COCHRANE— Crafting one-of-a-kind songs that celebrate the sound of music, a local musician and composer will be hosting online music classes with the Town of Cochrane.
Musician and composer Forest Muran will be teaching musical fundamental to students that explores a range of different musical genres at the end of May.
His class Let's Compose Music Together Muran will work to foster creativity and curiosity in budding musicians.
Muran has been hosting the camp for three years, he said, adding that this year will be interesting because all classes will be virtual.
“I try to teach out the joy to the kids. I think that a simple thing that introduces them to classical music a little bit,” Muran said.
The transition will make for a unique experience he said, explaining that the biggest difference is going to be a new time constraint.
Typically the musicians would spend all week together playing music and games in-person, he said, but this year they will be meeting one hour a day over the video-conferencing app Zoom.
“I think this year we’re going to try and talk about fundamentals and I can demonstrate things to them,” Muran said. “I’ll ask them to experiment with ideas we come up with together on their own.”
Muran said he always looks forward to the energy the students bring to the class.
“They're always so enthusiastic about learning music,” Muran said. “I think it’s really good to see— They’re just so willing to absorb all the information and then create something out of the basic material you teach them.”
In past years the students have made instruments such as a box guitar or tinfoil plate drum kit together using basic materials. Muran said he plans on continuing this tradition and will show students instruments they can make using items from around the house and they, in turn, can make their own as homework.
Muran said his goal is to make an engaging but educational experience that encourages the children to dive into musical theory and creation. He added that the class is designed in an accessible way that is easy for children to learn.
“The kids already have an enthusiasm going into these classes, they’re really excited to learn something about music,” Muran said. “Because of that it’s not too hard to go the extra step and teach them something— They’re already very receptive to learn something.”
The camp focuses on the fundamentals of music and begins with basic singing exercises, he said and move towards compositions and applying what they have learned using instruments.
“Kids, they typically want to explore the possibilities. You give them the material and they want to play with it,” Muran said. “It’s a good learning opportunity to give them basic musical ideas.”
For those interested in enrolling in the class, the musician said the best way to get the most out of the program is to have access to an instrument at home and be ready to have fun.
“Don’t think of it as a super-serious musical lesson we’re trying to have fun with it. You learn a lot better when you approach something with a playful spirit,” Muran said.
Let’s Compose Music Together is open to ages six to 11 and runs Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. starting on May 21. Students are required to have access to an instrument for this class.
For more information visit the Town of Cochrane website.
