DESERT HILLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Group & Private Classes

Whether you're looking to play an instrument with others in a group setting or you want a more focused, one-on-one approach, the Desert Hills Community School of Music offers classes for all ages and learning styles.

Music Exploration

(Ages 6-10)

Music Exploration is a nine-week group class that starts children ages 6-10 on their journey to exploring music. Through active listening, singing, ear training and instruction in piano basics, children begin to build a solid foundation in music. It is taught by professional pianist Svetlana Obregon.


The class covers theory concepts such as rhythm and meter, major and minor scale patterns, blocked and broken chords, music modes, melodic and harmonic intervals, registers and timbres. The knowledge gained in Music Exploration prepares students to play any musical instrument in the future.


The early years of music education are critical. By making music fun, interesting and engaging, Music Exploration begins to grow a musician inside every child. Music Exploration is designed for children who are beginners or have no prior music experience.


Now enrolling for Spring Session 2


  • Dates: Saturdays, March 25 - May 27, 2023 (no class  May 13)
  • Time: 9:30 - 10:15am
  • Price: $225 for 9 weeks

:

Register Today!

Private Lessons

Private, one-on-one instruction is the most effective path to mastering an instrument over time. In private lessons, students receive 30, 45 or 60 minutes of individual attention each week, focused on developing the skills and repertoire they need to advance as musicians.


In private lessons, instructors meet each student where they are and help them advance their skills at the pace and level that's right for them. Lessons are individually tailored to a student's learning style, ability, and musical goals. We currently offer private lessons for piano, guitar, saxophone, clarinet and flute.


Whether your aim is to become a professional musician or you just want to learn to play your favorite songs, DHCSM instructors will help you reach your goal!

Contact Us About Private Lessons

Adult Group Piano

Always dreamed of playing the piano? Or maybe it's been decades since you touched the keys and you want to take up playing again? Adult Group Piano is a great place to start or continue your piano-playing journey.


In group lessons, you’ll be with other adult learners, bringing a sense of community to the piano-playing journey. You will learn to read music, play songs using proper technique, collaborate with your friends, and begin to build a repertoire of your favorite pieces of music. Each class is lively, fun, and designed specially for adults and seniors. 


All Group Piano classes are taught by professional pianist Vitaly Serebriakov. Vitaly has many years of experience teaching group piano lessons and is an expert at bringing out the best in each student in that setting.


DHCSM offers five levels of group piano classes for adults: Beginner I, II & III and Intermediate I & II.


Now enrolling for Spring Session 2!


  • Continuing Students
  • Tuesdays, Mar. 21 - May 23, 2023 (no class May 9)
  • 9:00 - 9:55am (Beginner III)
  • 10:00 - 10:55am (Beginner IV)
  • 11:00 - 11:55am (Intermediate I&II)
  • Saturdays, Mar. 25 - May 27, 2023 (no class May 13)
  • 9:30 - 10:25am (Beginner II)


  • Price: $225 for 9 weeks


**If you are just beginning to play piano for the first time, we will be offering a new Beginner I class in August 2023. Send us a note through our CONTACT page to let us know you're interested and we'll keep you posted on exact days and sign-up availability.

Register Today!

Group Guitar

Designed for beginning guitar players ages 12 and up, Group Guitar helps beginning guitar players start developing proficiency on the instrument.


Students will learn guitar chords in common song keys, basic music theory (meter, rhythm, beat, chord structure, music notation), how to play single-line melodies, how to use the pick (strumming, alternate picking, pattern picking and more), chord changes and how to play them in time with a song, how to use the guitar to accompany a vocalist, how to play with another guitarist and much more.


The class uses the Hal Leonard guitar method. By the end of the nine-week class, students will be able to accompany many basic songs and be able to read and play the melody lines of many tunes straight from standard notation. Depending on their progress, students also may be able to accompany some Christmas carols.


**Now enrolling for 2023!**


  • Dates: Saturdays, March 25 - May 20, 2023
  • Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
  • Price: $225 for 9 weeks
Register Today!

Saxophone Ensemble

Whether you're a current saxophone player or your horn has accumulated some years of dust, come out and play fun music with a group of saxophone players from all over the valley. The DHCSM saxophone ensemble welcomes saxophonists of all ages (we have had players from ages 11 - 84!) and all ability levels.


The ensemble meets three times a year -- in Spring, Summer and Fall. Typically, we rehearse on four or five Sundays, then put on a final performance on the last Sunday that is open to the public. Click on the "Register Today" button to sign up.


As a bonus, all musicians who sign up for saxophone ensemble are entitled to one free 45-minute saxophone lesson with ensemble leader Jeffrey Anthony. You can use your free lesson time to work on ensemble music or any other music/skills of your choosing.


  • Rehearsal Dates: Sundays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
  • Rehearsal Times: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Rehearsal Location: Desert Hills Presbyterian Church main sanctuary (34605 N Tom Darlington Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85266)
  • Final Performance: Sunday, March 25 at 4:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church
  • Price: $25 one-time participation fee
Register Today!
Share by: