Our Adult Group Piano Class offers a dynamic and supportive environment for beginners and intermediate players who want to explore the joy of playing the piano. Whether you're picking up the instrument for the first time or have some experience, this class provides an opportunity to develop musical skills, improve technique, and foster a deeper appreciation for music.

In a group setting, students will learn essential piano fundamentals, including proper hand positioning, reading sheet music, rhythm, and basic theory. The class is designed to progress at a comfortable pace, with each lesson building on the previous one. Students will explore a variety of musical genres, from classical to contemporary, giving you the chance to experience diverse styles and techniques. Our experienced instructor creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere where students can express themselves and enjoy the learning process. 

This class is a wonderful way to experience the pleasure of playing piano, meet others who share your interest, and have fun along the way. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a love for music!

Saturdays, September 13th - November 22nd, 11:30 - 12:15 pm

There will be no class October 11. 

Prelude String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestra programs provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Prelude String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $150 per semester. 

PRELUDE - FALL 2025

September 23* - December 2, 2025 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

Concert on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 7:00 pm

Prelude is an early orchestra experience for players of all ages. Members should have at least one year of instruction and be able to play the notes on all 4 strings. This ensemble may also be a great entry point for adult beginners or those who have been away from their instruments for a number of years. 

*Auditions are September 16th, but rehearsals begin September 23rd. The registration dates include the audition date, but if you are not auditioning, your start date will be September 23rd.

Audition Information
Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude String Orchestra will be held Tuesday, September 16, 4-7 p.m. at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email cms@tcphil.org, or call (231) 947-7120 ext. 5, to schedule an audition. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

September 23 – December 4 2025 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Sinfonia Chamber Music rehearses from 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. 

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

September 23 – December 4 | Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm 

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Prelude Chamber Music rehearses from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Sinfonia String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestras provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $150 per semester.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra- FALL 2025

September 23* - December 2, 2025 | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Concert on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 7:00 pm

Sinfonia is an advanced string orchestra for players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Members must possess solid technical and music-reading skills. Typical members will have studied a minimum of 4 years, have a private instructor, and play in school, church or other community ensembles. 

*Auditions are September 16th, but rehearsals begin September 23rd. The registration dates include the audition date, but if you are not auditioning, your start date will be September 23rd.

Audition Information
Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude Strings will be held Tuesday, September 16, 4-7 p.m. at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email cms@tcphil.org, or call (231) 947-7120 ext. 5, to schedule an audition. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Founded in 1989, Encore’s mission is to offer our community excellent music in an entertaining way through four seasonal concerts a year while providing quality experiences for the musicians, allowing them the opportunity to return their talents to the community. Encore Symphonic Winds consists of approximately 50 exceptionally talented amateur musicians from the 7-county Grand Traverse region, and continues to serve the community by making music easily accessible to everyone.

Schedule:

Rehearsals and Concert are at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center in Traverse City

November 13, 20, and December 4, 11 at 7:00 - 9:30 pm

NOTE: No rehearsal on November 27 for Thanksgiving

December 14 at 3:00 pm Concert

The Traverse City Philharmonic invites tuba and euphonium players of all ages to perform at Merry TubaChristmas Traverse City on Saturday, December 6, at 3:00 pm in the MSUFCU Desk Draer Foundation Hall at the Traverse City Philharmonic. TubaChristmas is a creation of Harvey Phillips, one of America’s great tuba players.  This annual musical event is celebrated all over the world by tuba and euphonium enthusiasts.    

December 6 Schedule: 

1:30 - 2:30 pm Rehearsal 

3:00 pm Concert

All participants must be registered. Please feel free to decorate your instrument and wear festive attire. 

Dr. Jerry A. Young is Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he worked from 1983 to 2016, and he is a former member of the Interlochen Arts Camp faculty. His former students enjoy successful careers as music educators, in music industry and in leading orchestras and military bands in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  Jerry is a former president of the International Tuba – Euphonium Association and also served as editor-in-chief of the ITEA Journal. His edition of the Arban Complete Method for Tuba is the best-selling tuba method in the world.   Young has appeared across the U.S., Europe and Japan as a soloist, chamber musician, clinician, and adjudicator.  The founder of Merry TubaChristmas Kansas City, recently recognized as the largest TubaChristmas celebration in the world, Young has conducted TubaChristmas events in locations stretching from south Texas to Wisconsin, and has led Merry TubaChristmas Traverse City since 2017.  

30 Minute Private Suzuki Lesson:

The Private Suzuki lesson lies at the heart of the learning process. Since a young child needs structure and support, parents come to every lesson, take detailed notes and discuss the lesson with the teacher. The parent takes the techniques learned and provides a home environment in which they can be practiced daily. The parent is expected to be the home practice partner. In this way, the parent is able to ensure that the child is able to repeat the goals of the private lesson every day and can help shepherd the child towards productive and self-reflective learning. Lessons take place each week and last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on a child's age and level of experience.​​

About the Suzuki Method:The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy of renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language.  He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment.  Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world.

This term begins January 5, 2026, and runs through June 1st, 2026. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 5th, 2026. The recital will be June 2, 2026 at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.