Strike a Chord

Music classes at Yavapai College

If you’re aspiring to improve your musical chops or just want to feel more confident with the label “professional musician” Yavapai College’s Eric Williams can take you to the next level with Jazz/Rock and Vocal Ensemble, Guitar, Applied Music and Music Appreciation classes at the Sedona Center for Arts & Technology.

"When you're a player there's always the pressure to get better, to learn more," said Paula Blankenship, communications manager at Yavapai College. "Unless you're a dedicated soloist your aptitude for reading charts, working in an ensemble setting and understanding the language of music will open doors for collaboration throughout your lifetime as a musician."

"It's been so good for me to work with other musicians," said Williams who can chart and play more than 25 instruments and has squeezed instruction in between gigs for the past decade. "The power of reading music, and accurate charts is that musicians can walk in and get started quickly. When you have that and you know how to play in an ensemble you pretty much can conquer the world."

For musicians focused on stretching their talent further than their living room, Williams provides private one-hour instruction in piano, organ, voice, guitar, saxophone, tuba, trumpet and more. Beginners have an unlikely comrade in Williams who always seems to be a beginner in something.

"I'm always adding some instrument, it keeps things interesting," said Williams who recently added the flugal horn to his repertoire. "Anyway, when you're a total beginner trying to play 'Mary had a little lamb' is very humbling – it always takes me right back to my roots."

For students with dusty instruments tucked into the closet, Williams has a simple message: "You can think about playing, you can dream about playing but if you never take action it's not going to become a reality."

As for guitar players, Williams also has this tidbit of advice: "Not everything is a power chord."

Eric Williams was first inspired in the classroom by a sixth-grade teacher's rollicking version of Scott Joplin. Later he would go on to play 25 instruments before graduating with a master's degree in music education.

Eric Williams' takes his vintage, ruby-red Plymouth Fury over the state's highways delivering the busy and eclectic musician to audiences hungry for classical, jazz, blues or popular music from the 1920s. In between gigs Williams is in the classroom at Yavapai College's Sedona Center for Arts & Technology.

Guitar I & II (MUS 107/108)

Beginning instruction on acoustic guitar, chords, strumming, note reading, finger styles and basic music theory. Instruction for advanced students include an emphasis on bar chords, note reading through the ninth position, double notes and solos from classical flamenco or folk styles. $49 – Mondays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. **Also offered on the Verde Valley Campus check www.yc.edu for class times and instructor information.

Jazz/Rock Ensemble (MUS 112)

Study and performance of a wide range of jazz, rock and popular music. $49 – Wednesdays 2 to 4:45 p.m.

Vocal Ensemble (MUS 223)

Rehearsal and performance of selected choral literature and training in sight-reading. $49 – Mondays 2 to 4:45 p.m.

Music Appreciation (MUS 240)

Students explore the common elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and form in all styles of music from classical to folk. $147 - Monday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Applied Music (MUS 151)

Individual instruction in a variety of instruments. Privately Arranged.