Editor:

To paraphrase Mark Twain’s humorous quotation, “Reports of our death have been greatly exaggerated.” This quote came to mind last week when I was told of recent ads incorrectly stating that River Tree Arts is no longer offering individual music instruction. As Mr. Twain might have said, nothing could be further from the truth.

Under our newly-launched Studio for American Traditional Music, River Tree continues to offer lessons in guitar, bass guitar, fiddle, harmonica, drums, keyboard, saxophone, flute, brass and other instruments. We draw on the rich heritage of American music, teaching songs from Gershwin to Miles Davis, from The Band to Green Day, and from Stephen Foster to Alison Krauss, to form a repertoire around which music theory, technique and good practice habits are taught.

What has changed at River Tree is the addition of unique, ensemble-based classes that allow students to apply their music lessons immediately in a group setting. Rock, folk, blues and country bands play every week as students put their skills into practice. These ensemble lessons also include special opportunities to jam and to record.

But beginner classes for both adults and children are still available. These lessons still provide one-on-one teaching of the basic techniques while preparing students for eventual play in ensembles.

As the director of music programs, I look forward to working with teachers and students to help re-invigorate the arts in our community. I invite your readers to visit River Tree sometime soon to see the magic of our music-making!

Don Wessels

Director of Music Programs and Community Outreach, River Tree Arts

Kennebunk