Group Classes
Group classes give kids a chance to learn music in a fun, supportive setting, working and playing alongside their peers. As a nonprofit, Ethos offers every class on a sliding scale, so cost never gets in the way of a student joining. We welcome students ages 5 and up, including all-ages and intergenerational classes.
Don't see what you're looking for?
We add sections for advancing students and other age groups as soon as we have enough interest to fill a class. If you're looking for something that isn't listed below, whether that's a more advanced level or a different age group, let us know. It genuinely helps us decide what to open next.
Looking to play in a rock band, sing in a vocal ensemble, or join another performance group?
Fill out our Ensemble Interest Form and we'll match you with the right ensemble based on your instrument, experience, and availability.
Currently Registering…
Please check back in August for Fall Term Registration!
Full descriptions of all upcoming Fall 2026 group classes and ensembles are below.
Group & Ensemble Lesson Cost
Full Price: $225.00
Reduced Rate: $155.25
OHP/SNAP Rate: $95.25
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer all group and ensemble classes on a sliding scale to make classes as affordable as possible. Prices cover the full ten-week term.
Families who qualify for OHP or SNAP receive our lowest rate automatically. If you don't qualify for those programs but still need a reduced rate based on your income or household size, reach out. We never want cost to be the reason a student doesn't sign up.
Instrumental and Singing Classes
Browse our instrumental and singing group classes below and find the right one for you! To sign up, click the “register now” button at the top of this page.
-
Ages 5-7
Kinder Keys is a group piano class for young learners ages 5-7, designed to build musical literacy and listening skills through exploration and play. Whether your child is naturally curious or still warming up to new experiences, our approach honors each child's individual learning style, encouraging exploration through movement, singing, and hands-on keyboard play as they develop foundational music and social skills in a fun, supportive environment. Kinder Keys isn't just piano…it builds confidence, creativity, and classroom readiness!
Book purchase required -Faber Piano Beginner ($10.00 available at first class)We offer 6 sessions to choose from:
Mondays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 21 - Dec 7
Tuesdays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 22 - Dec 1
Wednesdays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 23 - Dec 2
Thursdays, 4:10-5:00 PM, Sep 24 - Dec 3
Fridays, 4:40-5:30 PM, Sep 25 - Dec 4
Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 AM, Sep 19 - Nov 21
No class: 10/12, 10/23 11/11, 11/24, 11/25, 11/26, 11/27
-
Ages 8-12
Group Piano 1 is a beginner piano class for students ages 8-10, introducing the fundamentals of music through reading notation, basic rhythms, and simple melodies. Whether your child has never touched a piano or is just starting to build reading skills, students learn through interactive games, guided practice, and playful repertoire that keeps lessons engaging. Along the way, they'll build confidence, develop social skills through group learning, and grow a deeper appreciation for music, all at their own pace.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
-
Ages 6-8 or 9-12 (two sections)
Group Piano 2 is a group piano class for students with some previous group or private piano experience. Students build their knowledge of music fundamentals, practice reading and writing music notation, and advance their keyboard skills through individual and group practice, musical games, and appropriately challenging repertoire. Whether your child has completed one or more sessions of Kinderkeys or Group Piano 1, or is coming from private lessons and looking to continue in a group setting, we recommend consulting your instructor to help confirm this is the right fit.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
Piano
-
Ages 8-12
Group Guitar is an introduction to the acoustic guitar, covering basic chords, strumming patterns, tuning, and melodies, along with reading chord charts and basic guitar tablature. The class offers a supportive, social environment to explore the instrument, and serves as a great springboard for students interested in continuing on to private guitar lessons.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
-
Ages 8-13
Group Guitar 2 is the next step for students moving up from Group Guitar 1, as well as kids with some guitar experience who want to play in a group setting. Students expand their knowledge of chords, take on more complex repertoire, and begin reading music notation, building on the foundation from Group Guitar 1 while continuing to grow as musicians. The class keeps the supportive, social environment of Group Guitar 1 while introducing new challenges to keep developing players engaged.
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:50 PM, Sep 22 - Dec 1, no class 11/24
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
-
Ages 5-7
Group Ukulele 1 is a beginner-friendly class for students learning the basics of this cheerful instrument, including chords, strumming techniques, and simple songs. The class provides a relaxed environment to explore music, build confidence, and develop a love for playing, with students performing what they've learned at an end-of-term showcase. Whether it's a first music class, a fit for kids who love to sing, or a springboard for young aspiring guitar players, Group Ukulele offers a welcoming introduction to making music.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
-
Ages 7-10
Group Ukulele 2 is the next step for students moving up from Group Ukulele 1, as well as guitarists or kids with some ukulele experience who want to play in a group setting. Students build on foundational chords and strumming techniques, taking on new songs, more advanced rhythms, and playing together as an ensemble. The class keeps the relaxed, supportive environment of Group Ukulele 1 while introducing new challenges to keep growing musicians engaged, with students performing what they've learned at an end-of-term showcase.
Thursdays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 24 - Dec 3, no class 11/26
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00PM
Guitar and Ukulele
-
Ages 5-7
Kinder Choir is a class for beginning singers, introducing fundamental singing techniques, solfege, and rhythm through music games in an inclusive, supportive environment. Whether your child is graduating from Groovin Guppies or trying their first music class, students build skills through playful practice, learning a small repertoire of songs each session that they'll perform together at an end of term showcase.
We offer two sessions to choose from:
Wednesdays, 5:00-5:50 PM, Sep 23 - Dec 2
Saturdays, 11:30-12:20 AM, Sep 19 - Nov 21
NO CLASS: 11/11, 11/25
Ensemble showcase performance (for both classes): Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
-
All Ages - youth and adults
Community Choir is a relaxed, intergenerational choir for singers of all experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or have never sung in a group before, members learn and perform a mix of popular songs, folk songs, and music from a variety of traditions and genres in a warm, low-pressure environment built around community and connection. With family pricing available, Community Choir is also a great way for families to make music together. No experience required, just a willingness to share your voice.
Wednesdays, 6:00-:50 PM, Sep 23 - Dec 2 (no class 11/26)
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
Voice & Choir
-
Ages 5-10
Group Violin introduces students to the violin, from complete beginners who have never touched the instrument to those who can play midway through Suzuki Book 1. Students learn fundamental technique, tone production, and repertoire while playing together as a group. Whether your child is just starting out or building on early Suzuki training, this class offers a supportive space to grow. Students under age 10 who are new to the instrument need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who attends class, learns alongside them, and helps facilitate at-home practice. There's no extra charge for the accompanying adult, and we can provide an adult violin if needed. Instructor approval required.
Mondays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 21 - Dec 7 (no class 10/12, /23)
Violin
Drumming
-
Ages 8-12
Group Drumming is an introductory drumming class focused primarily on hand drumming, with some keyboard and auxiliary percussion mixed in. Students learn drumming fundamentals and rhythms from different styles and traditions, building community and connection as they find their rhythm together as a group. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, already play drum set and want to expand your percussion technique, or are working toward drum set but aren't quite ready yet, Group Drumming builds a strong foundation across the percussion family, all while experiencing the joy and energy of drumming together.
Mondays, 7:00-7:50 PM, Sep 21 - Dec 7 (no class 10/12, 10/23)
Ensemble Showcase performance: Wednesday, Dec 9, 5:00-6:00 PM
Specialty and Early Childhood Classes
Browse our specialty group classes below and find the right one for you! To sign up, click the “register now” button at the top of this page.
Specialty Classes
-
Ages 12-17
Songwriting is a 10-week course for young instrumentalists and singers who want to express themselves through original music. Students create hooks, riffs, and melodies, then expand them into complete songs with original lyrics and chord progressions. Suitable for singers or intermediate students of any instrument, this is a collaborative course built around brainstorming together, giving and receiving supportive feedback, and playing and writing alongside peers and teachers. Come ready to turn your ideas into your very own songs!
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
Rock Band Showcase performance: Thursday, Dec 10, 7:00-8:00 PM
-
Ages 7-17
Intro to Music Production introduces students to the basics of music production, from beat making to creating original compositions using accessible platforms like GarageBand and Bandlab. Through hands-on activities, students explore a variety of virtual instruments, loops, and effects to develop their own unique sound while learning to record their own music. Perfect for beginners who want to dive into music technology, this class helps young producers unleash their creativity with user-friendly tools.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
-
Ages 10 and up
Queer Music Class is a supportive and welcoming music class for LGBTQ+ identifying students and students looking to create and perform in a group LGBTQ+ focused community setting. Each term, students work together with instructors to determine their class focus, whether that's a rock band, a choir, a musical production, or a songwriting collective, and collaborate to achieve their co-created goals. Along the way, they'll learn about and celebrate the work of Queer artists while nurturing LGBTQ+ pride, joy, and belonging through the arts.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
-
Ages 8-12
Jammin' Salmon Rock Band is a large group class for students who play rock band instruments, including drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocals. Students learn to play together as an ensemble, building the same skills as our other rock bands: song performance, stage presence, and the ability to perform as a group. Students learn songs together as a full group, then break into smaller groups to take turns playing, giving everyone a chance to shine. For advancing students, Jammin' Salmon Rock Band is also a great stepping stone into our smaller Rock Band and Metal Band performance ensembles. Jammin’ Salmon students should have at least a year of experience on their instrument or take private lessons alongside the class.
Fall 2026 schedule TBD
Early Childhood / Music Prep Classes
-
Ages 0-5 with caregiver
Our mixed-age Groovin Guppies class emphasizes child/caregiver interaction through singing, storytelling, free and exploratory movement, rhymes and fingerplays, and rhythmic instrument play. Children will practice building motor skills and listening skills and caregivers will receive ideas for including music and creativity in their family’s everyday life. It’s never too early to introduce your young one to music!
Saturdays 9:30-10:15 AM, Sep 19 - Nov 21
-
Ages 3-5
Groovin Guppies Preschool is a play and exploration-focused music and movement class for kids ages 3-5. Imaginative group activities — including singing, rhythmic instrument play, movement games, and, movement and sound stories — aim to cultivate students’ creativity and independence as well as their social-emotional and cooperative skills. Groovin Guppies Preschool is a great first class in performing arts (music, dance, theater, and storytelling)that not only builds foundational skills, but plants the seeds for a lifelong love of the arts.
Saturdays, 10:30-11:20 AM, Sep 19 - Nov 21
Student Recital Performance: Saturday, Dec 5, 10:00 AM
-
Ages 5-7
Music Safari: An Instrument Exploration Class. Are you looking to enroll your child in music lessons but aren't sure which instrument or musical path is right for them? Send them on a musical safari! In this playful, hands-on class, students are introduced to a new instrument or group of instruments each week, including bowed and plucked strings, winds and brass, keyboards, and percussion. Students "test-drive" a variety of instruments while experiencing them in popular and traditional musical contexts from around the world, all while building fundamental music skills and knowledge they can apply to their future learning, whatever instrument or path they choose.
Fridays, 4:00-4:50 PM, Sep 25 - Dec 4 (no class 11/27)
Performance Ensembles
Browse our performance ensemble group classes below and find the right one for you! To sign up, click the “register today” button at the top of this page. We encourage students to be enrolled in private lessons while enrolled in an ensemble class.
Fill out our Ensemble Interest Form and we'll match you with the right ensemble based on your instrument, experience, and availability.
-
Ages 12 and up
Jazz Ensemble is a performance-based ensemble for students looking to build a strong foundation in the genre. Members learn jazz standards, improvisation, and how to listen and play together as a group. Open to students who can sightread, know scales and note names, and read basic chord charts, this is a great opportunity for advancing students to hone their chops and build their jazz performance and arranging skills.
Fridays, 5:00-5:50 PM, Sep 25 - Dec 4 (no class 11/27)
Rock Band Showcase performance: Thursday, Dec 10, 7:00-8:00 PM
-
Ages 8 and up
Rock Band gives students with at least one year of instrumental or vocal experience the chance to hone their musical and collaboration skills by playing in a real rock band setting. Members learn to play songs of the band's choice, develop their stage presence, and improve their ability to perform as a tight-knit group in a fun, challenging environment that lets young musicians grow and express their creativity. Bands are formed according to students' age, experience, and musical interest. Interested students can fill out the ensemble interest form to be considered for a group. Teacher recommendation required.
Bands scheduled individually based on student, instructor, and room availability
Rock Band Showcase performance: Thursday, Dec 10, 7:00-8:00 PM
-
Ages 10 and up
Metal Band is a rock band-style ensemble for students who want to bring the power and intensity of metal to the stage. Members learn to play songs of the band's choice, develop their stage presence, and improve their ability to perform as a tight-knit group in a fun, challenging environment that lets young musicians grow and express their creativity. Instructor approval required.
Tuesdays, 6:00-6:50 PM, Sep 22 - Dec 1 (no class 11/24)
Rock Band Showcase performance: Thursday, Dec 10, 7:00-8:00 PM
-
Ages 8 and up
Vocal Ensemble is a small group class for singers with some prior vocal experience who want to improve their skills, and a great next step for kids graduating from Kinder Choir. Members work together to learn songs of their choice, build harmonies, and develop their ability to listen and blend as a group. Ensembles are formed based on the number of interested students along with their age, musical interests, and availability. Whether the listed time works for your schedule or not, interested students can fill out the ensemble interest form to be considered for future groupings. Teacher recommendation required.
Students ages 8-12:
Wednesdays, 7:00-7:50 PM, Sep 23 - Dec 2 (no class 11/11, 11/25)
Students ages 13 and up:
Fill out the ensemble interest form to be placed with the appropriate ensemble group.
-
Ages 13 and up
Fiddle and Folk Ensemble is a friendly group setting for fiddle, cello, guitar, and flute players to play session tunes together. The class draws on music from the Portland Collection Vol 1-3 books, spending time fluently playing through jigs, reels, and waltzes with guitar accompaniment.
Fiddle and Folk Ensemble is scheduled based on level of interest, so call, email, or fill out the ensemble interest form if you'd like to join.
Instrument Rentals for Qualifying Students
After registering, contact instruments@ethos.org to set up an appointment with our instrument team.