Programs at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC)

Registration is open at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) for music and art programs, as well as individual instruction in music and visual arts. Offering classes and ensembles for students of a variety of ages and abilities. Both in person and online options are available!

Whether your child is eager to learn an instrument and join the school band, chorus or orchestra, or you’re returning to an instrument that you studied as a child, PMAC is the place for you. Discover and develop your inner artist and draw, paint, and sculpt your ideas into art and share with your classmates.

Learn from highly trained musicians and artists. Our experienced teaching artists have studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the most renown music programs throughout the U.S. and world. Our faculty have the flexibility and training to work with students with a range of playing levels and personal goals.

Youth Art Classes

Saturday Open Studio – Drop In Friendly!
Saturday Open Studio is a weekly workshop where children with a parent or caregiver can create a self-directed art project using supplies from PMAC’s art studio. Enjoy exploring and leave with a drawing, painting, or sculpture you create! Caregivers and artists of all ages are welcome to visit on Saturday afternoons and create art together! Thank you Service Credit Union for sponsoring this program, allowing all participants to create art free of charge!

Dates: March 11 – April 22, 2023
Cost: FREE
Register Now!

Cartooning
Do you love graphic novels? Do you like to draw but want to learn the art of cartooning? Then this class is for you! This class is for all levels of artists ages 11-14. Create new characters, add a story to your drawings, and meet other kids who love cartooning too!

Ages: 11 – 13yrs
Day: Monday
Start/End Date: 2/6 – 3/20
Start/End Date: 4/3 – 5/15
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Thinking in 3D
In this course, students will get acquainted with different materials for sculpture making. Explore paper, cardboard, and other everyday materials in new ways to think in three dimensions! Projects will include paper mobiles, masks, and an air dry clay project.

Ages: 7 – 10yrs
Day: Monday
Start/End Date: 12/1 – 1/19
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

I Just Want to Draw!
Come draw what you love in a fun and creative art space! Full of individualized instruction, this class provides a safe, encouraging, creative environment where each student can bring their drawings to the next level. This class offers young artists a balance of directed instruction as well as time to pursue individualized drawing interests. The “open studio” feel, allows each young artist the freedom to choose their subject material, medium, style, and direction, while also learning a variety of tips, tricks and skills that suit their interests and help them grow artistically. This class is perfect for the motivated young artist! Each session is unique. Participation in prior sessions is not a prerequisite to enroll.

Ages: 8 – 10yrs
Day: Tuesdays
Start/End Date: 2/7 – 3/21
Start/End Date: 4/4 – 5/16
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Print It, Scratch It, Frame It!
This class will explore several types of fun and flexible printmaking techniques including engraving (plastic), relief block printing, and various easy-to-do transfer techniques. We will also create our own scratch art and frames as well! Come get creative with teaching artist Anna Nuttall and try some colorful ways to express yourself!

Students in this class will be a part of PMAC’s Student Art Show in June 2023!

Ages: 11 – 13yrs
Day: Tuesdays
Start/End Date: 2/7 – 3/21
Time: 5:45 – 7:15 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Introduction to Painting
Join fellow art students and work with watercolor and acrylics to get accustomed and confident with painting. Projects will be aimed at students’ interests – find what inspires you and try your skills at painting! We will take the practical parts of painting such as color theory, blending, and mixing to create unique work where a student’s creative voice can shine through. Projects are aimed at students’ interests and famous painters throughout history and present day. Students who have previously taken Introduction to Painting are welcome to re-enroll; there will be new projects and plenty to learn!

Ages: 7 – 11yrs
Day: Thursdays
Start/End Date: 2/9 – 3/23
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Next Level Pastels
Come explore the amazing world of both oil and chalk pastels (your choice!) You can use both or just your favorite and we will learn SO many techniques including blending, stenciling, shading, scratching, layering and more! We’ll create both abstract and realistic works of art but as always the subject is totally up to you and your personal interests!

Ages: 11 – 13yrs
Day: Tuesdays
Start/End Date: 4/4 – 5/16
Time: 5:45 – 7:15 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Painting and More!
Explore how to develop colors through paint and learn new techniques that support this popular media. Students who participate in this class will have a piece in our Student Art Show in June!

Ages: 7 – 11yrs
Day: Thursdays
Start/End Date: 4/6 – 5/18
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuition: $135
REGISTER NOW!

Individual Instruction in Art

All PMAC instruction centers around the joy of creating art. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student, youth or adult, our individual instruction program will meet your specific needs and personal quest to fine tune your visual art skills. Visual Art lessons can start at any time.

Visual Art Lessons offered at PMAC: 

• Drawing
• Painting
• Mixed Media

Benefits of Individual Arts Instruction at PMAC

PRIVATE VISUAL ARTS LESSON TUITION RATES
45-MINUTE LESSONS: $1,096.50 per 17-week semester
60-MINUTE LESSONS: $1,377 per 17-week semester

NEW VISUAL ARTS LESSON STUDENTS SIX WEEK TRIAL
New individual instruction students start with a SIX-WEEK TRIAL of six, 45-minute weekly private lessons. Once a trial is complete, a student may continue for the rest of the semester in the same lesson day/time and with the same instructor. Post-Tuition is prorated for the remainder of the semester, once the trial period is over. Students may start a six-week trial at any time during the year.

SIX-WEEK ART LESSON TRIAL: $387

Click HERE to Learn More or Schedule Art Lessons!
Or contact Meghann Beauchamp at meghann@pmaconline.org / 603-431-4278.

Kids Music Programs

Movin’ and Groovin’
In this exciting play-based group music class for children ages 3 and 4, Miss Erin will guide your child in experiencing music of varying styles, genres, and cultures. Build connections with other children through movement, rhythm, and vocal activities that develop more than just music skills. We look forward to seeing you!

Caregivers are welcome to stay in the classroom for the entire class, or may join for the last 15 minutes of class. (Per our youth protection policy, a caregiver must stay in the lobby for the first 30 minutes of class.)

Erin Dubois is a flutist, pianist, and experienced early childhood music educator with over a decade of teaching experience.

Ages: 3 – 4yrs
Day: Saturdays
Start/End Date: 2/4 – 4/1
Start/End Date: 4/15 – 5/27
Time: 9:00 – 9:45 PM
Tuition: $120 / $100
REGISTER NOW!

Drum Talk!
Feel the power of rhythm in this exciting new class led by teaching artist Miss Erin. Experience world percussion by learning about hand drums, participating in a drum circle, moving your body, and singing. In this class, students will gain essential skills such as creative thinking, communication, active listening, and teamwork. This class is designed for students aged 5-7. The materials fee covers the cost of a junior djembe drum, which students will keep at the end of the session. Photo by Drakery 3D on Unsplash

Ages: 5 – 7yrs
Day: Saturdays
Start/End Date: 2/4 – 4/1
Start/End Date: 4/15 – 5/27
Time: 10:00 – 10:45 AM
Tuition: $165 / $145
REGISTER NOW!

Music for Little Mozarts
Music for Little Mozarts is a piano, music, and movement curriculum specifically designed for preschoolers. The small group class centers on the adventures of Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear as they learn about music. As their adventures unfold, the characters introduce the students to new musical concepts and piano performance pieces. Teaching artist Erin Dubois leads this introductory piano class on site at PMAC.

Materials fee (book, Mozart Mouse, and Beethoven Bear) $30.

Ages: 4 – 6yrs
Day: Fridays
Start/End Date: 2/3 – 4/21
Time: 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Tuition: $199
REGISTER NOW!

Youth and Teen Music Programs

Sandpipers Youth Chorus
Join the Sandpipers Choral program with teaching artist Nathan Wotton, and learn to sing with other students in unison, 2-part, and 3-part harmony. Develop ear-training and music-reading skills while having fun learning a wide repertoire of vocal music! Celebrating its 27th year, Sandpipers Chorus is for singers ages 9-16. The concert will be held on Wednesday, April 19th.

Placement Auditions for New Students will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Students should come prepared to sing an unaccompanied simple melody (Happy Birthday or similar). Expect to hear from the PMAC Office to schedule a time for the placement audition once the student is registered. Questions? Please call us at PMAC at 603-431-4278 or email us at info@pmaconline.org.

Ages: 9 – 16yrs
Day: Wednesdays
Start/End Date: 2/1 – 4/19
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuition: $199
REGISTER NOW!

Rock 101
Rock music for the younger crowd, this is a great first ensemble experience. Led by teaching artists Mike Effenberger and Nick Phaneuf, learn some cool music and play in our community rock show! Open to drum, bass, guitar, keyboard, string, brass, voice and woodwind students. For students, age 9-11, with at least 1 year of private study on their instrument. Placement Audition Required for New Students. The Pre-Teen Rock Band meets weekly onsite at PMAC. Generously sponsored by Drum Center of Portsmouth.

Ages: 9 -11yrs
Day: Friday
Start/End Date: 3/10 – 5/19
Time: 4:45 – 5:40 PM
Tuition: $270
REGISTER NOW!

Saturday Teen Jazz Ensemble/Institute 
The Saturday Teen Jazz Ensemble celebrates its 19th year of fostering a love and appreciation for jazz among teen students. As a part of PMAC’s Jazz Institute, this advanced teen ensemble plays traditional straight-ahead charts and pieces by today’s jazz innovators.

The Saturday Teen Jazz Ensemble, led by Eric Klaxton, is the perfect band for intermediate and advanced students, ages 12 – 18, interested in improvising, strengthening their jazz chops and performing throughout the community. Many of the alumni in this program have majored in music performance and have become jazz musicians in their own right. Open to drum set, bass guitar, upright bass, guitar, piano/keyboard, violin, viola, cello, trumpet, saxophone, flute, clarinet, tuba and trombone.

Ages: 12 -19yrs
Day: Saturday
Start/End Date: 3/11 – 5/13
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Tuition: $270
REGISTER NOW!

Teen Rock Band
The Teen Rock Band program celebrates its 18th year at PMAC! Joining a band is a great way for youth students to learn how to rock, collaborating with band mates to cover song and play a show or record with your band at the end of the semester. This program is designed for both students who are new to a band setting and those seeking challenging opportunities. Open to drum, bass, guitar, keyboard, string, brass, voice and woodwind students. For students, ages 12-18, with at least 2 years of private study on their instrument. Placement audition required for any new student. The Teen Rock Band program meets weekly onsite at PMAC. Generously sponsored by Drum Center of Portsmouth.

Ages: 12 -18yrs
Days / Start-End Date / Times:
Monday 3/6 – 5/15 // 6:00 – 6:55 PM
Monday 3/6 – 5/15 // 7:00 – 7:55 PM
Friday 3/10 – 5/19 // 3:45 – 4:40 PM
Tuition: $270
REGISTER NOW!

Individual Instruction in Music for Youth and Adults

Music Lessons offered at PMAC:

• African Drumming
• Bass Guitar
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Composition
• Drum Set
• Electronic Music
• Fiddle
• Flute
• Guitar
• Improvisation
• Mandolin
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Piano
• Recording Technology
• Saxophone
• Songwriting
• Suzuki Violin
• Trumpet
• Ukulele
• Upright Bass
• Viola
• Violin
• Voice
• Voice/Piano

Benefits of Individual Music Instruction at PMAC:

• One-on-one lessons with a music mentor
• Study with a professional trained in their given field
• Lessons tailored to your goals
• Recitals and performance opportunities
• Music departmental workshops to deepen your creative exploration
• Written progress reports
• Master classes with guest artists
• Career & college consultations with faculty members
  

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSON TUITION RATES
(per 17-week semester, 17 weeks in Fall and Spring)

30-MINUTE LESSONS: $765 per semester
45-MINUTE LESSONS: $1,096.50 per semester
60-MINUTE LESSONS: $1,377 per semester

Private lessons can start at any time. Music students may take 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons, depending on instrument, experience and preference. 17-week semester includes 17 private lessons, and recitals. Inspiration Week is during Spring semester and is included in lesson tuition.
Please Note: Suzuki Violin lesson pricing differs.

NEW MUSIC LESSON STUDENTS SIX WEEK TRIAL
New individual instruction students start with a SIX-WEEK TRIAL of six, half-hour weekly private lessons. Once a trial is complete, a student may continue for the rest of the semester in the same lesson day/time and with the same instructor. Post-Tuition is pro-rated for the remainder of the semester, once the trial period is over. Students may start a six-week trial at any time during the year. Cost: $270

Click HERE to Learn More or Music Schedule Lessons!
Or contact Meghann Beauchamp at meghann@pmaconline.org / 603-431-4278

Visit our online catalog which has the most up-to-date information about our youth, adult music programs, and youth visual art programs.

Questions? Call us at PMAC at 603-431-4278 or email Meghann Beauchamp at meghann@pmaconline.org

Portsmouth Music & Arts Center
973 Islington Street, Portsmouth NH 03801
603-431-4278