Buckdancers Choice School of Music

Buckdancers Choice Music Company has been serving the musical community of Southern Maine for 30 years. We are known for our knowledgeable staff, our repair facilities, and our large and diverse inventory. We have offered lessons for almost as long as we have been in business. Our latest school of music is located on the store premises at 248 St. John Street in Portland.

We have 8 teaching studios and offer individual instruction on electric and acoustic guitar, electric and standup bass, banjo, mandolin, violin, viola, cello and ukulele. We also have an ensemble room where first time bands and weekend warriors receive instruction and coaching from our teaching staff.

Private Instruction

Private instruction is available for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, standup bass, violin, viola, cello, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele. We teach absolute beginners to consummate professionals in styles ranging from rock, jazz, blues, country, classical, bluegrass, and more.

Private lessons are $20 per half hour, once a week. Payment is made monthly on the first lesson of each month.

Cancellations

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required in order to receive credit for a canceled lesson. You will be charged for no-shows and short notice cancellations.

Ensembles

Visit our Student Audio/Video Page
to watch and listen to our ensemble performances

Small group ensembles at Buckdancer's Choice offer the opportunity for players to gain real world experience by playing music with others in a fun environment. An instructor will provide guidance in song selection, arrangements, tempo, and equipment issues. Simple lead sheets and audio CDs will be provided to aid in learning the songs to be performed. Students will have the opportunity to perform for friends and family during a student recital concert following the end of the semester.

$150/each Ensembles meet weekly for one hour, for a 10 week semester plus recital performance. 4-6students.

Hard Rock
Covers the music of artists such as AC/DC, The Clash, Nirvana, etc.
Teacher: Pat Keane

Classic Blues Rock
This ensemble will rehearse songs by Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and others.
Teacher: Paul French

Garage Rock
This ensemble will rehearse and perform music by garage rock/ classic punk bands from the '60s and '70s such as The Ramones, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Velvet Underground, etc.
Teacher: Paul French

Original Ensemble
Emphasis on writing and playing original music. we'll take all the player's different tastes and styles and create an amalgam that everyone can appreciate and have fun with. All written songs will be recorded and put on a disc for each band member to have.
Teacher: Sumner McKane

Roots of Rock n Roll
Learn and perform early rock classics by the likes of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Dale Hawkins, Link Wray, and more. All instruments welcome. Maximum class size of 5.
Teacher: Kris Day

The Blues of Willie Dixon
Explore the songs of one of the 20th century's most important songwriters. Dixon wrote many of the most famous blues songs recorded by artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Magic Sam, and many others. Explore the music of this one of a kind composer.
Teacher: Kris Day

Improvisation Ensemble
This course involves plenty of soloing opportunities. Many musical styles will be covered including rock, blues, funk, and reggae. Emphasis will be on playing over common chord progressions, and include tips and techniques for developing a solo.
Teacher: Jim D'Amboise

4 WEEK GROUP LESSONS

Group lessons at Buckdancer's Choice are short survey studies of particular styles. These classes will enable the participants to focus on a specific area of their playing, and meet and practice with others that share their interest.

Beginning Guitar
Cover the basics of learning to play the guitar. How to play open chord voicings, simple strumming patterns, and simple chord progressions.
Teachers: Michael Silvestri

Classical Technique
For players of all styles who want to improve their left hand skills. Rock and metal players can especially benefit from the exercises and arpeggios covered in this class.
Teacher: Michael Silvestri

Intro to Jazz Guitar
Cover common jazz chord voicings, how to improvise over jazz standards, and common jazz comping styles. This course is great for guitarists who play in school jazz band, and also good for those looking to prep for studying music in college.
Teacher: Pat Keane

Intro to Fingerstyle
Material includes right hand exercises, chord melody solos, popular classical pieces.
Teacher: Pat Keane

Music Theory Essentials
This class is for musicians looking to expand their knowledge of music theory. Topics covered will include: modes, intervals, harmony, chord/scale relationships, and navigating a lead sheet.
Teacher: Jim D'Amboise

Intro to Country Guitar
Cover the basics of modern country playing. Topics include: Rhythm, chicken pickin', double stops, and soloing techniques.
Teacher: Sumner McKane

Guitar Style of Jimmy Page
Explore the lead guitar solos and riffs made famous by Jimmy Page. This class will show you techniques used by this British rock guitar legend.
Teacher: Ray Suhy

WORK SHOPS

Workshops at Buckdancer's Choice offer instruction in the technical aspects of your musical equipment. Workshops are held monthly, fees vary depending on time and materials used.

Visit our Student Audio/Video Page
to watch and listen to our ensemble performances