Group Classes
Registration for the 2026 Spring Semester is Now closed for group classes, as the semester has begun.
To be notified about upcoming sessions, please fill out our interest form.
Teaching Approach
At Magnolia, our guitar and ukulele classes focus on making music right away. We use chord charts, tabs, and lyric sheets so students can start playing songs they love from the very first lessons, while building the skills and confidence that support a lifelong musical journey.
This approach helps kids:
Build rhythm and strumming fluency
Develop strong ears and musical intuition
Gain the confidence to play with others or sing while they play
Begin writing their own songs, if they’re inspired to
We focus on expression over perfection - encouraging students to play with heart, explore their own style, and enjoy the process. The vibe is relaxed, creative, and rooted in contemporary genres like folk, pop, and indie.
Our goal isn’t to create virtuosos - it’s to nurture musicians who love playing and feel proud of what they can do.
How Class Progression Works at Magnolia
Our intro classes give kids a strong musical foundation. After completing Guitar 1 or Ukulele 1, the next step can look a little different from semester to semester, since group sizes and scheduling change throughout the year.
Most students continue in private lessons—either one-on-one or in small shared groups of 2–3 students when a good match is available. If a group of students is ready for the same next step, we may also offer a Guitar 2 or Ukulele 2 class.
As students gain confidence and fluency, some eventually join our Mixed-Instrument Jam Classes, designed for kids who have a foundation on their instrument and are ready to play with others.
When your class is wrapping up, we’ll always help you choose the right next step for your child.
-
Taught by Joshua Icban
Registration for the current semester is closed.
Guitar 1 runs weekly during the school year, and families may join the interest list to be notified when the next session opens.
This small-group class is designed for total beginners and for kids who may already know a few chords but want to build a stronger foundation. Students will learn how to hold and tune the guitar, read chord diagrams, strum with confidence, and play real songs right from the start.
About the Class
Guitar 1 is a small-group class designed for total beginners.
Students learn how to hold and tune the guitar, read chord diagrams, strum with confidence, and play real songs right from the start — all in a supportive, low-pressure group setting.
In this class, students:
Learn 5+ common open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am)
Play familiar indie, folk, and pop songs
Practice keeping steady rhythm and switching chords smoothly
Learn how to make music as a group — starting, stopping, and listening together
Work toward a casual, low-key sharing at the end of the session
This class emphasizes confidence, curiosity, and joy over perfection. No prior experience required.
What comes next?
After Guitar 1, students are well prepared to continue with:
Private or semi-private guitar lessons
Songwriting class
And, once fludity of playing is reached, ensemble-based offerings at Magnolia like our Mixed Jam classes
What to bring
An acoustic or classical guitar in a carrying case or gig bag. Guitar rentals may be available depending on availability.
-
Taught by Sara Jayne McDonald
Registration for the current session is closed.
Ukulele 1 runs in small-group blocks during the school year. Families may join the interest list to be notified when the next session opens.About the Class
Ukulele 1 is a fun, hands-on introduction to making music in a small-group setting. Students learn the basics of strumming, rhythm, melody, and singing while building confidence and musical friendships.
No prior experience is required — just a ukulele and a curious spirit.
The class is designed in short, developmentally appropriate sessions that allow young players to build skills gradually and feel successful right away.
How the class is structured
Ukulele 1 is typically offered in two sequential blocks:
Session A focuses on foundational chords, rhythms, and simple songs.
Session B builds on those skills with new repertoire, ensemble playing, and light performance preparation.
Families may enroll in one session at a time, and students who complete the first session are given priority to continue.
Class size is intentionally small (maximum of five students) to ensure individual attention and a supportive group dynamic.
What students will work on
Basic strumming patterns and steady rhythm
Simple chords and chord changes
Singing while playing
Listening and playing together as a group
Building confidence through repetition and play
The emphasis is on joy, confidence, and musical curiosity, rather than speed or perfection.
What comes next?
After Ukulele 1, students may continue with:
Private or semi-private ukulele lessons
A mixed-instrument jam class
Songwriting or ensemble-based offerings at Magnolia
What to bring
A soprano or concert ukulele. Instrument rentals may be available depending on availability.
-
Taught by Kat White
This class is currently full and underway.
Songwriting is offered in short, small-group sessions throughout the year. Families may join the interest list at the top of this page to be notified when future songwriting sessions open.About the Class
Calling all young songwriters! This small-group class invites students to write their own original songs while building skills in melody, lyrics, chord progressions, and song structure.
Each week, students explore new creative approaches, listen to inspiring examples, and share work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
No prior songwriting experience is needed.
This class is a great fit for kids who:
Like to sing and create their own ideas
Can play at least four chords on guitar, ukulele, or piano
Are curious about how songs are built and want to try writing their own
Whether a student arrives bursting with song ideas or just beginning to explore, they’ll leave with tools and momentum to keep writing.
What students will work on
Lyric writing and storytelling
Melody and phrasing
Chord progressions and song form
Collaborative feedback and creative sharing
Developing and finishing original songs
Students also have the opportunity to share a couple of their original songs at a Magnolia student showcase later in the session, in addition to an in-class show for parents.
How this class is offered
Songwriting is typically offered as an 8-week session with a very small group (capped at five students) to allow for individualized coaching and creative support.
Multiple sessions may be offered during the school year, depending on interest.
-
Join Magnolia teacher Sara Jayne McDonald for a joyful, bilingual (English + Spanish) early-childhood music experience filled with singing, rhythm play, movement, and connection. Using puppets, scarves, and other playful props, Sara Jayne sparks curiosity and keeps little ones joyfully engaged while caregivers join in the fun. Sara Jayne has a way with young children that is simply magical.
The first 30 minutes feature an action-packed, interactive music session, followed by 15 minutes of hands-on exploration — families can try out musical instruments, look through music-themed books, or simply enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere together. After class, families are warmly invited to stay and mingle — take a few extra minutes to connect, chat, and let your children explore Magnolia’s cozy, welcoming space.
The cost is $20 per family - Special introductory rate!
Space is limited, so we encourage families to grab a spot in advance — but drop-ins are always welcome if space allows
About Magnolia Mixed Jam Classes
Magnolia’s Mixed Jam classes are for kids who have some basic playing experience and are ready to collaborate. Students build musicality, rhythm, and teamwork while gaining confidence performing in a group. Students must be able to fluidly play at least 4 chords on their instruments to participate in a mixed jam class.
All Jam classes include:
75-minute weekly sessions with both group and individual coaching time
Two 45 min private lessons
A final, low-pressure performance for family and friends
Opportunities for students to sing solos, collaboratively write songs, and try multiple instruments
-
Taught by Kat White
This class is currently full and underway.
Mixed Jam classes are offered in small cohorts during the school year. Families may join the interest list at the top of this page to be notified when future jam sessions open.About the Class
Mixed Jam 1 is an upbeat, collaborative class for kids who already know a few chords and are ready to make music with others.
Students play guitar, ukulele, or keyboard as the group learns a shared set of songs together — from indie pop to classic singalongs. Each 75-minute class blends full-group rehearsal with personalized coaching to help every student grow in confidence, rhythm, and musicality.
How the class works
This class emphasizes listening, collaboration, and ensemble skills — learning how to start and stop together, support one another, and play like a real band.
Students who love to sing have opportunities to explore solo moments, while instrumentalists learn how to accompany and respond to the group.
Included private coaching
In addition to weekly group classes, each student receives two 45-minute private lessons with Kat, included as part of the class experience.
The first lesson typically takes place early in the session to set goals and build foundational skills.
The second happens mid-session and focuses on polishing a solo piece and preparing for in-class sharing or a masterclass-style experience.
This combination of group and individual work allows students to deepen their skills while staying connected to the ensemble.
What students gain
Stronger rhythm and timing
Confidence playing with others
Experience learning and performing a shared repertoire
Supportive feedback in a collaborative setting
A deeper sense of musical identity and leadership
How this class is offered
Mixed Jam classes run as small, capped cohorts and typically conclude with an informal in-class sharing or final show.
Future sessions are offered based on interest and scheduling.
-
Taught by Kat White
This class is currently full and underway.
Mixed Jam classes are offered in small cohorts during the school year. Families may join the interest list at the top of this page to be notified when future sessions open.About the Class
Mixed Jam 2 is designed for tweens and early teens who want to deepen their musical skills and play in a small-band setting.
Using guitar, ukulele, keyboard, or voice, students learn a shared set of songs while developing stronger listening skills, musical independence, and ensemble awareness. The repertoire and pacing are tailored for older students who are ready for more challenge and creative responsibility.
How the class works
Each 75-minute class blends:
Full-group rehearsal
Creative exercises and musical problem-solving
Individual coaching within the group setting
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their parts while learning how to collaborate, support one another, and play as a cohesive band.
Included private coaching
Each student receives two 45-minute private lessons with Kat, included as part of the class experience.
The first lesson typically happens early in the session to set goals and identify focus areas.
The second takes place mid-session and centers on refining a solo performance piece and preparing for sharing.
This structure allows students to grow both as individual musicians and as ensemble members.
What students gain
Greater musical independence and confidence
Stronger ensemble and listening skills
Experience performing in a small-band format
Supportive feedback and peer collaboration
A sense of leadership and musical identity
How this class is offered
Mixed Jam 2 runs as a small, capped cohort and typically concludes with a fun, low-pressure in-class show celebrating both group and individual growth.
Future sessions are offered based on interest and scheduling.