally show the full breadth of our
classes, to everyone.
We offer a broad range of instrument and voice classes for adults.
Whether you’re a square-one beginner or already underway on your musical
journey, you can get started with an experienced teacher, learning at a pace that
will keep you moving forward in a classroom environment that’s fun and engaging.
Our Band Workshop Program is a popular place to meet others and make music together
with a shared goal of a live club performance — after just ten weeks of rehearsing under the
guidance of a skilled band teacher.
Brand new at Blue Bear is our Creating Music Program, where you’ll join with other
songwriters and collaborators to develop original material and take it all the way to a finished
recording in Blue Bear’s new digital recording room. Other classes will help you write your
first song or, for experienced writers, further develop your songwriting chops.
For kids and teens, we offer after-school classes in keyboard, singing, guitar and
recording, as well as band playing opportunities after school and in our weekend All Star Band
Program. And we know you’ll soon be planning Summer Camp schedules — we’re ready
for you with a full range of weeklong day camps.
For the youngest among us, ages 4 months to 5 years, our Little Bears Program is a
wonderful introduction to the joys of music, with all of its beneficial effects on the
development of motor, social and cognitive skills.
The bottom line… it’s time to play! Let us help you do it, whether in our group classes
that begin January 20 or in private lessons that can begin anytime.
Dennis Criteser
Program Director
PLAY
It’s
time
to
WINTER QUARTER 2015 CALENDAR
Fall Band Showcases | December 6-7
Blue Bear closed for holidays| December 23-January 2
Short Seminar week | January 12-15
Little Bears Classes | January 12-April 4 (12 weeks)
Adult Classes | January 20-April 6 (11 weeks)
Band Workshops | January 20-March 31 (10 weeks + showcase)
Band Workshop Showcases | April 4-5
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
To cancel a lesson or semi-private
lesson ­­— Please notify the Blue Bear desk in
Private
LESSONS
person or by phone, not through your teacher
and not by email. For lessons canceled with two
days notice (see schedule below), you will be
charged a $5 administrative fee that will be
deducted from your account. For lessons
canceled with less than two days notice you
will be charged in full so that your teacher can
be paid for the reserved time.
To drop your lessons
Monday
Saturday 3 pm
Tuesday
Anytime Sunday
Please tell us when you want to discontinue
your lessons. We assume that you will continue
forever, so even when your lesson package
ends we still have you on your teacher’s
schedule. If you wish to stop, you must notify
us at least two days before your next scheduled
lesson. And just tell us if you’d like to try a
different teacher or instrument anytime.
Wednesday
Monday 8 pm
Private lesson refunds
Thursday
Tuesday 8 pm
Friday
Wednesday 8 pm
Saturday
Thursday 8 pm
If your lesson
is on: Throughout the year Blue Bear offers private instruction
for students age five years and up, on most instruments
and voice, plus music theory, composition, sight singing,
ear training and improvisation. Our students range
from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians
preparing themselves for study at the nation’s finest
schools of music.
PRICES, PAYMENT
& SCHEDULES
Private Hours
• Instruction takes place Monday-Thursday in
the afternoon and evening, and Saturdays
during the daytime.
• You may take one-hour lessons either weekly
or every-other-week, or you may take weekly
half-hour lessons.
• You may pay for individual lessons, or get
discounts with the purchase of a 4-pack or
a 10-pack.
• You may take an initial trial lesson with a teacher
at the 1-lesson rate. To continue you must pay our annual $35 Member Fee.
• It’s possible to start lessons anytime — give
us a call at 415.673.3600 to discuss teacher
and scheduling options.
16 call 415.673.3600
1 lesson
4 lessons
10 lessons
Most instruments
$60
$225
$525
Drums & voice
$65
$245
$575
Our office hours are Monday to Thursday
1-8 pm and Saturday 10:30 am-3:30 pm.
Blue Bear’s phone number is 415.673.3600.
If you are charged for a lesson for which tuition
is owed, we will ask you to catch up on tuition to
confirm your next lesson. We may sometimes
call to ask if you’re able to move your lesson
time on a particular date. If the change is not
convenient, feel free to keep your usual time.
We are not calling to cancel your regular
lesson time unless we state that very clearly.
You need to notify
desk by:
(leave a message)
Any remaining lesson credit is refundable for
one year after your last charged lesson. Any
outstanding credit lapses at this time. For
partial refunds on a 4-pack or 10-pack
discount package, charged lessons will be
pro-rated at the next higher rate.
Private Half-Hours or
Shared-with-a-Friend Hours (per student)
1 lesson
4 lessons
10 lessons
Most instruments
$34
$125
$290
Drums & voice
$37
$135
$315
visit bluebearmusic.org 17
Contemporary Bands Workshop ­
You get to perform material from a broad range
of artists and bands with releases from the last
five to ten years.
Hard Rock Workshop
Covers more guitar-driven, hard-rocking
bands such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Metallica
and Nirvana.
Adult Band
Workshops
The heart and soul of Blue Bear! Our band
workshops are student bands that rehearse
and later perform a 40-minute set of
material at a San Francisco club.
Workshops are organized after a brief placement
discussion with the Program Director. Songs
are chosen by the students in each band and an
experienced professional musician guides the
rehearsals. A full band consists of two singers, two
guitarists, bass, drums and keys. The bands are
also open to horn players. Drums, amps, keyboard
and PA are supplied. Band workshops are ten
weeks plus performance. To enroll, students must
be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Indie/Folk Workshop
For acoustic players including guitar, upright
bass, keys, singers, percussion, mandolin and
fiddle, who want to play songs from the burgeoning
new indie/folk movement of bands such as
The Decemberists, Mumford & Sons, The Shins,
The Lumineers or your choice.
Jazz Workshop
This is a small combo: one vocalist, guitarist,
keyboard player, bassist, drummer, and up to three
horns. A knowledge of scales and progressions
is prerequisite, along with some prior reading
and improvisational skill. Band members will be
reading and soloing from chord charts and will
play a diverse mix of old and new jazz standards.
Rock & Blues Workshops
Wide open as to style. Material may range from
oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40. You name it!
Rock, Soul and R&B Workshop
Includes some classics from the likes of
James Brown or Aretha Franklin in the mix.
Blues, Soul and Roots Workshop
Covers classic electric blues and the many styles
influenced by the blues, including roots rock and
roots country.
Classic Rock Workshop
Draws mostly from the repertoire of the 1960s,
‘70s and ‘80s. Students get to decide on what
“Classic” means!
18
19
Adult
Band Workshops
PREREQUISITES,
PERFORMANCES & PAYMENTS
Basic level bands do not require any previous
band playing experience; being able to learn parts by
ear or with the help of a private instructor is best.
Intermediate level bands require at least
a year of previous band experience along with the
ability to read chord charts and learn parts by ear.
Prerequisites
Guitar players: able to move easily between
open and barre chords.
WINTER 2015 | Band Workshop Schedule
At Fort Mason Center
Basic Rock & Blues
Basic Rock, Soul and R&B
Basic Rock & Blues
Advanced Rock & Blues (by audition)
Contemporary Bands
Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues
Acoustic Indie/Folk
At Lennon (SOMA – 271 Dore St.)
Basic Rock & Blues
Intermediate Rock & Blues
Classic Rock
Basic Rock & Blues
Jazz Workshop
Hard Rock
Blues, Soul and Roots
Jim Peterson
Jim Peterson
Steve Kirk
Steve Kirk
Mark Schuh
Mark Schuh
J.T. Locke
J.T. Locke
Mon 6-8:30 pm (1/26-3/30)
Mon 8:30-11 pm (1/26-3/30)
Tues 6-8:30 pm (1/20-3/24)
Tues 8:30-11 pm (1/20-3/24
Wed 6-8:30-11 pm (1/21-3/25)
Wed 8:30-11 pm (1/21-3/24)
Thu 6-8:30 pm (1/22-3/25)
Thu 8:30-11 pm (1/22-3/25)
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Jim Peterson
J.T. Locke
Randy Clark
Mon 6-8:30 pm (1/26-3/30)
Mon 8:30-11 pm (1/26-3/30)
Wed 6-8:30 pm (1/21-3/25)
Wed 8:30-11 pm (1/21-3/25)
Thu 8:30-11 pm (1/22-3/26)
Sat 1-3:30 pm (1/24-3/28)
Sun 4-6:30 pm (1/25-3/29)
Drummers: able to play steadily at fast and
slow tempi, fill comfortably, and play both
rock and blues grooves.
Bass players: able to play various grooves
easily and lock with the drummer.
Singers: able to sing in tune and have a strong
enough sense of time so that song entry points
and phrasing can be consistently executed.
Keyboard players: able to form major and
minor triads without notation.
Performance dates and venue for the Winter
Quarter bands will be announced online. You can
attend the Fall Quarter Band Showcases
on December 6 and 7, 1-8:30 pm, at
the Knockout, 3223 Mission St.,
San Francisco.
Tuition is $375
(or three payments of $130)
20
to
It’s time
play
visit bluebearmusic.org 11
21
GUITAR
Classes
Adult
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar,
but not sure where or how to start?
Guitar for the Square-One Beginner
This class is for you! You’ll start rocking out with
hands-on playing time the very first day, and
you’ll begin learning folk and rock songs using
basic chords and strums within just a few classes
in a motivational, supportive group atmosphere.
Develop skills as you connect with those around
you through a shared love of making music. Also
covered: tuning and guitar care. No prerequisites,
but an acoustic (or electric) guitar is required.
Class sizes are limited to six or seven.
Section 1: Mondays 8-9 pm 1/26-4/6
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Section 2: Wednesdays 7:15-8:15 pm 1/21-4/1
Janak Ramachandran • $245
(or three payments of $85)
@ Lennon (SOMA): Tuesdays 6-7 pm 1/20-3/31
Janak Ramachandran • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Guitar for People Who Know a Little
If you have a few months’ playing experience
and know handful of chords (about eight of the
following: E, A, D, G, C, Em, Am, E7, A7, D7) but
aren’t quite making all chord changes smoothly
and in time, this class will help you expand on
what you already know and take your playing to
the next level. This class covers more songs and
skills, including basic fingerpicking. Usually, there
are a half dozen songs that you can play from
beginning to end, though not necessarily easily.
Enroll now, and you’ll be jamming in no time!
Section 1: Wednesdays 8-9 pm 1/21-4/1
Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Section 2: Thursdays 7-8 pm 1/22-4/2
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
22 call 415.673.3600
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
Guitar for People Who Know a Little More
For graduates of Know a Little or those with about
six months of playing experience, you’ll continue
working on songs with an emphasis on more
advanced chords. Share the challenges and
successes of expanding your playing abilities with
others on the same path! You should know 10-15
chords and be able to make many of the chord
changes smoothly. You may still have some
difficulty playing the four-string (non-barre)
F chord, and no one at this level is playing barre
chords yet. You may or may not have learned
some fingerpicking.
Thursdays 8-9 pm 1/22-4/2
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic Guitar IV
For graduates of Know a Little More or for those
with 9 months to a year of playing experience,
Acoustic Guitar IV will expand your song repertoire
and skills using both rhythm and fingerstyle
playing and work on barre chords.
Tuesdays 8-9 pm 1/20-3/31
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic Guitar V-XV
These classes are for continuing acoustic
guitar students or for those with playing
experience that is a good match for the class level.
New students can join most ongoing acoustic
guitar classes; call 415.673.3600
for accurate placement.
Acoustic V: Thursdays 9-10 pm 1/22-4/2
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic VI: Mondays 6-7 pm 1/26-4/6
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Kent Brown
Beatles Songs!
For acoustic players who can make chord
changes comfortably, learn arrangements of
both early and later Beatles classics. Singing
will be encouraged, with the possibility of
working out some vocal arrangements as well.
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm 1/26-4/6
Janak Ramachandran • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan
For acoustic players who can make chord
changes comfortably, learn arrangements to
classic songs by iconic singer/songwriters
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. Examples could
include “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,”
“Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Knockin’ on
Heaven’s Door,” “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,”
but student input will be taken for song choices.
Acoustic VII @ Lennon (SOMA):
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
Janak Ramachandran • $270
Tuesdays 8-9 pm 1/20-3/31
J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic VII: Wednesdays 7-8 pm 1/21-4/1
Kent Brown • $270 (or three payments of $95)
For guitarists and ukulele players who can make
chord changes comfortably, this class will learn
and play fun arrangements by artists like The
Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos Santana and
in styles from jazz to classical.
(or three payments of $95)
Acoustic VIII: Tuesdays 8-9 pm 1/20-3/31
Brian Gire • $270 (or three payments of $95)
Acoustic XV: Mondays 7-8 pm 1/26-4/6
Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic Rocksemble
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm 1/26-4/6
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
visit bluebearmusic.org 23
Adult
Guitar Classes
Acoustic Jam Basics
For those who are comfortable with basic playing
skills on their instrument, this class will teach
a repertoire of simple songs that will serve as
vehicles for improvising. You’ll learn melody lines,
basic information needed to take solos, and
listening skills.
Electric Lead Guitar
For guitarists who are comfortable playing
open position and barre chords but with little
previous lead playing work, this class will focus
on scales and improvising within blues and
rock chord progressions.
Wednesdays 8-9 pm 1/21-4/1
J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Electric Lead Guitar II
For graduates of Electric Lead Guitar, this class will
continue to work on soloing skills, new scales and
new chord progressions. New students may
join who have knowledge of pentatonic scales
and simple soloing skills.
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Electric Rhythm Guitar VI
For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar V, this
class will continue to work on timing, rhythm
and right hand techniques.
Tuesdays 6-7 pm 1/20-3/31
Randy Clark • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Mike Rao
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Pamela Parker
Beginning Blues Guitar
This class will introduce you to the basic 12-bar
blues form and its variations, and to major and
minor pentatonic scales and their use in soloing.
You’ll learn some classic electric blues tunes and
start to work on jamming over blues changes.
Prerequisites: comfort playing open position
and barre chords.
Mondays 7-8 pm 1/26-4/6
Pamela Parker • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Blues Guitar: Note for Note with the Kings
For players who know the 12-bar blues form
and minor pentatonic scale, this class will take
you on a tour of the “three kings” of electric
blues: Freddy King, Albert King and B.B. King.
You’ll learn how to use major pentatonics and
the blues scale as you learn solos and cover
songs like “Hideaway,” “Blues Power” and
“Sweet Little Angel.”
Acoustic Jam Basics II
This class is for graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics,
though new students can join who have some
previous knowledge of scales and simple soloing.
You’ll continue to learn new songs and build
your soloing skills.
Thursdays 8:30-9:45 pm 1/22-4/2
Brian Gire • $300 (or three payments of $105)
Intermediate Acoustic Jam
Have fun playing with others! In a relaxed setting,
you’ll learn and play through tunes from folk,
bluegrass, Celtic and rock traditions. You can take
solos and sing if you’d like, or just play rhythm with
the group. Open to guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro
and banjo. New students with previous experience
with scales and soloing can join ongoing Acoustic
Jam classes; call 415.673.3600 for a new student
interview for accurate placement.
Mondays 8-9:15 pm 1/26-4/6
Brian Gire • $300 (or three payments of $105)
Advanced Acoustic Jam
New guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and banjo
students with strong scale knowledge and soloing
experience can join Advanced Acoustic Jam, an
ongoing class of regulars who have been jamming
together since 2009. Call 415.673.3600 for a new
student interview for accurate placement.
Thursdays 7-8:30 pm 1/22-4/2
Brian Gire • $345 (or three payments of $120)
JAM
Adult
Classes
Wednesdays 8-9 pm 1/21-4/1
Mike Rao • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Beginning Jazz Guitar
This class will introduce you to the more complex
world of jazz chords and their voicings up and
down the neck. Also included is jazz soloing,
starting with the more blues-based work of
artists like Kenny Burrell. For guitarists who
are comfortable making chord changes,
including barre chords, and who have some
basic experience with the pentatonic scale and
the 12-bar blues.
Mondays 7-8 pm 1/26-4/6
Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85)
24
25
Adult
UKULELE
Classes
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
BASS
Classes
Group classes are eleven weeks except where
noted. To enroll, students must be current
with their annual $35 Member Fee. Bass
players with 9 months or more of experience
who can learn and play a variety of different
bass lines can also join our Band Workshops
(see pages 18-21).
Beginning Bass
Beginning Ukulele
Class members will learn to play basic chords and
to play songs in folk, rock and Hawaiian styles. Also
covered: tuning, ukulele care, and basic strums.
No prerequisites, but a ukulele is required.
Tuesdays 8-9 pm 1/20-3/31
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Ukulele II
For graduates of Beginning Ukulele or for those
who have learned some basic chords on their
own, class members will continue to expand their
chord vocabulary and will learn to play more songs
in folk, rock and Hawaiian styles.
This class is for graduates of Ukulele V.
Mondays 7-8 pm 1/26-4/6
Mark Schuh • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Music Theory via The Beatles
Accelerated Bass for Guitarists
If you already play guitar, then you’re ready to get
on the fast track to becoming more in-demand
by learning the bass! This class will teach right
hand fingering technique and will reveal how
the bass, working with the drums, provides the
foundation for most songs. You’ll learn bass
lines in different styles, and upon graduation you
can receive a $100 discount as a bass player in
one of Blue Bear’s Band Workshops. After that,
regular gigs and touring are realistic options in a
world starved for bass players!
Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm 1/26-4/6
Janak Ramachandran • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Adult
THEORY
Classes
This class is for graduates of Ukulele XII.
In this class, you’ll analyze various Beatles songs
to develop an understanding of chords and chord
progressions. You’ll learn the language of music
theory while gaining a deeper appreciation of some
of pop music’s greatest songs. For all instruments,
including singers.
Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm 1/26-4/6
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Wednesdays 7-8 pm 1/21-4/1
Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Acoustic Rocksemble
Music Theory for Guitar
This class is for guitarists who have finally
realized that they need to learn the basics:
music terminology and basic theory taught
in terms of standard music notation, in
addition to how things look on the fretboard.
This class will explain the basics of chord
construction with a minimum of “theory talk.”
Chords and chord progressions are the juicy part of
music theory, and this class will have you naming
and creating chords, analyzing progressions
and understanding music in a new way.
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm 1/26-4/6
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Wednesdays 9-10 pm 1/21-4/1
J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Tuesdays 8-9 pm 1/20-3/31
Mark Schuh • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Tuesdays 6-7 pm 1/20-3/31
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Ukulele XIII
For guitarists and ukulele players who can make
chord changes comfortably, this class will learn
and play fun arrangements by bands and artists
like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos Santana
and in styles from jazz to classical.
MATT Driscoll
This class is a square-one beginner class. We
expect you know nothing about music and that
you are picking up the instrument for the first time.
If you have played guitar before, you should try
Accelerated Bass for Guitarists.
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85)
Ukulele VI
26 call 415.673.3600
Adult
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
Chord Magic for Guitarists
visit bluebearmusic.org 27
VOICE
Classes
Adult
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
Learn to Sing II: Group and Solo Singing
This class is for graduates of Group Singing for
Beginners. Continue your vocal development with
more challenging exercises and group singing of
songs designed to hone the techniques already
learned. Topics explored in greater detail include
harmony and interval training, singing into the
bridge, and range development. In our last few
sessions, you will have the opportunity to bring
material of your own choosing to sing, receiving
supportive guidance with concrete ideas to
practice in improving your song delivery.
Emily Thebaut
Janak Ramachandran
Singing for People Who Can’t Sing
You know who you are! But this class will prove you
wrong, as you begin to gain control of your voice
through simple exercises and ear training. By the
end of eleven weeks, you’ll see improvement and
enjoy increased confidence.
Mondays 7-8:15 pm 1/26-4/6
Zosia Boczanowski • $300
(or three payments of $105)
More Singing for People Who Can’t Sing
This class is for graduates of Singing for People
Who Can’t Sing. You’ll continue to strengthen your
voice and work on new songs and singing skills.
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
Emily Thebaut • $245
Learn to Sing: Group Singing for Beginners
(or three payments of $105)
Singing for People Who Can Sing
For those with some band, theater or choral
singing experience but little or no previous
vocal instruction. Sessions will cover the
basics of proper vocal technique: breathing
and support, warm-ups, developing your
range, tone, placement and articulation.
There’ll be lots of group vocal drills and
some individual presentation of songs.
Are you new to vocal coaching and guidance? Do
you want to get your feet wet with group singing of
exercises and songs? Begin with a solid foundation
in technique and then apply those basic ideas
in guided group singing of classic songs. Topics
covered include fundamentals of posture and
breathing, vowels and consonants, resonance and
tone, as well as basic principles of song delivery.
We’ll craft an opening warm-up with exercises
that will begin the development of your voice and
then have fun using those ideas to sing songs.
(or three payments of $105)
Wednesdays 6-7:15 pm 1/21-4/1
Janak Ramachandran • $300
More Singing for People Who Can Sing
(or three payments of $105)
(or three payments of $85)
“Janak Ramachandran’s classes
helped me make big improvements
in both my singing and my stage presence.
Very highly recommended to all you rock star
wannabes!” — Mark Mayper
28 call 415.673.3600
Wednesdays 8:15-9:30 pm 1/21-4/1
Janak Ramachandran • $300
Wednesdays 8:30-9:45 pm 1/21-4/1
Lea Centauri • $300
This class is for graduates of Singing for
People Who Can Sing. You’ll continue work
on harmonic ear, vowel embellishment,
inner music, vocal tuning, vocal scales for
strengthening the voice, increasing vocal
range, breathing, singing triplets and
individual presentation of songs.
Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 pm 1/21-4/1
Lea Centauri • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Lea Centauri
29
Rock & Pop Vocal Performance
Designed as a follow-on class to Janak’s Learn
to Sing series, and for vocalists in a band or Band
Workshop (or preparing for one), this class will
give you the opportunity for individualized
coaching on material you want to sing. The vocal
style component will guide students in how to
affect the vocal delivery of songs from varying
genres with an emphasis on tools that bring the
emotional content of the lyric to life. The stage
presence section of the class will introduce
students to techniques from the acting world
that allow the student to marry the emotional
choices they are making vocally with stage
movement and behavior. It all culminates in
a performance at the end of the class at the
quarterly Blue Bear Band Showcases! This
class is, ideally, for students with some vocal
training and can be repeated as needed.
Class limit of four.
Adult
VOICE CLASSES
Thursdays 8-9:30 pm 1/22-4/2
Janak Ramachandran • $345
(or three payments of $120)
Sing with Soul!
In singers ranging from Aretha Franklin and
Smokey Robinson to Rihanna, James Blake and
Amy Winehouse, you hear the sound of soul — a
connection to African-American vocal traditions
rooted in gospel and blues music. Teacher Robert
Blake grew up singing in a Southern gospel choir
and will help you connect to the source and the
sounds of soul.
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 1/20-3/31
Robert Blake • $245
(or three payments of $85)
ROBERT BLAKE
Beginning Jazz Vocals
This class will introduce you to the repertoire and
the stylistic approaches taken by both classic
and contemporary jazz singers. You’ll sing to
music-minus-one recordings and receive oneon-one coaching on presentation and technique.
Class limit of four.
Wednesdays 6-7:15 pm 1/21-4/1
Lea Centauri • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Jazz Vocal Performance
In this all-singing class, intermediate to advanced
vocalists will rehearse and perform a repertoire
of jazz songs with expert piano accompaniment,
leading up to a performance at the quarterly Blue
Bear Showcase. Open to singers who are new
to jazz as well as those who are familiar with the
repertoire. Tuition includes two rehearsals with
bassist. Class limit of five.
Blue Bear Chorus
Learn 3- and 4-part arrangements to a wide
range of songs, including pop, traditional and
classical repertoire. You’ll enjoy lots of singing
time, plus tune up your ear and gain a better
understanding of how to harmonize and get
a great blend. No previous instruction in
technique is required, but you must be able
to sing in tune, and teacher approval is
required for joining the chorus.
Tuesdays 8-9:15 pm 1/20-3/31
Emily Thebaut • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Saturdays 1:30-3 pm 1/24-4/4
Sharman Duran • $395
(or three payments of $135)
30
visit bluebearmusic.org 31
CREATINGProgram
MUSIC
New year. New music. New program.
Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program is
for students who want to create and help
others create original music. The program
includes songwriting classes to help you
craft original music and lyrics, but what
if you want to take the next step with
your original song?
Blue Bear is excited to offer a new
workshop geared toward students and
bands interested in making studio
recordings of original music: Creating
Music in the Studio. Whether you are
a composer or a collaborator, Blue Bear
wants to help you take the next step in
making the world a more musical place.
See you in the studio,
Creating Music in the Studio
For songwriters and musicians eager to contribute
to an original music project, this workshop will
cover recording preparation, learning to use studio
time effectively, tracking and mixing, with plenty
of expert guidance from your teacher/producer.
A typical workshop will have two songwriters (one
song each) and two to five supporting musicians
who will contribute both to the creative process
and to the writing and recording of individual parts.
Upon completion, students will have a recording
of original music that they participated in (also
posted on Bandcamp) along with much practical
studio experience.
Section 1:
Tuesdays 7-9:30 pm 1/20-3/24 (ten weeks)
Zosia Boczanowski • $425
(or three payments of $145)
Section 2:
Wednesdays 6-8:30 pm 1/21-3/25 (ten weeks)
Colin Hayes • $425
(or three payments of $145)
Colin Hayes
Recording Division Director
Section 3:
Wednesdays 8:30-11 pm 1/21-3/25 (ten weeks)
Colin Hayes • $425
(or three payments of $145)
Record Your Band!
If you’re a band that wants to make a demo, learn
how to make the most out of studio time and
become more independent with your recording
needs, call Blue Bear to schedule your own
10-week session tailored to your situation. Upon
completion, you’ll have a recording and valuable
hands-on experience and instruction gained
from working with your teacher and producer.
Call 415.673.3600 for a free consultation.
32
COLIN HAYES
Write Your First Song
In this introductory class you’ll learn about song
forms and how to write chord progressions,
melodies and lyrics. In-class assignments will
guide you step-by-step through writing a complete
song and give you the tools you need to generate
ideas and complete songs on your own.
Tuesdays 8-9:15 pm 1/20-3/31 (11 weeks)
Pamela Parker • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Songwriting Workshop
This songwriting workshop is a place for active
songwriters to bring their ideas and songs for
constructive feedback, and to get new ideas
and approaches for writing. Open to any level of
writer who can present their live or recorded
material in class.
Mondays 8:15-9:30 pm 1/26-4/6 (11 weeks)
Zosia Boczanowski • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Zosia Boczanowski
Six-Week Songwriting Workshops
with Peter Case
Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated,
performing singer, songwriter, guitarist and
producer who brings 25 years of songwriting
experience to these exciting and popular workshops.
Beginning with an exploration of the craft
involved in the classic songs of Dylan and the
Beatles as well as songs of the present day, you’ll
develop and present your own songs and song ideas
for further discussion in class. These workshops are
an encouraging, friendly and at times humorous
environment in which to either begin writing
songs or to further your skills.
In the Beginning Songwriting Workshop, you’ll
learn techniques for producing ideas and how to
develop those ideas into a complete song. Topics
include song structure, bridges, guitar tunings as a
compositional tool, and breaking through “writer’s
block” with weekly assignments to guide your
writing efforts. This class is for those who are just
at the beginning stages of writing, or for those who
would like to write their first song. You should
have some basic skills on guitar or piano, or be
able to sing.
Saturdays 11 am-2 pm 1/24-2/28 (six weeks)
Peter Case • $410
In the Songwriters Workshop, experienced
writers will learn techniques for producing ideas,
exercises for improving the vividness and power
of their songs, and many more tricks of the
trade. Topics include song structure, bridges,
guitar tunings as a compositional tool, and
breaking through “writer’s block.” Every week,
there is a songwriting assignment designed to
integrate what you’ve learned in class with your
own ideas and inspiration. People are invited
to bring their acoustic guitar (or other portable
instrument), a notebook and a pen, and you
will be encouraged to play the week’s assigned
song in the workshop (though performance
is not mandatory).
Saturdays 2:30-5:30 pm 1/24-2/28 (six weeks)
Peter Case • $410
visit bluebearmusic.org 33
Adult
SHORT SEMIN ARS
Between quarters, Blue Bear offers Short Seminars,
classes that only meet for one night on a wide range of
topics. They are led by some of Blue Bear’s most popular
teachers, along with special guest instructors, and
are a low-cost way to dip your toes in the water!
Blue Bear students may take one free Short
Seminar per year as a benefit of your Member
Fee; call 415.673.3600 to enroll. New students
can sign up for Short Seminars online without
paying the Member Fee.
Beginning Harmonica
This seminar will focus on basic harmonica
techniques (such as bends, vibrato, tongue
blocking), ways of enriching tone, and playing
blues in second and third positions (both soloing
and accompanying).
Monday January 12, 7-9 pm
Ilya Portnov • $30
Vocal Care & Stage Presence for Singers
Learn how to care for and warm up your voice,
and then learn techniques to keep your audience
engaged. Includes individualized coaching for
students who want to perform a song in class.
Monday January 12, 7-9 pm
Zosia Boczanowski • $30
Intro to Mandolin
Getting a Great Electric Guitar Sound
Electric guitar players have many options in amps,
guitars and effects to help create a sound. This
seminar will discuss and demonstrate the different
types of amps (Class A, Class A/B and solid state)
and look into different types of electric guitars and
pickup configurations. You’ll also explore guitar
effects and how to use them in the signal chain to
expand your sonic palette.
Tuesday January 13, 7-9 pm
J.T. Locke • $30
.J.T. LOCKE
Acoustic Jam Basic Training for Guitar
For those guitarists who can make chord changes
easily and want to jam, this seminar will lay out
the basics of what you need to know to proceed.
You’ll cover essential scales, chord progressions
and strumming patterns used in folk and
bluegrass styles.
Tuesday January 13, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
Voice!
This seminar is a wonderful overview of the voice
as the most basic tool of human expression. You’ll
work with breath and the ear, and learn about
styles of singing from jazz and pop to show tunes
and rap. Includes group singing and vocal exercises.
Wednesday January 14, 7-9 pm
Lea Centauri • $30
Piano Secrets of Vocal Accompaniment
This seminar is for piano and keyboard players who
want to accompany themselves or other singers.
Sharman Duran will discuss many aspects of how
to play, and how not to play, in order to best
support a singer.
Wednesday January 14, 7-9 pm
Sharman Duran • $30
Triad Power
This seminar will reveal the tremendous benefits
that come from understanding the structure of
three-note chords on your guitar, and how they
appear on the fretboard. Special emphasis on
using triads as a jumping off point for soloing.
Thursday January 15, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
SHARMAN DURAN
Survey of Fingerpicking Styles
and Technique
This seminar will explore accompaniment
and solo fingerstyle guitar skills as used in folk,
blues, classical and jazz styles.
Wednesday January 14, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
How to Sing and Play Guitar Together
For those who are brand new to the mandolin,
this seminar will discuss the basics: fingering
and picking technique, plus simple chords
and an introduction to a scale pattern.
You can sing, you can play, but it all falls apart
when you try to put it together? Learn tips for
how to practice and develop singing-whileplaying skills, including the most important
aspects of basic vocal technique.
Monday January 12, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
Wednesday January 14, 7-9 pm
Janak Ramachandran • $30
Alternate Picking Technique for Guitar
For any guitarist who is seeking a more accurate
and fluid approach to both picking and strumming.
Logical fingering will also be addressed and
handouts will be provided covering the
material discussed.
Thursday January 15, 7-9 pm
Steve Kirk • $30
STEVE KIRK
34 call 415.673.3600
visit bluebearmusic.org 35
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
Instrument Petting Zoo (grades 2-4)
Kids & Teens
GROUP CLASSES
After School Rock Bands
These bands will learn and play songs by a variety
of contemporary and classic bands. Members
should already be proficient on their instrument,
and ideally be in private lessons concurrently. This
is a chance to put the hard work of learning your
instrument into practice, in real time, with other
young rockers. The Monday and Thursday bands
are for players in grades 8-11; the Tuesday band is
for players in grades 5-8.
Section 1: (grades 8-11): Mondays 4:30-6 pm
1/19-3/30 • J.T. Locke • $345
(or three payments of $120)
Section 2: (grades 5-8): Tuesdays 4:15-5:30 pm
1/20-3/31 • J.T. Locke • $300
(or three payments of $105)
Section 3: (grades 8-11): Thursdays 4:30-6 pm
1/22-4/2 • J.T. Locke • $345
(or three payments of $120)
“Thank you for all you do to make this
possible. Our son Shawn really enjoyed
himself, and what a great experience for
him and his band!” — Wendy Bolker
Your Own Rock Band
If you have a minimum group of four young
musicians who would like to be coached as a band
together, we can schedule an 11-week after school
or weekend rock band session to start anytime.
Call for details – 415.673.3600.
Bear Cubs (grades 1-3)
Is your child outgrowing Little Bears classes but
still not ready for private lessons? Never fear,
Bear Cubs is here! Finally, what every parent has
been waiting for: a drop-off group music class
for 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds. Co-taught by the
powerhouse duo Teacher Barb and Miss Zosia,
Bear Cubs is a high energy, hands-on exploration
of melody and rhythm. Teachers use engaging
songs and fun musical games to help children find
their voice, learn to sing in tune and discover the
true magic of singing in harmony. Children play real
instruments, explore rhythm and scale patterns,
begin to identify basic note and chord values and
identify changes in tempos and time signatures.
Come join us in a play-based musical environment
where children learn from other children, sing their
hearts out and get their groove on!
Tuesdays 4-4:50 pm 1/20-4/7 (12 weeks)
Barb Murphy & Zosia Boczanowski • $395
This class is for beginners who are curious
about music and want to learn about different
instruments before choosing one to focus on.
Students sing songs and play the four main rock
band instruments - drums, bass, guitar and piano.
They’ll learn fundamental concepts of rhythm,
melody, harmony, meter, tempo, scale and key.
In addition to learning how these instruments are
played in popular music, related concepts in basic
math, pattern relations and emotional qualities
will also be explored.
Thursdays 4-4:45 pm 1/22-4/2
Devin Lane • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Beginning Keyboards (grades 1-2)
This class will use the Little Mozart instruction
books to engage the very young beginner in
learning music and developing basic piano skills.
Texts are included in class tuition. Students should
have a piano or keyboard at home to practice on.
Class limit of three.
Wednesdays 4-4:45 pm 1/21-4/1
Lea Centauri • $260
(or three payments of $90)
Beginning Keyboards (grades 3-4)
This class will use the Piano Adventures books
to introduce young beginners to basic keyboard
and piano skills. Texts are included in class tuition.
Students should have a piano or keyboard at
home to practice on. Class limit of three.
Wednesdays 5-5:45 pm 1/21-4/1
Lea Centauri • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Beginning Guitar (grades 4-6)
This square-one beginner class will teach basic
chords, strumming and simple songs in rock and
popular music styles. No prerequisites, but a
guitar is required. Class limit of four.
Thursdays 5-5:45 pm 1/22-4/2
Devin Lane • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Green Day Guitar (grades 7-9)
This class is for young guitarists who want to
learn to rock. Through learning popular songs from
bands like Green Day, you’ll expand your chord
and strumming skills on either acoustic or electric
guitar. Prerequisites: ability to move comfortably
between open position chords.
Thursdays 5-6 pm 1/22-4/2
Janak Ramachandran • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Perform Like a Pop Star! (grades 5-7)
Students will pick pop songs from artists like Katy
Perry, Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift, and will then
learn how to sing them. In addition to lots of solo
and group singing, you’ll also work on routines
and stage presence.
Tuesdays 5-6 pm 1/20-3/31
Zosia Boczanowski • $245
(or three payments of $85)
Creating Music in the Studio
For young songwriters and musicians eager
to contribute to an original music project, this
class will cover song arrangement and recording
preparation, tracking and mixing, and learning
about the roles of a producer in recording. A typical
class will have one or two songwriters and two
to four supporting musicians who will contribute
both to the creative process and to the writing and
recording of individual parts. Upon completion,
students will have a recording of original music that
they participated in (also posted on Bandcamp)
along with much practical studio experience.
Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm 1/21-4/1
Zosia Boczanowski • $345
(or three payments of $120)
(or three payments of $135)
36 call 415.673.3600
visit bluebearmusic.org 37
Kids & Teens
ALL STAR
BANDS
During every All Star Band performance, there isn’t a moment when I am not blown away by our young
performers, lighting up the stage. After weeks of rehearsing they show up and somehow always exceed
my expectations. Some say “it’s only rock and roll,” but I see teamwork, commitment, growth,
courage, responsibility, stage professionalism and most important, fun!
Students learn what it actually takes to thatch together individual assignments to
create a piece of artistic expression. During this process, they learn about their
own instrument and craft, yet also learn to listen to what other students are
offering. I believe music is a collective conversation with your band mates,
portraying a story to the listeners. Students learn that craft of conversation, but
also learn to reflect on the dialogue and strengthen the intended delivery. I have
no doubt that developing this skill is one of the most important processes for the
program, but it’s also an important process for future success anywhere outside the bandstand.
The All Star Band program is a comprehensive 9-month
performance and education curriculum for 5th-12th
graders. Using rock music as a platform, students
strengthen their instrumental technique, ensemble
playing, performance, improvisation, music theory and
songwriting. This unique program provides fantastic
opportunities to play real shows in real venues around
San Francisco. Students participate in weekly rehearsals,
with guided instruction by inspirational teachers.
Program Requirements
All Star Bands require a commitment of the majority of weekly
rehearsals. Students may audition mid-year and will be placed in the
program based on age, skill level and availability of spots in ensembles.
Students must have a basic understanding of their instrument or
voice and we highly recommend current, ongoing music lessons.
Times and Tuition
Tuition for January-May 2015 is $675. Rehearsal time is likely to
be Saturday 3-6 pm, but other Saturday times could be available
depending on band placement.
Audition & Placement
Requirements
Entering musicians must prepare a song to play with a backing band,
improvise over a 12-bar blues pattern (optional), demonstrate chord
changes and varying rhythm patterns. Call the school to set up
an audition. We will accept new band members through January.
Performances
Come hear our All Star Bands at the 2014 Blue Bear Holiday Party!
Sunday, December 14, 5:30-9 pm
The Chapel
777 Valencia St.
San Francisco
FREE TO ALL
When we started the All Star Band program, we intended on creating an atmosphere full of community,
skill building and a fun platform to rock out. We wanted to give young rockers the best atmosphere for
learning and to give them the opportunity to perform in real, professional venues for their performances.
Now, I see we’ve managed just a little bit more than that. What we’ve created is a collective of dedicated
young players willing to learn and develop the traits for success, on and off the stage.
Ryan Hickey
All Star Band Director
38 call 415.673.3600
39
Blue Bear offers weeklong day camps from June through
early August at Fort Mason and in Marin. The lineup
includes rock bands and guitar, voice and songwriting
camps, all under the direction of the Bay Area’s most
experienced musicians and instructors. New this year
is an exciting camp devoted to the art of film scoring!
For recommended skill levels, see page 43.
Get Ready to Rock Camp
Kids & Teens
SUMMER CAMPS
Dear students and parents,
The reverberations from fantastic musical jams last summer can still be heard here at Blue Bear as we
look forward to our 2015 summer camps.
Blue Bear camps offer exciting opportunities for kids in grades 4-12 to make great music with their peers and to have an amazing time learning while playing.
Our music camps have a defining characteristic that sets them apart from
others: a high teacher to student ratio, with instructors on each instrument group. We very effectively provide personalized instruction for all students, beginner to advanced, engaging them in the learning process from square one.
We also have an incredibly talented roster of people at the helm. While our instructors have performed around the globe with the best, they are all
professional teachers, highly skilled and able to impart real-world knowledge in
a helpful and accessible way.
In our camps, students have opportunities to write songs, sharpen instrument skills, learn how to
interact in an ensemble, and get serious performance chops by leading shows in our performance hall.
Kids are invigorated, challenged and inspired to do their best work — an experience that resonates
far beyond the musical stage.
So throw on a new set of strings, polish your horn, practice your paradiddles and get ready for an
amazing summer in 2015 at Blue Bear. Both at Fort Mason and in Marin — we are ready to Rock U!
Nils Erickson
Summer Camp Director
40 call 415.673.3600
This is a pressure-free camp for beginning
musicians going into grades 4-6 (fall 2015)
who have some previous instruction – six months
of lessons on an instrument is recommended.
Activities include playing easy songs, singing,
jamming, trying different instruments, musical
games, and playing outside at lunchtime!
Individualized instrument and vocal instruction
will lead to mastery of parts and get everyone
playing in a band. There will be a performance
on Friday afternoon.
Girls Rock! Camp
This camp is for girls going into grades 4-7
(fall 2015) who want to learn to rock. Campers
will learn to play simple pop and rock songs
and perform at the end of the week. Some
musical experience is helpful, but is not a
requirement – girls will learn to play parts at
whatever level of musicianship they bring
with them, and will have a chance to try out
different band instruments.
Rock U 1 Camp
This workshop offers musicians going into
grades 6-8 (fall 2015) an opportunity to play
the music they like with their peers. A minimum
of one year of lessons is required. Repertoire is
selected by the group, which rehearses every
day. A typical day includes group lessons in the
morning, a lunchtime jam with staff, and band
rehearsals in the afternoon. The week culminates
with a show on late Friday afternoon.
Rock U 2 Camp
This workshop offers musicians going into
grades 7-10 (fall 2015) an opportunity to play
the music they like with their peers. A minimum
of one year of lessons is required. Repertoire is
selected by the group, which rehearses every
day. A typical day includes group lessons in the
morning, a lunchtime jam with staff, and band
rehearsals in the afternoon. The week culminates
with a show on late Friday afternoon.
Rock U 3 Camp
A workshop for musicians going into grades
8-12 (fall 2015) who have been playing for a
minimum of three years, this camp offers
students a chance to play music they like with
their peers. Repertoire is selected by the group,
which rehearses every day. Lots of hands-on
experience jamming, soloing, songwriting,
and playing complex arrangements. The week
culminates with a show on late Friday afternoon.
“I would highly recommend Blue Bear
as the go-to place for your children’s
musical experiences!”
— Kristen Lemaster
visit bluebearmusic.org 41
41
SKILL LEVEL GUIDELINES
We strongly suggest the following skill levels
for each Summer Camp:
Get Ready to Rock
•Campers will do best if they have been playing
an instrument or singing in an organized
setting for at least six months.
Rock U 1
Kids & Teens
SumMer Camps
Hard Rock Camp
This workshop offers musicians going into
grades 7-10 (fall 2015) an opportunity to rock
hard with their peers. A minimum of one year
of lessons is required. Repertoire is selected by
the group, which rehearses every day. A typical
day includes group lessons in the morning, a
lunchtime jam with staff, and band rehearsals
in the afternoon. The week culminates with a
show on late Friday afternoon.
Songwriting Camp
This workshop is for young people who write
songs or want to, and for musicians who want
to play original music instead of cover songs.
Students will write, arrange and perform their
songs, and receive a recording of the show.
Learn the techniques that the bands you love
use to create the songs you listen to through
workshops on lyrics, form, arranging and more.
Songwriting I is for kids going into Grades 6-9
(fall 2015). Songwriting 2 is for teens going into
Grades 8-12 (fall 2015).
Guitar Camp
This camp is for teens going into grades 7-11
(fall 2015) who have been playing two years
or more and who know open chords, E and
A form barre chords, and minor pentatonic
scales. In this week-long intensive, students
will work on lead and rhythm guitar techniques,
writing their own guitar parts, learning classic
guitar solos, and crafting different guitar tones
with amps and effects. Students will perform
on Friday afternoon.
42 call 415.673.3600
Voice Camp
This camp is for kids going into grades 3-6
(fall 2015). Voice Camp is a week of singing fun!
Students expand their vocal abilities in a relaxed
environment, singing by themselves and in
groups. They will gain valuable experience
singing with musical accompaniment, and get
to show off their newly honed skills at the end
of the week with a performance. Topics include
techniques and warm up, harmony and round
singing, musical games, musicianship and
more. If you have a singing kid, this is the camp
for them! Monday - Friday, 1-3 pm.
Composing for Film, TV & Games Camp
This camp is for teens going into grades 9-12
(fall 2015). Using a digital audio workstation,
students will learn how to create and score
music. Activities will include ear training, theme
writing, scoring and mixing audio and sound
effects along with discussions about music
theory and composition aesthetics.
Creating Music in the Studio Camp
For young songwriters and musicians going into
grades 8-10 (fall 2015) who want to contribute
to an original music project, campers will work on
song arrangements and recording preparation,
tracking and mixing, and learning about the roles
of a producer in recording. Open to one or two
songwriters and up to four supporting musicians,
everyone will contribute to the creative process
and to the writing and recording of individual parts.
Upon completion, students will have a recording of
original music that they played on (also posted on
Bandcamp) along with practical studio experience.
• Suggested minimum of one year of lessons
for all instruments.
• Drummers should be able to play a simple rock beat for one minute.
•Bassists should know names of notes and be able to play one song through to the end.
•Guitarists should know open position chords and E form barre chords.
•Keyboardists should know major and minor
triads in root position.
Rock U 2
•Suggested minimum of two years of lessons
for all instruments.
•Drummers should be able to fill without losing
time, and be able to hold three minutes of a
simple rock beat.
•Bassists should know names of notes and how
to read chord charts, and be able to play eighth
notes through changes.
•Guitarists should know open chords and E and
A form barre chords, and know minor penta
tonic scales.
•Keyboardists should know major and minor
triads, and know the blues scale.
Most camps meet Monday to Friday
10 am - 3 pm, plus a performance
Friday afternoon. See our website
for the 2015 Summer Camp Schedule!
Rock U 3
•Suggested minimum of three years of lessons
for all instruments.
•Drummers should know syncopated kick drum
patterns, shuffle and 6/8 beats.
•Bassists should know syncopated bass lines.
•Guitarists should know syncopated guitar
rhythms (e.g., AC/DC) and riff songs
(e.g., Led Zeppelin).
•Keyboardists should know 7th chords and
inversions, be able to play syncopated rhythms
and to play melodies and improvise.
Songwriting 1 and 2
•Suggested minimum of one year of lessons
for Songwriting 1, and two years of lessons
for Songwriting 2.
43
Little Bears class enrollment is done online
and no annual Member Fee is required. Here are the
Top 5 reasons why Little Bears classes are right for
your child — and for you!
1. Our teachers are actual musicians GROUP classes
Little
BEARS
Who and what are Little Bears? Simply put, Little Bears bobble, weave and dance to their own beat.
Little Bears instructors are working musicians who know how early childhood music education helps
develop speech, hand-eye coordination and creativity. Little Bears offers classes to suit any kid and their
accompanying parent or caregiver (we want to make this fun for everyone in the classroom).
Music affects all people of all ages; that’s why we began teaching classes for children
as young as four months. What can a newborn really do in a music class? A lot!
At birth, children are receptive to sounds, vibrations and voices, so in our Baby
Bears classes, parents guide the lessons with gentle clapping and singing,
learning to incorporate music into everyday routines. I’ve heard from many
families over the years that before their child could stand, walk or talk, they
could mimic clapping and memorize and respond to rhythm patterns from class.
For our active new walkers and future rock star preschoolers, we offer Bouncy
and Boogie Bears classes. Our teachers have developed special curricula that get
everyone singing, doing far-out dance moves, and adding a healthy dose of music
education that is actually fun! Did I mention intense drum circles?!
As Director of the Little Bears program for the last five years, I’ve made it my goal to keep classes
fun, engaging, educational and above all — rockin’ — both for kids and kids at heart. Hope to see you
this winter!
Baby Bears (4 months-1 year)
This class will introduce your child to the
wonderful world of music through lap songs,
finger-plays, sing-alongs and rhythm-based
activities. Parents in this class learn to sing a
variety of playful and soothing rhythms and
melodies to bring home and use for bath time,
dinner time, play time and sleepy time. Please
bring a blanket.
Bouncy Bears (1-3 years)
Children in this class will create musical sounds
and rhythms with their voices and bodies, play
finger games, dance and move to the music,
hear familiar and new songs and rock out during
the percussion instrument jam. Parents be
warned: there will be lots of jumping, bouncing,
moving, grooving and playing in this class!
Boogie Bears (3-5 years)
These preschoolers are ready to rock and roll,
raise the roof and jam out! Children will discover
their own talking and singing voices, dance to
the beat, and explore rhythm with real musical
instruments. Let’s make some music and
boogie down to it!
Get the Beat (3-5 years)
The perfect class for any kid (and adult) who
is obsessed with any and all things drum,
including makeshift drums, treating the cat
like drums, and virtually making everything a
backbeat. Celebrate drums with us in the New
Year without the neighbors complaining!
who love making music.
2. Singing helps children with vocal
and speech development.
3. Dancing and instrument play help
children develop motor skills.
4. Aural training helps children build
listening and concentration skills.
5. Because kids and adults LOVE
to rock.
So let your little ones sing their
hearts out, move to the music
and make some noise!
Mixed Bears
(6 months-5 years)
This class is specially
designed for parents with
more than one child. Babies,
toddlers and big kids all join in
the music making fun, watching
and learning from one another. There
will be plenty of music, movement and
instrument play for children of all ages.
Music and Dance (3-5 years)
Children will use their imagination and develop
skills for singing, movement and play-acting.
This class enables the child and caregiver
to learn new skills in a fun and interactive
environment. It will encourage confidence
and creativity in an environment
designed to let the children’s
imagination flourish!
Tanya Wheeler
Little Bears Director
44 call 415.673.3600
45
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LITTLE BEARS
Do you offer trial classes?
In order to regulate our class sizes and keep
classes consistent and rockin’, we do not offer
free drop-in trial classes. All students need to
enroll and pay tuition in advance to be expected
in a class. However if it isn’t a good fit for any
reason we are more than happy to issue a 100%
refund as long as you contact us two days prior
to your second class.
Classes start the week of January 12 and run for 12 weeks.
class schedule
Baby Bears (4 months-1 year)
Also of interest to Little Bears graduates:
Bouncy Bears (1-3 years)
Tue 4-4:50 pm 1/13-3/31 • $395
w/ Barb Murphy & Zosia Boczanowski
See page 36 for details!
Tue 11-11:45 am w/Rachel 1/13-3/31 • $275
Thurs 11-11:45 am w/Rachel 1/15-4/2 • $275
Mon 10-10:45 am w/Andrea 1/12-3/30 • $275
Mon 3:30-4:15 pm w/Barb 1/12-3/30 • $295
Tue 10-10:45 am w/Rachel 1/13-3/31 • $275
Wed 10-10:45 am w/Barb 1/14-4/1 • $295
Wed 3:30-4:15 am w/Andrew 1/14-4/1 • $275
Thur 10-10:45 am w/Rachel 1/15-4/2 • $275
Fri 10-10:45 am w/Andrew 1/16-4/3 • $275
Fri 3:30-4:15 pm w/Heather 1/16-4/3 • $275
Bouncy Bears @ Calvary Presbyterian Church
Thurs 10-10:45 am w/Andrew 1/15-4/2 • $275
Boogie Bears (3-5 years)
Mon 4:30-5:15 pm w/Barb 1/12-3/30 • $295
Get the Beat (3-5 years)
Wed 4:30-5:15 pm w/Andrew 1/14-4/1 • $275
Music and Dance (3-5 years)
Mon 11-11:45 am w/Andrea 1/12-3/30 • $275
Mixed Bears (6 months-5 years)
Wed 11-11:45 am w/Barb 1/14-4/1 • $295
Fri 11-11:45 am w/Andrew
1/16-4/3 • $275
Fri 2:30-3:15 pm w/Heather
1/16-4/3 • $275
46 call 415.673.3600
Bear Cubs (6-8 years)
POLICIES
• Payment does not guarantee space in a class. Once payment is received, we will call to confirm
your enrollment.
•If you have signed up for a class that is already
full, we will put you on a waiting list and discuss
alternate sections. A full refund is given if we
are unable to place you in a class.
•To check for most current space availability call
Blue Bear at 415.673.3600.
•We do offer a pro-rate of $25 per class if you wish to
join the session late (cannot be applied retroactively,
and can only happen after the second week of
classes; please call 415.673.3600 to sign up).
You are welcome to participate in make up classes
when signing up for the majority of the session.
•If you wish to pay per class, you need to schedule it
at least one-day in advance of the class by calling
the front desk at 415.673.3600; it is $25/class
and cannot be refunded, rescheduled or canceled.
•Your tuition grants you access to two make-up
classes per session. Please take a look at the makeup calendar or call the school for more information.
•Tuition is based on one child, but we do offer an
instant $20-off discount when signing up a
second or third child.
•All classes are with parent or caregiver participation.
We promise you will have an awesome time!
Can I join a class after it has started?
If you are interested in joining a class after the
first day, please call 415.673.3600 and we can
sign you up as long as there is
room (please note: the
refund policy below will still
apply to you).
Do you pro-rate?
We are able to pro-rate
after the second week of
classes at a rate of $25/
class. Please contact the front
desk at 415.673.3600 to enroll.
What if I need to drop a class?
If you decide to discontinue a class for any
reason, please contact us 415.673.3600 two
days prior to the second class meeting for a full
refund. After the second class, no refund shall
be given. However we understand children live
on their own schedules and we will do our best
to figure out a good solution for you.
I have more than one child;
do I need to pay for both of them?
We always think the more the merrier, but all
of our classes our based on occupancy, so all
participants do need to pay tuition. However,
we offer $20 off an additional sibling’s tuition
when registered for the same class.
I have a newborn; can I bring them
to the class with my other child?
Depending on the enrollment of the class, we
can usually accommodate that request. Please
call the school directly to see about enrollment.
Just be aware that some classes can be quite
loud for brand new ears, so we may suggest
baby ear muffs so no nap is interrupted.
Can I switch to another class?
If you would like to switch to a different class for
any reason, please contact us 415.673.3600.
If the class is not full, we should be able to
accommodate your request.
I really need to run errands;
can I drop my child off
for the class?
No, no and no. Not only
is the parent or caregiver
participation imperative
when singing in rounds, but
we firmly believe that children
learn from watching you engage
with the music and instruments.
Is it okay to bring guests to the class?
We love visitors, but due to limited instruments
and room size, we advise that you ask your
instructor prior to inviting guests to come.
47
visit bluebearmusic.org 41
Digital audio program
Community
PROGRAMS
Reaching out!
It’s an unfortunate truth that public school offerings of arts and music have suffered cuts that only
seem to get deeper. In response, Blue Bear’s outreach and community programs for our city’s youth
have expanded. Serving hundreds of music-starved children in public and private schools and in
community centers citywide, Blue Bear’s programming fosters the musical flame in those who have
it, and lights a spark in those who don’t.
With offerings like Digital Audio Production and Songwriting for teens in Bayview and Instrument
Petting Zoo for elementary students in Twin Peaks, our community programming has something
for everyone, regardless of ability. Our Rock Band Program (at Academy of Arts
and Sciences and Rooftop Elementary) has produced bands that have graced professional stages at Cafe Du Nord and Bimbo’s.
These programs have led to wonderful partnerships with organizations
like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, GLIDE Memorial Church, SFUSD and more.
Most important, we have witnessed firsthand the powerful and positive
changes that involvement in the arts can bring our kids. Students in the gritty, challenging Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco have created
incredibly poignant and personal songs, demonstrating the cathartic power
of writing and performing music. For nearly ten years, Rock Band at Rooftop has
produced young musicians who’ve been accepted at the prestigious Ruth Asawa School of the Arts to
continue their artistic growth. Blue Bear’s outreach programs are indeed transforming lives.
Our new dedicated Digital Audio Program
at Bayview Hunters Point YMCA empowers
at-risk youth to write, produce and record
their own original music with state-of-the-art
tools such as GarageBand, Ableton, Logic and
Pro Tools. Students can gain pre-professional
skills in the fields of digital audio and video
production and engineering.
Other Digital Audio Classes
Studio 101: Beginning Digital Audio
Production — Teaches students to create
their own original songs using the acclaimed
Apple program GarageBand. They work with
a professional Blue Bear instructor to write,
arrange and record instrumental and vocal
tracks for their own compositions, or use
GarageBand “clips” (or samples) to create their
own remixes (a simpler version of this course
is available for younger students). Music
appreciation and understanding of all musical
styles demonstrates the variety of types of
songs students can create. All levels and
interests are welcome, with no previous musical
instruction required. At the end of the class, the
students receive a CD of their original songs.
Studio 201 — Furthers the instruction and
offers a glimpse into other more advanced
programs such as Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools.
This course is designed to begin the transition
into a more professional use of digital audio.
Collaborative partnerships with onsite visual
arts classes are also a possibility.
DJ Course — For students interested in a more
current musical art form. Our teachers cover
the history, technique and equipment, using DJ
media of all types from classic vinyl to CDs, and
newer methods including “laptop DJing” using
the Serato and Ableton Live programs. This
program covers all styles and genres of DJing
from hip hop to techno, with performance
opportunities at completion of the course.
Current and past partner sites for Blue Bear
Digital Audio Programs include:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Glide Memorial Church After School Center
• Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School
• Bayview Opera House
• International Studies Academy
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• Friends of the Children
• Saint Joseph’s Family Center
• Real Options for City Kids
• Streetside Stories
• Lincoln High School
• James Lick Middle School
• Starr King Elementary School
• Claire Lilienthal
To set up programming at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Bear.
MUSIC SAVES!
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
48 call 415.673.3600
visit bluebearmusic.org 49
Community
PROGRAMS
Grades 5-12
Rock Band Ensemble — Involves hands-on
instruction with a focus on practicing and
performing as a group; also includes active
listening, music theory, music critique and
instrumental technique. Students are provided
with lessons, practice sessions, performance
opportunities and (in some cases) instruments,
along with the mentorship of Blue Bear’s
professional artists in residence. The classes
range from 9 to 18 weeks of instruction and
culminate in a live performance.
As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is committed
to making a difference beyond the scope of our
in-house programs. We partner with a variety of
schools and other community centers to provide free
and low-cost music education.
Group classes
Blue Bear community programs provide highquality instruction by our artists-in-residence.
These classes are geared for elementary through
high school settings and students often participate
in public performances that build confidence and
self-esteem.
Grades 2-4
Get Rhythm — Our entry-level class teaches
students the fundamentals of one of music’s
most important building blocks. Active listening
and music appreciation expose students to a
wide range of music styles. A variety of hand
percussion instruments are played and students
participate in jams with the instructor. The
fundamentals of mathematics are stressed along
with an introduction to the melodic components,
and the instruments progress up to the level of
keyboard, steel drums, bass and vibes.
50 call 415.673.3600
Instrument Petting Zoo — Designed for the
beginning-level music student, with the goal
of increasing interest and helping determine
which instrument they like best and want to
focus on. Students play the five main rock
instruments including drums, bass, guitar, keys
and voice, and learn the fundamental concepts
of rhythm, melody, harmony, meter, tempo,
scale and key. They experience how the various
instruments work on a basic level through
instruction and usage in popular music and
correlate their usage with other related concepts
they already know, such as basic mathematics,
pattern relations and emotional similarities.
Sing! Dance! — This vocal performance class
takes the playful, contemporary side of the TV
show Glee and combines it with a traditional
choral class. Students learn the basics of music
theory and translate them into a fun and hip
vocal choir, singing songs of various musical
genres. An emphasis on movement and
theatrics is also provided by way of some light
choreography. The program culminates in a fun
performance for their peers and parents.
Beginning Group Guitar —A hands-on
introduction to acoustic guitar that includes
basic playing skills and learning music
fundamentals. Through strums, picking,
scales and chords, students learn how to play
a few songs and get the skills they need to take
it to the next level. The Intermediate Group
Guitar program increases the number of strum
patterns and chords, and adds arpeggios to
give students a bigger arsenal to tackle more
challenging songs.
Keyboard Lab — Beginning instruction on
piano, the foundational musical instrument;
includes music theory as well as playing skills.
Students are taught how to navigate a piano
through scales and chords, building chops that
will assist them in learning songs. They’ll also
have an opportunity to perform publicly during
a recital at the end of the course.
Blue Bear community programs take place
at these and other Bay Area partner sites:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Tenderloin Rec Center
• St. Joseph’s Family Center
• Rooftop Alternative School
• Creative Arts Charter School
• The Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Miraloma Elementary School
• Gateway Middle School
visit bluebearmusic.org 51
Andrea Aragon brings her background in singing,
songwriting and guitar to her Little Bears classes. With
previous experience at Mother Goose Preschool, Music
Together and Presidio Hill School, Andrea’s classes are a
mix of music and movement, multi-lingual world songs
and classic kiddie hits. Her favorite part about teaching
music to young children is witnessing their excitement
and love for music come alive.
ki
ws
Robert Blake is a classically trained singer and actor.
Growing up in North Carolina active with a variety
of musical styles, he studied at Charlotte Children’s
Theatre and at University of North Carolina School
of the Arts. He received vocal training at University of
Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Blake was a professional
singer, actor and vocal coach in Brazil from
2002-2008 and is currently developing his
Zosia Bocz
an
hybrid of rock, soul and country music.
o
As a recording artist, songwriter,
producer and multi-instrumentalist,
Zosia (pronounced Zaw-sha)
Boczanowski has over 15 years experience
in the music industry. She received a vocal
scholarship to attend Berklee College of
Music, where she completed a degree in
Engineering & Production. Zosia is passionate
about teaching voice, guitar and music technology,
connecting people of all ages with the music they love.
Kai C
h
52 call 415.673.3600
Lea Centauri has been singing since age four and is
the author of two vocal programs. She lived in Paris
for several years, performing and teaching throughout
Europe. She is a vocal coach for all genres — jazz,
pop, blues, R&B, rock, show tunes, hip hop and rap —
working with individuals and groups on technique and
preparation for recording and performance. Lea is also
a songwriter and teaches beginning piano.
Kai Chu began his music education on piano, then
graduated from Berklee College of Music studying
guitar, voice and music business. Now a bassist, Kai has
performed for large audiences at renowned venues like
Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the LA Forum, and
the Warfield and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Kai gigs
regularly on the local scene and also plays double bass
in the San Francisco Civic Symphony.
With a music degree from Ithaca College, Randy Clark
has been teaching guitar and amazing audiences with
his critically acclaimed playing since the early 1990s.
His band, Crowsong, has released three records.
Randy has also composed for films and written for
Guitar Player magazine. He specializes in slide guitar
and roots music genres.
Caroline Dahl plays boogie-woogie, blues and rock
piano and is frequently seen wearing sequins. Caroline
currently plays with the Cajun/American roots band
Tom Rigney and Flambeau, and also plays solo piano
regularly on Sundays at Mama’s Royal Cafe in Mill Valley.
She has played solo at piano boogie woogie and blues
festivals in France, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium,
Denmark, Canada, and at numerous venues
in the United States.
Matt Driscoll received a B.A. in Music Education in
2009 from Sonoma State University and his California
K-12 teacher credential in music from SFSU in 2010.
He’s currently pursuing an M.A. in Composition at Mills
College. Matt covers a variety of guitar styles, including
most forms of rock, blues and jazz. Matt also teaches
ukulele, trumpet, mandolin, banjo, piano and accordion.
Sharman Duran, vocalist and keyboardist, has been
performing jazz standards, top 40, soul, rock, pop,
and Latin jazz in bands since 1976. She also specializes
in teaching music to pre-school children. She has
performed throughout Europe and Asia, and gigs
regularly in the Bay Area.
Summer Camp Director and guitarist Nils Erickson
graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music
and has played and taught music in the Bay Area
for over 20 years. Nils has been lead teacher in Blue
Bear’s camps for over 10 years, and has performed in
venues like LA’s Disney Hall, The House of Blues, The
Brooklyn Bowl, The Knitting Factory, and Bimbo’s 365
Club among many others. He currently plays with the
Michael Jackson tribute group Foreverland.
Brian Gire has been teaching and playing music for over
thirty years. Initially inspired by watching the late John
Hartford on television, Brian has developed an eclectic
approach that ranges from Bartok to hard rock to Doc
Watson. He teaches both acoustic and electric guitar
(in styles including jazz, blues, classical, rock, bluegrass
and more), banjo, mandolin, piano and bass.
Ben Goldstein was born and raised in Memphis,
where he learned to play and sing blues, rock, soul,
funk, gospel, boogie and folk music. In his studies at
Middlebury College, he dove into jazz and compositional
theory. He has played keys and sung with dozens
of bands in Tennessee and Vermont, writes
and records original music,
Ben
Go
and also has ten years
lds
t
of experience in vocal
arrangement.
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u
Kent Brown was a professional actor, singer and guitarist
in Atlanta and the Southeast for 11 years before moving
to San Francisco. An instructor at Blue Bear since 2000,
Kent teaches group lessons in all levels of acoustic guitar
as well as private lessons in acoustic and electric guitar
and bass. His cover band Suite Love Express plays
regularly throughout the Bay Area.
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Pete
Summer camp instructor Cole Odin Berggren has
drummed in bands for 20 years, and is also a trained
glassblower and prominent local DJ. Currently, he is the
primary songwriter and singer/multi-instrumentalist
for his own pulsing, psychedelic, electronic rock band
OWNERSHIP. Cole also teaches at Blue Bear’s Bayview
YMCA Digital Music Program and is Blue Bear’s
Community Programs Director.
Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated,
performing singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer
who brings over 25 years of songwriting experience
to his popular workshops. A founding member
of the Nerves and the Plimsouls, Case’s
songs are consistently discovered by
each new generation, covered and
performed by his fellow songwriters
(Chris Smither, John Prine and
Alejandro Escovedo, among others),
and featured on film and television,
most recently in True Blood and
as
e
Friday Night Lights.
Colin Hayes is a Bay Area native who has been writing,
playing and recording and producing music for over
15 years. In 2009, he graduated from San Francisco
State University’s BECA program with a degree in Audio
Production. He currently plays guitar with Dogcatcher
(Live 105 Top 20 Bay Area Bands 2012 & 2013) and Girl
Named T, in addition to his duties as Recording Division
Director of Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program.
Ryan Hickey has studied music theory, composition
and performance, teaches piano and guitar, and is
Blue Bear’s All Star Band director. He has performed in
orchestras, symphonies and marching bands; has toured
the U.S. with funk, reggae, bluegrass, jazz, world, hip hop
and rock bands; and continues to have his work featured
in international publications. His musical inspirations
start with Ravi Shankar, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith,
The Grateful Dead, John Coltrane and Steely Dan.
Rachel Hoiem has studied music for over 20 years,
including several years on scholarship at Blue Bear. With
a B.A. in Jazz Piano from SF State, she gigs regularly
in her bands Light Fantastic, Bellavista, and Rachel
and the Rats. Her Little Bears song repertoire includes
everything from The Beatles to Beastie Boys, along with
her own originals, keeping things fresh and fun for all.
Raz Kennedy has worked as a vocalist, vocal
coach and producer in the Bay Area since 1980. His
performance credits include six years as a founding
member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, as well as
projects with June Watanabe Performance Ensemble,
Rebeca Mauleon, Bob Ostertag, Bonnie Hayes,
y
Linda Tillery, George Coates Performance
Works and Oberlin Dance Collective. Raz
is currently on leave while he completes
work on his PoRazOne Project.
Ryan
Hic
ke
TEACHER
Biographies
Summer camp songwriting teacher Susie Davis is
a respected music educator, professional vocalist,
keyboardist, songwriter, guitarist and accordionist. Since
1986, she has toured and recorded with top names
in the music world: Van Morrison, Prince, Sheila E.,
Billy Idol, Melissa Etheridge, Sinead O’Connor, Pat
Benatar and Mick Jagger. She has worked extensively
as a solo artist in the Bay Area and Los Angeles and
currently tours and records with Those Darn Accordions,
Rhythmtown Jive, and the Rubinoos.
Steve Kirk has taught guitar, bass, music
theory, composition and band workshops at
Blue Bear since 2007. Outside of the Bear, he
composes for TV, film and multi-media, including a
recent project of music for the Star Wars MMO game,
The Old Republic. He’s also a member of Orchestra
Nostalgico, known for performing movie music by the
likes of Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone.
Devin Lane has taught guitar privately and in schools
and summer camps since 2007. He has also taught
bass, drums, piano, voice and recording techniques.
With a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara, where he studied
electronic music composition, music theory, piano and
English literature, Devin has performed in local bands
and completed a musical journey of Latin America with
performances in Mexico, Colombia and Peru.
visit bluebearmusic.org 53
Teacher
BIOGRAPHIES
Sean
Leahy
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ba
Bar
Berklee School of Music grad Sean Leahy has toured
the States and Europe with Kofy Brown, Red Archibald,
Marginal Prophets, Boomshanka, Four Year Bender,
Guitarmageddon and London Street. An experienced
guitar teacher and band workshop leader, his first
influences include Hendrix, Duane Allman and Angus
Young. Sean gigs regularly throughout the Bay Area
and beyond.
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urp
hy
Summer camp songwriting teacher Ira Marlowe grew up
listening to jazz and show tunes, begged for guitar lessons
at eight, finally got them at thirteen and experienced a
high school conversion from folkie to rocker. At nineteen,
he started penning songs that sounded somewhere
between Daltrey/Townsend and Lerner and Loew.
His awards include the SF Weekly “Best of the Bay”
song contest and a Napa Valley Music Festival award.
Pamela Parker is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist
schooled in classical, jazz, blues, classic rock, recording,
songwriting, producing and performing. She holds two
degrees in music, has started two music schools, works
at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, and has been
practicing music since the age of 7, including piano,
violin, drums, bass, guitar, singing, songwriting and
recording.
Shaun McGonegal is a seasoned drummer with over
30 years of experience in performance and studio
work. Along with contributions to many albums, he
is a GrooveZoo.com Groove Crew Member, actively
consulting for the site. His formal training began at
Ontario College of Percussion and continued with Pete
Magadini, John Pickering, and jazz great Tony Williams.
Shaun has mastered styles from rock, R&B, blues and
funk, to Latin, jazz and hip hop.
Jim Peterson has played and taught saxophone and
woodwinds for more than 25 years. He studied in his
early days at Blue Bear, then at Berklee School of Music.
Jim has played with Beaufunk, Mitch Woods, Steve
Lucky, and President’s Breakfast, and is a founding
member/composer for MoFone, Giant Trio, Mumbo
Gumbo, and The New Squatoolas. He has performed at
jazz festivals in Canada and Europe and at the Monterey
Jazz and Blues Festivals.
Tennessee Mowrey is a multi-instrumentalist singer/
songwriter who has written for folk, rock, reggae, and
punk bands, as well as for film and theater. Proficient
in guitar, bass, drum kit, hand percussion, mandolin
and ukulele, he has released multiple self-produced
solo albums, as well as albums with his various bands,
including Borneo and Electric Tiger Lily. Tennessee
graduated from Wesleyan University with High Honors
in Music in 2010.
Seminar instructor Ilya Portnov is an innovative
harmonica player who transforms its rustic simplicity
into a sophisticated, expressive sound capable of
conveying the most challenging music. He is equally
comfortable swinging a Brazilian choro, navigating a
sinewy Balkan dance, or celebrating harmonica’s roots
in the blues. Ilya completed an M.A. at the prestigious
New England Conservatory, the only person playing
diatonic harmonica to have ever done so.
Barbara Murphy helped start Blue Bear’s Little Bears
Program in 2007. With her powerful voice, positive
energy and diverse repertoire, Teacher Barb has touched
many small hearts over the years. She plays guitar and
piano and emphasizes voice, tone, movement, rhythm
and basic musical concepts in her classes. Her album
Train to Sleepytown has been a hit!
Janak Ramachandran is driven to inspire, connect and
enlighten via his teaching philosophy of “motivating
encouragement, concrete guidance, and playful musicality.”
Once a student at Blue Bear, he is now one of a handful
of teachers to receive Blue Bear’s Outstanding Faculty
Award for his work in teaching voice/vocal style, guitar,
bass, piano, theory/songwriting and stage performance.
54 call 415.673.3600
Stella Roshi-Moles has been playing music since
before she can remember. She grew up in Montana,
studying classical violin and doing lots of fiddling, then
received a B.M. in Violin Performance from Portland
State University. Stella is a multi-instrumentalist whose
experimental folk music album Wisdom Teeth was just
released on Post-Consumer Records under the moniker
Stella Peach.
Emily Thebaut studied at Interlochen Arts Academy,
Oberlin Conservatory of Music (B.M.), and at SF
Conservatory of Music where she received her Master
of Music degree. During her classical voice and opera
studies, Emily performed in Italy and Austria. With
experience in musical theater, jazz and pop music, vocal
pedagogy is an area of particular interest to Emily, who
enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels.
Summer camp instructor Erik Schramm is a Bay Area
guitarist who for the last several years has toured the
U.S. with the band Super Diamond. He performs often
in San Francisco with artists Brandi Shearer, Clay Bell,
Matt Verba and Strip Club. He also does sessions for
songwriters, commercials and independent films. His
playing is a mix of pop, blues, funk, rock and a taste of
country for good measure.
With an early background in trumpet, piano and voice in
concert bands, marching bands, community symphony
orchestras and barbershop quartets, John Turner
eventually settled on the keys, touring with national
recording groups and working as a session player. He
has also accompanied cabaret acts and played for top
40 and show bands, upscale restaurants, five-star
hotels, corporate events and private parties.
Mark Schuh has toured the country as guitarist, bassist,
keyboardist and singer in numerous projects, and can
often be found singing and playing solo guitar at SF’s
Durty Nelly’s, where he’s been a resident musician for
the last ten years. He studied music with the infamous
Joan Wildman at UW-Madison and at Blue Bear with
jazz guru Jeff Massanari. Mark is currently lead guitarist
for SF’s New Orleans-inspired Fatcat.
Amanda VanderMeer graduated with high honors
from Portland Community College’s professional
music program and has been playing and writing music
for 25 years, touring the globe and releasing two studio
albums. Since 2006, she has taught a wide range
of ages in drums, piano, vocals, music theory and
songwriting. She plays drums in her current band,
Deathtrap America.
Girls Rock!! camp teacher Karen Segal has been
teaching bands in the Bay Area since 2000 and rocking
out since she was 11. She’s performed at the Hard
Rock Cafe, Bottom of the Hill, Yoshi’s SF, Savanna Jazz,
Rassela’s and Cafe Du Nord. Karen teaches band at SF’s
Brandeis Hillel Day School, and has a diploma from the
Musicians Institute in L.A., a Master’s of Education from
UCLA, and a California State Teaching Certificate.
Brandy Washington is a self-taught singer, songwriter,
keyboardist, rapper, drummer and producer who writes
and performs under the moniker, BEDAZAE. Her songs
and instrumentals have been used for various underground
projects. Brandy is the Media Center Coordinator and
co-teacher for the Blue Bear Digital Audio Production
program at the Bayview YMCA.
Andrew Skewes-Cox, a former Blue Bear student,
has a music degree from UC Santa Cruz. Known for
creating drums out of practically anything and usually
carting around a giant bag of tiny guitars for his Little
Bears classes, he is the embodiment of a hard-working
musician. Andrew also teaches at DayOne Center, Lone
Mountain Children’s Center and Calvary Presbyterian
preschool, volunteers for Bread & Roses, and plays
drums for Rin Tin Tiger.
Summer camp songwriting teacher Bill “Sputnick”
Spooner is a guitarist, singer/songwriter and the
founder of The Tubes, a band known for its legendary
theatrical rock concerts. Bill has also released three
solo albums, First Chud, Mall to Mars and Demolicious.
Sara Jean Yaste, aka Jean Jeanie, is a performer, singer,
multi-instrumentalist and composer who plays with the
punkadelic group Future Twin and experimental noise
duo Dark Materials. She cares passionately about
enabling all people to find their voice,
collectively and individually, and teaches
in Blue Bear’s offsite programs.
Bill “Sputnick
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n
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ter
Jim Pe
Little Bears teacher Heather Normandale has been
singing most of her life and plays guitar, mandolin and
banjo. She has taught music in preschools and other
toddler music programs, and has brought music into
classrooms with the Wild Science classes of Tree Frog
Treks. Her kids band, Dandelions, Tigers and Bears, plays
regularly at the Ashkenaz Sunday Kids shows.
Summer camp instructor Bob Tatum, a graduate of
Percussion Institute of Technology in L.A., has been
teaching drums and performing in the Bay Area since
1999. In addition to being the house drummer for the
Blue Lamp in San Francisco, Bob has played with bands
and artists such as Jimmy Two Times, Noelle Hampton,
Storm Large, Bonnie Hayes and Heather Combs.
er
on
J.T. Locke has been playing guitar, writing and arranging
songs for over twenty years, recording and performing
across the country for over ten years, and teaching
professionally since 2007. J.T. trained at PCC Music
program in Portland and M.I.T in Los Angeles. He offers
instruction in rock, jazz, classical, blues, metal, pop and
other styles, as well as in songwriting. His current band
is Deathtrap America.
Mike Rao, a graduate of G.I.T. in Los Angeles, studied
solo jazz guitar with Ted Green. He loves blues and
classic rock and has fifteen years of teaching experience.
Mike is well known for his systematic and comprehensive
approach to building skills in his group classes. He also
leads youth bands and guitar classes in Blue Bear’s
offsite programs.
visit bluebearmusic.org 55
GIFTS
Grants & Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
GENERAL FUND DONORS
SCHOLARSHIP SUPERSPONSORS
Anonymous
ARIA Foundation
Maria Cardamone
SUPERHERO ($50,000+)
Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
Judith Hill-Weld
Susan and Gregg Lustig
Susan McGarry
Elaine and Scott Munday in honor of Dorian
Amy Nicholson
Teresa Odom
Bonnie Raitt
STEVE STRAUSS FOUNDERS FUND
Joan Barnes
Maria Cardamone
Stephanie and John Dains
Ian J. Kalin
Richard Strauss
KEITH ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ned and Robin Selfe
Patricia and Thomas Allen
Charles Felsenthal
BILL GRAHAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Bill Graham Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund
The Walther Foundation
Matching GRANTS
Anonymous (2)
Business Wire
Dodge & Cox Matching Fund
GE Foundation
Google Matching Grants
Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants
Salesforce.com Foundation
56 call 415.673.3600
Blue Bear thanks the many individuals and
organizations providing contributions received
between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014.
Our educational work could not continue
without your support.
HEROES ($10,000+)
Anonymous (2)
Maria Cardamone
Walter & Elise Haas Fund
The Walther Foundation
SUPERBENEFACTORS ($5,000-9,999)
John Brockway Huntington Foundation
The McKenzie Foundation of San Francisco
BENEFACTORS ($2,500-$4,999)
Mark Brueckman
Calibre One, Inc
John Lee, Advanced Construction
Mr. Christopher Lord and Ms. Coltrane C. Lord
Brett May
SUPERSPONSORS ($1,000-$2,499)
Jill Suttie and Don Arbitlit
Holland Bender
Block Communications, Inc.
Bob Brown
Tim and Roo Duncan
D’Addario Music Foundation
Emergent Transportation Concepts
Dominic Haigh
Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation
The Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation
Danielle Rubin
Ned and Robin Selfe
Jeff Shaw
Tony and Marcie Stais
Joe Strulowitz
Union Bank Foundation
Jonathan Weiner
Paul Winston
visit bluebearmusic.org 57
SUPPORTERS ($100-$249)
THANK YOU
GIFTS
SPONSORS ($500-$999)
David Neil Black
California Accounting Center CPAs
Mike and Pat Evans
Bill Haerle
Mike Kappus — The Rosebud Agency
George Lucas Family Foundation
Climb Real Estate Group
Byron Mellberg
O’Dette Mortgage Group
Nils Reuter in honor of Ryan Hickey
Stephen N. Rosenfield
Steve Savage and Tamara Bock
Danielle Stanislaus and Bradley Herman
DONORS ($250-$499)
Anonymous in honor of Max Swerin
Robert and Marida Berlin
Bimbo’s 365 Club
Robert Brown and Su-Moon Paik
Shirley Sun Forbes
Graham Green
Mike and Kelly Halper
Dan Kane
Michael Keys
Zach Lee
Julie and Jonathan Meyer
Dick Millet
Lisa Tarigo Poalillo
Josina Reddy
Gloria and Welton Rollerson
Tamyra Thomas
Pauline Ayako Uyeda
58 call 415.673.3600
“I’m sticking with Blue Bear, you do
a wonderful job.”
— Dick Millet
“We look forward to many more
years at Blue Bear.”
— Uma & George Lerner
“Thanks for the great program,
I couldn’t have done this on my own!”
— Forbes Husted
Anonymous in honor of Johnny Nitro
Adrienne in honor of Carol Snow
Kit Anderton
Gina N. Ballenger
Aleck Beach
William E. Berry
Ethan Bodle
Jeffrey Briss
Charles and Nancy Burbach
Alexander Calhoun in memory of Richard Smith
Kira Casey and Victoria Stein
Lin Chase
John Close
Genevieve Conaty
Joycelin Craig
Crosby & Kaneda
Gerry Ehrmann
Elizabeth Finlayson & Jim Nadel
Anne and Mason Flemming
Michael Gallagher
Mark Gunther and Anne M. Krantz
Brenda Hillman in honor of Carol Snow
Adrienne Hirt and Jeff Rodman
Robert S. Hodas
David and Debra Hoiem
Matt Holmes
Mary Holzer
Henry Hooker and Janine Roeth
Lisa Hubbert
Scott Jensen
William Knight
Daniel Kunstler
Monica Loncola
Gail J. and Robert B. Loveman
Tim Lynch
The Mahon Family
Pat and Lori Martinez
Gary and Ann Merkerson
MK Productions, Inc.
Andrew Moore
Donald Moore
Jami Nadzam
Aarti Natesan
Mariana Parreiras
Mike Rao
Yvette Rosedale
Bev and Ron Sherrill
The Singer’s Workshop
Richard Sloan
Sweetwater Music Hall
Tim Whalen
Mark Williams
Dr. Richard Wolitz
Carol Wong
Melvin Wong, Blackbird Music
visit bluebearmusic.org 59
ASSOCIATES ($60-$99)
GIFTS
Carol Caspe-Nayman
Lisa and Matt Chanoff
Ian and Joanie Crombie
Donna Casey Gerber
Ruth Kirschner
Jennifer Rollerson Yelton
Carol Snow & David Matchett
TRUSTEES
and Staff
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRIENDS ($1-$59)
Anonymous Blue Bear
Hank Bannister
In honor of Malcolm Berry on Valentine’s Day
Elvin Bishop
Mary Bourke
Jennifer Burke
G. and Shirley L. Costanzo
Steve and Juel Craig
Debbie Cucalon
Sharman Duran Aguilera
David and Katherine Evans
E.H. and Romana L. Gallarate
Jennifer Gee
Sam Gharabally
Kevin Gill
Tim Hughes
Jerry Jeter
Michael Juster
Michael Kelleher
The Chang Knezevich Family
The Koenig Family
Marshall Lamm
David Lehr
Reshma Lensing in honor of Lyla Hielscher
Donald M. Maus
Walter McMath
David G. and Sheree L. Meyer
Holly Moore
Jim Peterson
Keilani Pilates
Doug Raymond
Karen L. Riefer
Frederica Robertson
Jill Robinson
Dianne Younger Rosse
Michael Schmidt
Kit-Shui
The Simons Family
Kristen Steck
Hisae and Yoshimichi Takahashi
Queenie Taylor
Judith and Bruce Todd
Victor Valentine
Erin Vivion and Family
Monica Wan Chavarria
Marcus Yelton
Lisa Zahner
Michael Zwerin
60 call 415.673.3600
Bonnie Hayes
Rose Kirkland
Jim Peterson
Vicki Randle
Renee Richardson
Richard Strauss
Paul Winston
Maria Cardamone
Chair
Steve Savage
President
Jay R. Shah, CPA
Vice Chair
Brett May
Treasurer
PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Steve Savage
Interim Executive Director
Dennis Criteser
Program Director
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
Tanya Wheeler
Little Bears Director
Ryan Hickey
Carol Snow
Financial Director
Stella Roshi-Moles
Accounts and Office Manager
Tracy Fischer
Marketing and PR Manager
Alycia Moore
All Star Band Director
Development Associate
Nils Erickson
Richelle Cullen
Colin Hayes
Stephanie Kennedy
Summer Camp Director
Recording Division Director
Front Desk
Front Desk
visit bluebearmusic.org 61
General
INFORMATION
Phone – 415.673.3600
Email – info@bluebearmusic.org
Private lesson changes are handled by
phone only — be sure to leave a message.
ENROLL ONLINE
Go to bluebearmusic.org and click on
“Sign Up” to get started today!
BIKE RACKS
Outdoor bike racks are located throughout
Fort Mason. There are no indoor racks.
Weekday Rates
Time
Rate
0-1 hours
$2.00
1-2 hours$4.00
1-2 hours
$5.00
2-3 hours$6.00
2-3 hours
$7.00
3-4 hours$8.00
3-4 hours $10.00
$10.00
> 4 hours
> 4 hours
Bay
an
tav
ia
a
Lombard
Chestnut
Chapel
Gatehouse
Firehouse
E
N
n
ilio
av
lP
a
tiv
s
Fe
D
C
B
A
pedestrian
entrance
vehicle 22
entrance
28
Beach
Blvd.
Fort Mason Center
Golden Gate Bridge
$12.00
SLIDING SCALE TUITION AVAILABLE: Income-based sliding scale tuition is available for all
Blue Bear instruction and summer camps, with potential savings of 20% to 30% or more. Please visit
bluebearmusic.org/sliding to see whether you qualify!
Please Note: Blue Bear School of Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and
ethnic origin, age, political affiliation, disability, gender, sexual orientation or religious belief in administration
of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs
or in affording students the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to
students at the school.
FORT MASON CENTER
Fort Mason Center is located in the
Marina District of San Francisco.
The entrance to Fort Mason is at the
intersection of Marina Blvd. and
Buchanan Street.
From the East Bay
Bay Bridge to Fremont Street Exit; on Fremont
(100 yards north) take first right on Howard;
left on Embarcadero and go 2 miles; left on
Bay, about 2 miles. Right on Buchanan. Cross
Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into Fort
Mason Center.
From the North Bay
Golden Gate Bridge (US 101) to Marina Exit;
go 1.5 miles. Turn left at Buchanan & turn right
into Fort Mason Center.
62 call 415.673.3600
43
30
Fillm
ore
a
Fr
un
vehicle
entrance
n
li
nk
SAFEWAY
Rate
0-1 hour$2.00
h
V49a 47
General’s
Residence
Weekend Rates
Time
s
es
N
n
Em
Oc
ad
rc
ba
ina
Mar
CONTACT INFO
ell
Pow
ero
Buc
han
Blue Bear School of Music
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D
San Francisco, CA 94123
Funds generated from parking in the paid lot are
allocated for the preservation and restoration of
Fort Mason Center, a National Historic Landmark.
Vehicles can enter the lot at any time, however
overnight parking is not permitted. Sometimes
spots are available just outside the Fort Mason
gate, next to where the boats are moored, and
that parking is free.
Lag
ADDRESS
Market
PARKING AT FORT MASON
Go
ug
Monday to Thursday: 1-8 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Friday & Sunday: closed
Bay Bridge
He
Co rbst
we Pa
ll T vili
he on
ate &
r
OFFICE HOURS
Peninsula
From the South Bay
US 101 North to 9th St. Exit; 9th across Market
& left on Hayes; right on Franklin; about 2
miles. Turn left on Bay St, right on Buchanan.
Cross Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into
Fort Mason Center.
Public Transportation
Bay Area-wide: www.511.org and
call 817-1717 or 511 from any area code
East Bay BART: www.bart.gov and
(510) 465-2278
North Bay Golden Gate Transit:
www.goldengate.org and (415) 455-2000
Peninsula/South Bay CalTrain:
www.caltrain.com and (800) 660-4287
San Francisco MUNI: www.sfmuni.com
and (415) 673-6864
visit bluebearmusic.org 63
The Chapel
777 Valencia St., SF
Sunday, December 14
5:30 – 9 pm
CELEBRATE
the Holidays with Blue Bear
Performances by
Blue Bear Youth
All Star Bands
• All ages welcome
• Free appetizers
• Drink specials available
Details at bluebearmusic.org/holiday-party
MAVIS
STAPLES
Saturday17
Januaryand: TH_
r Youth B
+ Blue Bea
Mavis Staples has been named
one of the 100 Greatest Women of
Rock & Roll by VH1 and one of the
100 Greatest Singers of All Time by
Rolling Stone. Grown from gospel
roots, her powerful grit-and-honey
vocals and infectious enthusiasm will
make this an unforgettable evening.
Here’s your chance to support
Blue Bear and see a soul icon live
in an intimate venue!
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley
Tickets are extremely limited —
get yours at bluebearmusic.org/mavis
VIP (includes buffet dinner): $150
General Admission: $75
($60 for Blue Bear Members)
All tickets standing room only.
VIP doors: 6 pm • GA doors: 7:30 pm
Show: 8 pm
64
tions
c
a
tr
is
D
e
h
T
&
e
Matt Jaff
visit bluebearmusic.org/mavis 65
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D
San Francisco, CA 94123
IT’S TIME TO PLAY!
• Private Lessons
• Band Workshops
• Instrumental & Voice Classes
• Theory Classes
• Short Seminars
• Songwriting & Recording
• Summer Camps
• Community Programs
• Something for all ages
• Sliding scale tuition available
bluebearmusic.org
415.673.3600
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
WINTER QUARTER 2015
• Adults ­— 11 weeks
January 20 – April 6
• Little Bears — 12 weeks
January 12 – April 4
• Enroll online now!
PAID
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
PERMIT NO. 10148
IN HOME BY DEC. 1