Jackson Hole, WY – Teton Music School is opening its doors to adult learners with four new eight‑week music courses beginning Sept. 28. Designed for adults 55 and older, the classes are open to participants of any age and are offered on a pay‑what‑you‑can basis, with a suggested tuition of $180 for the full program.
Course lineup
- Drum kit – Instructor Ed Domer teaches basic grooves, building limb independence and coordination while students learn to play along with familiar songs.
- Ukulele – Susan Jones shows beginners how two chords can produce recognizable tunes, offering a gentle entry point for those who want to make music quickly.
- Concert band – Cheryl DeLong, a former school‑band director of 35 years, helps students reacquaint themselves with brass and woodwind fundamentals, from embouchure to reading notes.
- Rock band – Taylor Upton guides participants in forming a full band, covering rock, R&B and blues repertoire and culminating in a live gig.
Each class meets once a week for 90 minutes, allowing students to develop skills sequentially, play alongside peers, and prepare for a final performance opportunity.
Community connections
All courses take place during the day at Teton Music School’s Jackson Hole campus. The school has partnered with the Jackson Hole Community Band, which will welcome course graduates into its December concert. An Instrument Try‑Day on Sept. 30 lets participants test a variety of instruments and even arrange rentals for older instruments that need repair.
One ukulele student, who goes by Uke55, described the experience as “my lifelong dream came true.” Her enthusiasm helped spark the formation of Jam55, a weekly ensemble that now features guitar, bass, drums, accordion and ukuleles, performing at community events.
Benefits for older adults
Research on older adults making music points to improvements in learning, confidence, emotional well‑being and social connection. By offering structured, collaborative music education, Teton Music School is providing a creative outlet that supports mental agility and community bonding.
The program is partially funded by a Creative Aging grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, with additional support from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
How to enroll
Interested adults can register online at the Teton Music School website or call (307) 201‑1908 for more information. The pay‑what‑you‑can model ensures that cost is not a barrier for anyone eager to pick up an instrument and join a supportive musical community.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
