The cigar box guitar is a worldwide phenomenon. Many famous musicians have started on these simple homemade instruments. The 2-stringed, “Chugger”, version we’ll be playing is provided; you just show up. The Chugger is the easiest stringed instrument to play, even easier than a ukulele! This 90 minute class is for beginners; no music experience is needed. There is only 1 simple 1-finger chord to learn (You don’t even need to cut your fingernails!). Our emphasis will be on fun; mostly on playing and singing at least 10 familiar songs from 3 free, downloadable songbooks which contain 1,000+ songs. You’ll also learn to adapt your favorite songs for 1-finger playing, how to get your hands one, and resources available to continue your journey. Experience “Cigar Box Guitar Mojo” as you become a 1-finger Cigar Box Guitarslinger! 

Private Music Lessons - for personal enrichment ONLY. No grade given, no outcome assessment. Students can choose whatever instrument they are interested in. Current instrument offering examples include: saxophone, clarinet, percussion, and music composition. 

Students must contact the SFCC Music Department Chair prior to enrollment, contact information is below.

SFCC Community Choir seeks any interested voice, regardless of skill level or experience, to help present one choral concert a quarter. This low-impact, low-pressure class is perfect for those who sang in school or wish they had and a great way to engage in the many benefits singing offers.

Shostakovich to Sousa! Unleash your musical inhibitions and perform a variety of band literature from new symphonies and band compositions to the old standards. For more information, contact Andrew Smouse (Andrew.Smouse@sfcc.spokane.edu). Prior to enrolling, please verify your availability on the performance date: *you must be able to participate in the end of quarter concert.* For concert schedule information, visit the SFCC Music Department website.

Participants will perform in a small jazz combo, focusing on improvised solos in a variety of styles including bebop, swing, fusion, and rock, with at least one performance at the department jazz concert. These groups meet once a week for 2 hours, scheduled by the members and instructor, and are open to any instrument or voice. Emphasizing a variety of musical styles in jazz tradition and contemporary styles, these ensembles use lead sheets to create arrangements, improvise backgrounds for solos and melodies, and perform solos over chord progressions. Players of varying instrument types and skill levels, including vocalists, are welcome to participate.

The SFCC Jazz Ensemble is a full big band including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, vibes, drums). Music performed will include traditional big band swing literature, contemporary works, Latin style pieces, and original compositions. Jazz ensemble experience preferred.

Prior to enrolling, please verify your availability on the performance date (you must be able to participate in the end of quarter concert). For concert schedule information, visit the SFCC Music Department website.

The SFCC Advanced Orchestra is a full orchestra that includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Specific instrumentation varies by quarter. Proficiency on a standard orchestral instrument is required. For more information, please contact Andrews Smouse at andrew.smouse@sfcc.spokane.edu.

This course introduces students to the basic art of drumming as a gateway to explore the cultures and music of Africa, Brazil, Cuba and the Middle East. No previous music reading or drumming ability is required (although helpful) and instruments are provided.