GROUP MUSIC CLASSES & ENSEMBLES
Explore Our Music Offerings
From first notes to advanced techniques, our music programs help students build skills, confidence, and creativity while connecting through a vibrant community.
Quality Instruction and a Sense of Belonging
Our music education blends quality instruction with a sense of belonging.
Students learn to read, play, and understand music, but they also learn focus, perseverance, communication, and confidence that extends beyond their instrument. Students of all ages will find an encouraging and supportive group environment in which to thrive.
Join us to grow your skills, explore your creativity, and experience the joy of making music.
programs
Current Class Descriptions
Current classes are described below. Check our registration page for classes that are currently enrolling, or sign up for our mailing list to be notified as soon as new classes are announced!
Keyboard Class A
Grades 1-4
Students will be introduced to beginning piano concepts in our state-of-the-art keyboard lab. In this introductory class, students will learn finger numbers, white keys, beginning rhythm, and foundations of technique. Students learn through playing with and for each other while participating in fun activities and building strong practice habits in a supportive atmosphere. Classes also cultivate creativity, develop confidence, develop a good listening ear, and foster a love of music.
An acoustic piano or a keyboard will be needed for practice at home. A piano or a keyboard with 88 weighted, full size, and touch-sensitive (loud/soft) keys, and an attached, stationary pedal is ideal. There are a limited number of smaller keyboards at ATA that can be loaned temporarily while families find a more suitable instrument for practicing at home.
Instructor: Denver Nuckolls
Tuition: $468 for 12 classes. Includes all materials.
Fridays, 4:30 – 5:20 pm
Dates: October 2, 2026 – January 22, 2027 (no class 10/16, 11/13, 11/27, 12/25, 1/1)
Keyboard Class B
Grades 1-4
Stay tuned for Keyboard Class B in the spring! Students completing Class A will be introduced to the fundamentals of music notation and start reading music on the staff. More focus will be placed on musicality, including tempo and dynamics. Students will learn an ensemble piece together and have the opportunity to perform a solo in the school-wide end of the year recital if they wish to.
Instructor: Denver Nuckolls
Tuition: $612 for 16 classes. Includes all materials.
Fridays (time TBD)
Dates: tentatively February 5 – June 11, 2027
Foundational Voice for Adults
In a 9-Week group lesson format, students will learn the basics of vocal sound production, build confidence in their performance skills, and discover a supportive singing community. Students will begin to explore their voices as musical instruments, with an approach rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and playfulness. No prior singing or musical experience required. If you’ve always wanted to learn the basics of singing, then this is the right place for you!
Intro to Guitar for Teens and Adults
Learning Guitar can be simple and fun!!!
In this class, we will learn the Fundamentals of the Guitar. We will learn how to tune a guitar, hold a guitar, and strum a guitar. We will learn about all the different components of the instrument: the neck, the body, the frets, the headstock, and the sound hole.
The chords C, D, G, F, A, Em, Am and Fm will be taught. These chord shapes will be used to play songs by The Beatles, Taylor Swift, The Arctic Monkeys, and other popular artists. We will utilize the Major Scale to create melody.
No prior Guitar or musical knowledge is necessary and by the end of this course, you will be able to play and create music on the guitar!
Intro to Ukulele for Kids (at WCEC)
For Students in Grades 3-6
Learn to play the ukulele including tuning, strumming and some simple songs in this fun 14-week class!
Ukulele for Kids Levels I & II
Class will not run in 2025FA
Ukulele Level I for Teens and Adults
Class will not run in 2025FA
This class is for folks ages 13 & up who want to learn how to play the ukulele. Bring your own ukulele and let’s have some fun!
Prerequisites:
- A working ukulele
- Tuner (electronic tuner or phone app)
Intro to Recorder (at WCEC)
In this fun and engaging class, young musicians will discover the joy of music making with the recorder! Students will learn how to hold the instrument properly, produce a clear tone, read simple notes, and play easy songs together. Through games, movement, and group activities, children will build listening skills, rhythm and confidence while developing a strong musical foundation. No prior experience is needed, just a curiosity and a love of music.
Instructor: Brenda Lau
Tuition: $215
Registration Fee: $60
Materials Fee: $25
Total Cost: $300
Sponsored by United Way of Central MA
Early Childhood (at WCEC)
Early childhood music classes will include musically appropriate songs to work on a variety of different developmental goals. These goals include but are not limited to: speech, cognitive, educational, motor, social emotional, and adaptive goals. Groups will include new songs, as well as familiar repertoire. Instrument and prop play will be included in each class.
Instructor: Brenda Lau
Location: WCEC
160 Tacoma Street Worcester, MA 01605
Mondays, 11:00 – 12:00 pm
Dates: 10/20/2025 – 5/11/2026 (no classes January 19th, February 16th & April 20th)
Tuition: $150
Materials: $25
Total Cost: $175
Sponsored by the Stoddard Charitable Trust and The Fletcher Foundation
A place for growing on your journey.
So happy to have ATA in our community!!! My children have been enjoying their classes for a decade & have been enriched musically but also in confidence, creativity & academically. Brava ATA!!!
– Parent of multiple students
I’m an adult looking to grow vocally and perform better—Apple Tree Arts has helped me on that journey.
– Norman H.
Support the Arts With Us!
For more than 30 years, Apple Tree Arts has provided a welcoming space for music and theatre in our community.
None of this would be possible without you.