Booker T & The M.G.'s

10-week Band Camp

Stax recording artists Booker T. & the M.G.'s were an American instrumental R&B/funk band that was influential in shaping the sound of Southern soul and Memphis soul. The original members of the group were Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Lewie Steinberg, and Al Jackson Jr.

With instructor Dave Previ

10 Mondays, 7-9:30PM
April 10-June 12 2023

Performance Date 6/17

$540

6 Mondays
April 10-May 15
7:30pm–9:00pm
$265

We will meet in person at BMF. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch,

Stephen Clair play@beaconmusicfactory.com

Hello Songwriters and Aspiring Songwriters,

It doesn't matter what time zone you're in: This is a Zoom class.

Whether you write songs regularly, or you're just getting started, you will be challenged in some inspiring ways to write a new song every week in this, one of Beacon Music Factory's most celebrated classes.

8 consecutive Mondays
April 10 - May 29 2023*
7:30pm–9:00pm
$300

*Once we get started, we will probably agree to bump that last class to a different date so it doesn't conflict with memorial day.

HOW IT WORKS
Every week, we’ll meet for an hour (or two) and I’ll treat you to song examples to consider, song strctures to puzzle over, a few new ways of looking at songs you already know and lovel and then, most importantly, you will be given a multi-layered songwriting PROMPT (assignment).

The weekly PROMPT is chock full of rules to inspire you, parameters that will help focus your thinking and still more layers for you to consider. Past students tell us over and over how much they learn and how inspired they become by these assignments. It is exhilirating and satisfying when you are eager to dig in and begin writing rather than feeling daunted by a blank page. That's what this class is all about. Throughout the course I’ll provide extra pointers, some harmonic, some lyrical, some conceptual, to keep you going.

I am pretty sure you will amaze yourself with what you are able to conjure on a weekly basis. Your songs will be shared in class each week, and we’ll have substantial discussions about each student’s song; and then, of course, … you will receive your next song assignment!

Acclaimed songwriter and founder of Beacon Music Factory, Stephen Clair has been teaching songwriting classes like this to adults and kids for years—both in the classroom and online.

We will meet over Zoom. I will send full details when we get closer to the start date.

I am really looking forward to seeing you write a bunch of new songs, as you find your way writing sometimes far outside your usual stylistic habits.

If you have any questions, please get in touch,

Stephen Clair play@beaconmusicfactory.com

Chamber Music Ensemble – “Bach to Rock”

Calling all violin, viola, cello, and bass players!

BMF is offering a chamber music class in Spring 2023 from Mid April through June, culminating in at least one live performance.

All players are welcome to join, as long as you have a basic proficiency on your instrument and the ability to read music.

Repertoire is chosen by you, the participants! We can pick a program that spans centuries – from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart to Satie, Morricone, Bartok, even groups like Coldplay or the Beatles…Use your imagination!

Led by Kathleen Bosman

April 18 - July 4* | (12 Tuesdays)
7:00-8:30pm
Performance dates : TBD. Undoubtedly this group will perform at BMF Fest June 10th!

* Undoubtedly, the last class will be moved so as not to clash with the 4th of July.

Tuition: $375