DESERT HILLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Group Music Lessons for Kids & Teens

Group Music Lessons for Kids and Teens (Ages 5-17)

We offer a variety of group music lessons and classes for kids and teens aged 5-17. In a lively setting surrounded by their peers and led by professional musicians, students can develop skills while experiencing the joy of learning to play an instrument. Our current offerings for group music lessons for kids include Music Exploration, Group Cello/Bass and a variety of Ensembles.

Music Exploration

Music Exploration is a year-long program that starts children ages 6-10 on their journey to exploring music through active listening, singing, ear training and instruction in piano basics. It is designed for children who have little or no prior music experience.


Taught by professional pianist Svetlana Obregon Saens, 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 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.


The program runs August through May. Please click the button below to register your interest in the program and we'll keep you informed about dates, times, and cost for the 2024-25 program.

I'm Interested

Group Cello

Open to youth ages 8-17 who want to learn to play the cello, our Saturday morning beginning lower strings classes get kids and teens started on this popular instrument in a fun and lively setting.


Taught by Gregory Hamilton, former associate professor of cello and bass at Concordia College, Greg fosters a learning environment that is patient, supportive and fun. While learning proper technique, fundamental skills and simple songs, students will begin to build both proficiency and enthusiasm for the cello.


We are offering two classes for the Spring semester -- one for beginners with no previous experience playing the cello, and one for students with 1-2 years of experience. Parents are also welcome to join in! Classes are held in 8- or 9-week sessions, depending on the time of year.

Now enrolling for Group Cello – Spring Session 2!


Beginner I (for students with no prior experience)

Dates: Saturdays, March 23 - May 18, 2024

Time: 10:00 - 10:55 a.m.

Price: $224 for 9 weeks


Beginner II (for students with 1-2 years of experience)

Dates: Saturdays, March 23 - May 18, 2024

Time: 9:00 - 9:55 a.m.

Price: $224 for 9 weeks

Register Today

Teen Group Piano (Ages 10-17)

Learn to play the piano! Group Beginning Piano for students ages 10-17 gets kids on the path to learning the piano in a supportive, community environment. If your child has ever expressed an interest in learning to play, this is a fun and affordable way to get them started and gauge their interest in the instrument. Sign up with a friend for double the fun!


Group Beginning Piano for Teens is taught by international award-winning pianist Isidora Jovanović Driscoll. All classes are held in DHCSM’s state-of-the-art piano lab. 


Classes are held in 8- or 9-week sessions, depending on the time of year.

Now enrolling for Spring Session 2!


Dates: Mondays, March 18 - May 13, 2024

Time: 5:15 - 6:10 p.m.

Price: $224 for 9 weeks

Register Today

Ensembles for Kids & Teens

DHCSM offers several ensembles that are open to musicians of all ages who have been playing their instruments for at least two years.

Saxophone Ensemble

Saxophone Ensemble is comprised of saxophone players from around the valley of all ages and ability levels. The group meets three times a year and includes soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone players. Click HERE for more information.

Flute Choir

Flute Choir meets twice a year and is open to flute players of all ages and ability levels. If you play piccolo, C flute, alto flute or bass flute, come join flautists from all over the Phoenix area in preparing a concert to perform for a live audience. Click HERE for more information.

Youth Ensembles

Are you interested in being part of a youth woodwind ensemble? Brass quintet? Saxophone quartet? We are currently forming small ensembles of three to six instrumentalists aged 12-17. Players will be matched with other musicians according to instrument, ability, and their expressed interest. Fill out the form below to let us know you’re interested!

Youth Ensemble Inquiry
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