_edited.png)
Featuring Kindermusik® for ages 0 - 7
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons and Classes for ages 8 to adult
_edited.png)
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for you!
We will be closed Thanksgiving week (November 24 - 28). Teachers will be contacting families to schedule makeups.
November Students of the Month!
.png)
Silas A.
"Silas has been nominated for student of the month due to his passion for music and his love for music lessons. He has been taking piano lessons since August and has made great progress! Congrats Silas!"
-Stefan, Piano Teacher
Olivia C.
"Olivia has earned the nomination for Student of the Month because of the fantastic energy she brings to every lesson! Her genuine enthusiasm and sunny disposition make the drum room a happier place. Not only is she making super speedy progress, she's only a 2nd grader. Great work, Olivia!"
- Mark, Drum Teacher
Joyful Music, Movement, and Learning for Ages Birth - 7
Kindermusik November Playdate:
During the Thanksgiving season we focus on being thankful for the blessings in our lives. We are especially thankful for our family and friends! Nothing brings us together like making music. Come join us as we sing, dance, rhyme, move, and play together, and celebrate just why our families matter so much.
.png)
Gift Certificates are available for the holidays!
Give the give of Kindermusik, music lessons, or classes.
Contact us to purchase yours:
email@soschoolofmusic.com | 541-226-2300
Instrument & Vocal Lesson Openings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Wed: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Wed: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Wed: Mid-afternoons to evenings
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to evenings
Fri: Afternoon to early evenings
Tues: Afternoons
Ensembles and Group Classes
Thurs: 4:15-5:15 PM
We plan to start in January!
November Practice Focus:
Essential Equipment
-
Print out your weekly lessons note email: Place it where that you can see it. Complete everything in the notes each day your practice.
-
Pencil and Highlighter: Write in fingerings, add sharps and flats, write reminders and highlight notes often played incorrectly.
-
Music Dictionary: Look up any words you don’t understand.
-
Metronome: Set it slow enough to play without any mistakes. Use it for your scales first to get used to it. When you can play scales to the metronome, use it to keep a steady tempo when practicing your songs. We recommend the Wittner MT50 Quartz metronome.
Josiah D. - November 1
Emma R. - November 8
Charlise B. - November 9
Eleanor H. - November 9
Wyatt R. - November 20
Staff:
Lydia F. - November 1
Stop by the office to get a birthday gift!
New & Returning Students
Cheryl H.
Blake M.
Paislee M.
Anastasia P.
Lyla H.
Evie J.
Brady S.
Paul O.
Robert H.
Andrew W.
Stop by the office to get a welcome gift!
With over 40 years of experience under his belt, Mark is a seasoned performer and educator. Throughout his career, he honed his skills under the guidance of Daniel Glass. A well-known drummer and music educator, Glass was twice voted one of the top five R&B drummers in the world by Modern Drummer Magazine readers. In addition to performing with other musicians and groups, Mark led his own "little big band," for several years swinging through jazz festivals across the West Coast.
Since moving to Southern Oregon in 2001, Mark has become a fixture in the local music scene, playing with various jazz, blues, and big bands. A personal highlight was sharing the stage with the iconic Bo Diddley on a New Year's Eve in Medford. Mark's passion extends beyond the stage to teaching. Mark believes that being a great drum teacher is about nurturing well-rounded musicians as well as teaching rudiments and technique. He fosters a deep understanding of rhythm, instills crucial musical concepts like dynamics and phrasing, and ignites creativity and listening skills in his students. Mark lives in Grants Pass with his wife of 32 years. When not performing and teaching, Mark is an avid hiker and loves baseball.
Drum Teacher
Mark Stever
Southern Oregon School of Music Faculty
Sharing Their Gifts in Our Community
Teresa Northcross
Playing Cello at Unitarian Universalist
November 2nd at 10:30 AM
129 NW E St, Grants Pass
Rachael Sandeen
Playing Guitar & Leading Worship with the
Joy Church Worship Team
November 2nd, 9th, and 16th at 10 AM
Joy Church at Southgate Cinema
1625 Ringuette St, Grants Pass
Deborah Pratt
Playing Piano with the
River Valley Church Worship Team
Downtown Campus
November 22nd at 5 PM
November 23rd at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
405 NE 6th St, Grants Pass
Save the Date!
Sounds of the Season Concert
December 14, 2025
2:00 pm and 3:30 pm
Location: Grants Pass Vitality Center
234 SW L St, Grants Pass
Come enjoy holiday tunes
performed by our talented students!
Snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Loc
.png)
October Newsletter 2025
Inside this Issue:
Big things are coming to the studio this month! We are excited to announce that we are offering four new group classes and a Kids Choir! These classes are all starting the week of October 20th:
-
Intro to Piano | Wednesdays 4-5 PM (ages 8-12)
-
Intro to Violin | Wednesdays 3-4 PM (ages 8-14)
-
Intro to Ukulele | Thursdays 3:15-4:15 PM (ages 8-12)
-
Intro to Guitar | Thursdays 4:30-5:30 PM (ages 10-18)
Southern Oregon Kids Choir | Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 (ages 5 to 8)
Too young for the Youth Ensemble but ready to develop your love of singing with a group of friends? Join us in the Kids Choir! We have so much fun exploring our voices through vocal exercises, singing games, and learning songs to perform at Southern Oregon School of Music concerts. Each class ends with a music game where everyone wins at least one small prize.
Joyful Music, Movement, and Learning for Ages Birth - 7
Kindermusik October Playdate:
We added a new Playdate day! Saturday October 4th
Join us for a pretend Pumpkin Patch adventure! Wear your favorite friendly costume and explore "picking pumpkins", going on a "hayride," a stop at the "barn" for creature fun, instrument play, a special pumpkin story, and MORE! All in the warmth of our classroom!
October Practice Focus:
Establish your Practice Routine
Use your SOSM Practice Record Chart. It is especially important to fill out the Weekly Practice Plan on the Back. Then on the front fill in a weekly practice goal that is realistic so that you are successful! Be sure to mark each day that you practice!
Practice the same time each day. It helps to associate your practice time with routine, like right after dinner or as soon as you get home from school.
A practice goal of 20 minutes each day that you practice is a good guideline for beginners. Then add 10 minutes every time you finish a level and receive a new method book.
Put an alarm in your phone for your practice plan and work hard to follow your plan closely. After a few faithful weeks it will become a habit and it will be much easier! Plus you will enjoy being able to play!
October Students of the Month!
Hannah H.
"Hannah has completely blown me away this past month with her passion for music and eagerness for progress. After completing Notes in the Fast Lane in incredible time, she worked through half of her new theory book (60+ pages) in a single week! Over the past year of being her teacher, I cannot recall a single time where my correction left her discouraged. Her response to a challenge is only ever enthusiasm! I could not be more proud
of her."
- Celesta, Piano Teacher
G. Lasky
"Lasky started piano lessons with us nine years ago, moved on to guitar, then ukulele and back to piano! A multi-instrumentalist musician and magician, he recently picked up the bass guitar. He has been playing the bass since June, currently working on Come Together by The Beatles, Bones by The Rills, and Money by Pink Floyd. Lasky is being chosen for this award because of his persistent dedication, passion, and love of music."
- Stefan, Bass Guitar Teacher
We have so many great events happening this month! We hope you can join us for all the music and Autumn fun!
-
Field Trip: C Street Brass (First concert of the Josephine Community Concert season - they provide free tickets to us for our students and their families)
October 9th, 7:30 PM at the Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center-
RSVP on the Events Page on our website by Oct.3 so that we can order tickets.
-
-
Costume Concert October 12th, 3:00 PM at The Hivve. Join us for lively performances played by students who are wearing costumes related to their music. Costume Contest winners will be chosen and pumpkin spice treats, coffee, and hot chocolate will be served.
-
Three Rivers Community Orchestra Concert October 19th, 3:00 PM at the Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center.
-
Jennifer Farrugia, our violin teacher, is the Concert Master and Teresa Northcross, our cello teacher, is the Principal Cellist. It is always a great concert!
-
-
Field Trip: Pumpkin Patch October 15th, 11:00 AM at Fort Vannoy Farms
-
Come ride the cow train, visit the corn maze, watch the pumpkin chunker & pumpkin blaster, and visit the pumpkin patch! $8 per person includes a pumpkin for each person to take home. Please email us at email@soschoolofmusic to let use know how many in your family would like to attend!
-
-
Dress-Up Week October 27th - 31st
-
Wear your favorite friendly costume to your class or lesson!
-
-
Trunk or Treat October 31st, 10 - 1 PM at the Josephine County Fairgrounds
-
Visit our trunk and get a treat! We will be there in the Indoor Arena at this family event complete with amazing decorations, plenty of photo opportunities and, of course, plenty of candy!
-
C Street Brass
Three Rivers Orchestra
Southern Oregon School of Music Faculty
Sharing Their Gifts in Our Community
Jennifer Farrugia
Violinist with the
Parkway Worship Team
October 5th at 10 AM
Parkway Christian Center
229 NE Beacon Dr, Grants Pass
and
Concert Master with the
Three Rivers Community Orchestra
October 19th at 3:00 PM
Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center
313 NE Olive St, Grants Pass
Teresa Northcross
Principal Cellist with the
Three Rivers Community Orchestra
October 19th at 3:00 PM
Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center
313 NE Olive St, Grants Pass
Rachael Sandeen
Playing Guitar & Leading Worship with the
Joy Church Worship Team
October 12th and 26th at 10 AM
Joy Church at Southgate Cinema
1625 Ringuette St, Grants Pass
Deborah Pratt
Pianist with the
River Valley Worship Team
October 25th at 5 PM and October 26th at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
River Valley Church
405 NE 6th St, Grants Pass
Liliana A. - October 1
Audrey M. - October 2
Ridgeway E. - October 8
Matthew P. - October 18
Ava H. - October 18
Fayth R. - October 20
Dominic C. - October 20
Felicity N. - October 20
Layla C. - October 25
Kate G. - October 27
Stop by the office to get a birthday gift!
New & Returning Students
Caelyn J.
Emma J.
Josiah D.
Aynslee D.
Whit E.
Kara D.
Bentlee H.
Max S.
Sequoia H.
Audrey M.
Alexandria O.
Reid K.
Blake M.
Kaysen F.
Lily B.
Daisy D.
Kathie G.
Eastyn R.
Owen C.
Evelyn K.
Joseph K.
Hope K.
Rachel L.
Brecken S.
Cheryl H.
Finn H.
Sage C.
Ryann E.
Stop by the office to get a welcome gift!
Instrument & Vocal Lesson Openings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Fri: Afternoon to early evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Friday: Evenings
Tues: Afternoons
Ensembles and Group Classes
Thurs: 4:15-5:15 PM
Tues: 4:15-5:15 PM
Starting the week
of Oct. 20th!
Intro to Piano (ages 8-12)
Wednesdays 4-5 PM
Intro to Violin (ages 8-14)
Wednesdays 3-4 PM
Intro to Ukulele (ages 8-12)
Thursdays 3:15-4:15 PM
Intro to Guitar (ages 10-18)
Thursdays 4:30-5:30 PM
Jennifer is an experienced violin teacher and an accredited Kindermusik educator. She has been teaching violin over a span of 15 years and has performed in multiple ensembles including the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, The Rogue Opera, The Jefferson Baroque Orchestra, local theater productions, several bands (including bluegrass, Celtic, and Christian contemporary), and her church worship team. Currently Jennifer is the Concert Master of the Three Rivers Orchestra. She is also going to be teaching our new Intro to Violin Class!
Jennifer lives in Grants Pass with her husband, son, and two daughters. Her oldest daughter is now married and has a beautiful baby girl, making Jennifer a proud grandma! When she's not playing the violin, she enjoys cozying up with some reading and coffee, cooking, baking, knitting, and spending time with her family.
Violin Teacher & Kindermusik Educator
Jennifer Farrugia
.png)
September Newsletter 2025
Inside this Issue:
Welcome to our newsletter!
Please update your contact information for us.
There have been some big changes!
-
New phone number: 541-226-2300
-
New email: email@soschoolofmusic.com
-
New social media usernames: @soschoolofmusic
.png)
Bring your family and celebrate our Grand Re-Opening with us! Our studio has expanded and rebranded, and we’d love for you to share in the fun.
Join us for:
-
Live music
-
Hot dogs from Mad Dawgs
-
FREE ice cream for kids from Scoops & Sips (with shakes, floats, and drinks available to purchase)
-
Face painting by Adventures and Fairytale Entertainment
-
A Family Scavenger Hunt
-
Free Kindermusik Mini-classes for ages Birth to 7 Years With Parents
-
Free Instrument and Vocal Lesson Trials
-
Special Discounts
-
Raffle Prizes Generously Donated by Local Businesses
You won't want to miss this special celebration!
If you’re on Facebook, be sure to check out our event page for updates. You can also RSVP there which will help us with the planning!
Summer Bingo Practice
Challenge Winners
This summer, our students played "Practice Bingo." Each bingo required they do 5 of these types of activities:
-
Perform a Song for Your Family
-
Play or Sing a Duet With a Friend
-
Record Yourself Playing or Singing
-
Listen to a Professional Performance Online
-
Practice For Three Days in a Row
-
And many more options!
And the winners are...
Liliana A. - 12 Bingos
Samantha B. - 12 Bingos
Francis K. - 27 Bingos
Galataya J. - 36 Bingos
Elijah B. - 41 Bingos
Maelle R. - 48 Bingos
**Congratulations**
These amazing winners were honored at our Summer Pops Concert. Each received a Winner's Certificate and a $10 Dutch Bros Card.
Joyful Music, Movement, and Learning for Ages Birth - 7
Kindermusik September Playdate:
Put on your overalls and boots because it’s time to visit the farm! We’ll do a craft together and then waddle like ducks, moo like cows, and play in colorful fall "leaves." As we play instruments, enjoy a story time, sing, and dance, we’ll celebrate Fall on the Farm. We will end with a "quiet time" as we listen to the wind in the corn.
This playdate is currently full. Email us to be added to the waitlist!
September Practice Focus:
Set Up or Refresh Your Practice Space!
-
Choose a quiet room or space that is away from distractions.
-
Always have your instrument out, accessible, and safe with an instrument stand or hanger.
-
Have a pencil, pencil sharpener, highlighter, and metronome within easy reach of your practice spot.
-
Add some shelves or bins to store accessories, sheet music, and other materials. A tidy practice space helps to maintain your focus.
-
Give your practice space a new coat of paint and/or add posters, memorabilia, or artwork that inspires you. If you are the parent, give the student an opportunity to help decorate and make the space their own!
September Students of the Month!
G. J.
"G. is such a hardworking student! She really took on the challenge this summer to start working with more dynamics and pedaling, and utilized it in both of her recital pieces this month. I’m so proud of her growth as a musician!"
- Heidi, Piano Teacher
G. was also one of the winners of our Summer Practice Bingo Challenge!
M.N.
"M. just completed his first lesson book! He's been taking piano lessons for about a year and has maintained a striking devotion to practice. He has never missed a lesson! His passion for music is evident both in the classroom and on stage. I'm so proud of him!"
- Celesta, Piano Teacher
Madeline B. - Sept. 1
Felicity K. - Sept. 5
Paisley S. - Sept. 13
Max O. - Sept. 14
Nyles G. - Sept. 17
Sofia B. - Sept. 22
Olivia C. - Sept. 23
Ryder B. - Sept. 25
Stop by the office to get a birthday gift!
New & Returning Students
Ava H.
Dominic C.
Ridgeway E.
Ian F.
Kai C.
Olive C.
Stop by the office to get a welcome gift!
Max O.
Portia N.
Charlise B.
Silas A.
Liam K.
Weson O.
Instrument & Vocal Lesson Openings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Fri: Afternoon to early evenings
Mon: Morning to evenings
Tues: Mid-afternoons
Wed: Mid-afternoons
Thurs: Morning to evenings
Fri: Morning to early evenings
Thurs: Evenings
Tues: Afternoons
Ensembles and Group Classes
Thurs: 4:15-5:15 PM
Four new classes are starting the week of October 20th! Save your spot with a $10 deposit! Spots are limited, sign up today!
-
Intro to Piano
-
Intro to Guitar
-
Intro to Ukulele
-
Intro to Violin
_edited.png)
Rachel started with us at the age of 17 as an accompanist for our kids choir shortly after we opened our very first location in 2000. Soon she was working in administration plus teaching piano and Kindermusik. She left us after several years to begin raising and home schooling her family of six. Over the past 10 years, Rachel has also taught a variety of music classes for Rooted Home School Co-op, and in the fall of 2023 she served as the music teacher for Arrows Home School Co-op. We are delighted to announce that her family is thriving and ready to loan her to us again on Mondays–Thursdays from 2:00–5:30 as our Office Manager. Her role includes managing our calendar, helping families to enroll or make any necessary changes to their membership, and responding to phone calls and emails. If you need anything, she is here to help! She has also taken on the role of teaching our Kids Choir!
