Teens (12-18)

Pop/Rock Piano Class

No previous music experience is needed. We will explore the common chords found in Pop and Rock music. We will also explore music from today’s top pop billboard charts as well as the music of the Beatles, Imagine Dragons, Journey, and others.

  • Ages: 10-18 years
  • Price: $60
  • Start Date: June 11th
  • End Date: August 7th
  • Wednesdays, 11am – 11:30am

Marie Vavro-Clise, Instructor

Marie Vavro-Clise has a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Michigan. She has performed with the Detroit Opera Theater as well as performed in several countries in Europe. She enjoys teaching voice and piano to children and adults of all musical abilities.


Fiddle Camp

This class is for anyone who has had at least 1 year of string instruction. Students must be able to read music. Music for this class will consist of all types of folk music such as American Fiddle Tunes, Irish and Scottish Airs, Jigs and Reels, Nordic Roots and anything else from the Folk music traditions. It’s all about FUN!

  • Ages: 10-18 years
  • Price: $65
  • Start Date: June 16th
  • End Date: June 19th
  • 9:30am – 12pm
  • Ages: 12-18
  • Price: $200
  • Start Date: September 15th
  • End Date: May 4th
  • Sundays 2:00-4:00 pm

Jed Fritzemeier, Instructor

Since 2019, Jed has been the Director of the Community Music School and Director of Music Education for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. A performing bassist, Jed plays with the orchestra in addition to free-lancing throughout the area. He was a public school orchestra teacher for 34 years finishing his career for the Chelsea School District, Chelsea, Mi. Jed was Teacher of the Year for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the Michigan American String Teachers Association in 2008. In addition to the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, his performance credits include the Michigan Opera Theater, Toledo Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Racine Symphony, Racine, Wisconsin, South Dakota Symphony, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and various festival orchestras, jazz ensembles, rock bands, polka bands since he was 15 years old.


Summer Strings

This 6-week class is designed to improve music reading skills and string technique. This class is for anyone who has had at least 1 year of string instruction. Students must be able to read music.

  • Ages: 10-14 years
  • Price: $60
  • Start Date: July 9th
  • End Date: August 13th
  • Wednesdays, 12pm – 1pm

Mark Mathias, Instructor

Mark Mathias, double bass, studied with Lawrence Hurst at the University of Michigan obtaining a Bachelor of Music Performance degree in 1974. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and has taught violin, viola, violincello, double bass, and music technology in the Jackson Public Schools for over 20 years. He attended the Interlochen Arts Academy and, in addition to membership in the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for 23 years, has performed with the Flint Symphony, Lansing Symphony, and the Toledo Symphony.


Songwriting for Guitar & Piano Players

This 5-week class is for intermediate players. Learn about chord progressions, melody, song composition, the circle of fifths and more! Students should know basic chords, but reading music is not necessary.

  • Ages: Adults and Youth 14+
  • Price: $70
  • Start Date: June 9th
  • End Date: July 14th
  • Mondays, 6pm – 6:50pm

Mike Crupi, Instructor

Mike Crupi has been performing professionally across the I-94 corridor for over 30 years. With extensive experience playing blues, rock, country, jazz, and original music in many different settings, Mike prides himself on being a well-rounded musician, capable of teaching all styles. He accepts students at all levels and of all ages, from complete beginners to advanced players. He offers lessons in several instruments, including guitar, mandolin, electric bass, and harmonica.


More experienced musician looking for performance opportunities?

Join JSO’s Community Strings.