Access At CVUHS

Join Dunia Partilo, a Vermont licensed educator and native from Spain, and learn one of the most widely spoken world languages useful in business and travel. This 12-session course focuses on conversational skills through dialogues, vocabulary and typical expressions that are very useful in order speak the basics of the Spanish language. Each class will also follow the text, "Language Hacking: A Conversation Course for Beginners, Spanish", By Benny Lewis as a guide for practicing at home. Please purchase the textbook, "Language Hacking: A Conversation Course for Beginners, Spanish," by Benny Lewis prior to the start of the first class as this will be used throughout the course. Additional materials and handouts will be used during class. Note: The first 6-sessions will be held virtually online. The last 6 classes will be in-person at CVU. "Dunia was a fun and outgoing teacher. She encouraged us to learn Spanish with humor, support and patience. I highly recommend her."- CSJ

If you are planning to travel to any Spanish speaking country in the future, and you need to boost your Spanish skills this class is for you! Dunia Partilo, native Spanish teacher, invites you to continue learning Spanish through practicing more complex grammar and vocabulary. If you have some Spanish knowledge or have taken Beginners Spanish, this class is for you! In this 12-session course, students will need to purchase prior to the start of class, the practice workbook Practical Spanish Grammar. Dunia will assign additional fun activities, and you will learn interesting cultural facts as well as engage in discussions and conversation as the course progresses. Not sure if you are ready for this class? Dunia will be happy to speak with you prior to registration. Please let us know so we can connect you! Note: The first 6-sessions will be held virtually online. The last 6 classes will be in-person at CVU. "Dunia provided excellent instruction guided by a workbook, handouts, and videos! She supplemented class by showing us cultural events in Barcelona , her hometown, which were fun to learn about. Plenty of time for questions and small group discussions!" - Student

This course is a continuation of Italian for Beginners I and is designed for students who want to deepen their foundation in the Italian language while continuing to explore Italian culture and everyday life. In this class, we will build on what you’ve already learned by going further into verb tenses and conjugations, expanding vocabulary, and strengthening your speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills. Using a communicative and supportive approach, students will gain more confidence expressing themselves in Italian and understanding the language in real-world contexts. Italian for Beginners I covered Chapters 1–3 of the course text; this class will continue from there and progress according to the groups comfort level and efforts, completing the remaining portion of CEFR Level A1. While this course offers meaningful progression, it is still considered a beginning-level class, not intermediate. This course is ideal for students who have completed Italian for Beginners I or who already have a basic foundation in Italian. If you are unsure whether this level is right for you, please contact us and we’ll be happy to connect you with the instructor for guidance. Come continue your Italian journey—build your skills, grow your confidence, and enjoy learning the language of food, culture, travel, and conversation! Required Text: Please purchase Language Hacking Italian for Beginners by Benny Lewis before the first class. This book will be used for both Italian I (chapters 1-3) and Italian II (chapters 4-7 or as we progress). Supplemental emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you and the class progress with ease. Please review chapters 1-3 prior to the start of the first class. This is an online class that will meet via Zoom or Google Meet. An invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. "After taking both Fall and Spring beginner Italian courses, I mastered some basic grammatical rules, developed a working vocabulary, and was able to "speak Italian" on a trip to Italy. Thanks Liz!"

Based on practices developed by Bobby McFerrin and his collaborators, Circle Singing is a supportive, judgment-free space to sing with others without having to read music. It's a playful, joyful community singing experience. Jody creates songs in the moment — patterns, percussive sounds, rhythms, harmonies, melodies — and teaches the parts orally to the rest of the group. The parts layer together into completely original compositions, each song a unique creation, never sung before, never to be sung again. Jody will also teach different aspects of how to create an improvised ‘song’ for singers who want an opportunity to lead. There will be no pressure to lead if you don’t feel ready! All voices are welcome! Feel free to contact Jody at jjalbright58@gmail.com if you have any questions. "Jody consistently creates a safe environment that warmly invites singers to participate, explore, and play — regardless of singing experience." -Linda "Jody’s class was a delight. It gave me confidence to jump right into singing improvisation with the circle of classmates. I look forward to the next opportunity to sing with Jody." -Sharyl

Join John, an enthusiastic musician with years of teaching experience, to learn basic acoustic guitar skills and work on learning a few chords through popular songs. Everyone will be playing music before long! This class is designed for those of all ages, with little or no experience, as well as those who have experience and are looking for a tune-up or refresher and a chance to gather with a group for more practice. Bring your guitar, and an electronic tuner which is strongly recommended, but not a prerequisite. "I learned more in Guitar for Beginners than I have in decades of playing. The instructor, John Creech is outstanding. He is extraordinary in both his knowledge of the instrument and his support for his students. I recommend this course for anyone interested in getting a great start on learning guitar." "This class was a joy to take! John is gifted in his musical talents and ability to teach it to others!" Wendy

Benvenuti in Italia! “Conversational Italian” is dedicated to your needs and wants in this beautiful language. For this reason, the preliminary assignment for the first class is for you to prepare a realistic list of things you would like to learn given the number of sessions we will have. This is the ideal equation: Beginning of class + End of class = I learned what I wanted to know! If you wish the class to be conducted in Italian or have a hybrid approach (Italian and English) you must all agree to this for obvious reasons. Having a hybrid approach is beneficial and Cinzia will explain her philosophy in this regard. Not sure what level of Italian you are at? No problem! Sign-up and decide after the first class if this will meet your needs. This is an online class. A Zoom or Google Meet invitation will be emailed prior to the start date. All handouts will be emailed directly from the instructor. "I have taken this online Italian conversation course with Cinzia for three years, and it is a great touch-point every week to practice the language and even meet new friends in Vermont who also have an interest in the language. Some of these friendships from the online class have transitioned into real life friendships, as we continue to meet after the class is over to practice Italian together!" "I really enjoy these classes with Cinzia. They provide an opportunity to practice Italian in an informal, friendly and chatty atmosphere. Cinzia sends materials between classes but homework is more or less at the individual's discretion. It helps me keep on my Italian and especially practice my listening and speaking skills with a native speaker. Cinzia is funny, warm, and great at teaching colloquial details."

Join Pamela, a Swiss native and German teacher, to learn the German language and culture for business or pleasure. Gain basic skills for everyday situations and simple conversations, learn practical phrases, proper pronunciation and sentence structure. This interactive course includes cultural awareness of life in German speaking countries. Handouts, videos, and other materials will be used to help you progress with ease throughout this ONLINE course. A Zoom invitation to join the course will be sent prior to the start of the first class. All ages are welcome! "This is the second time I have taken Beginner German. This time the instructor, Pamela Krieger was excellent and I feel I have learned so much - particularly in pronunciation."

If you are beginning your piano journey, or would like to learn more about this tried and true method of learning then this workshop is for you! In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes. If you are looking for a stress free and fun method of learning to play your favorite piano tunes then this class is for you! Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. Ages 13+ Students will need a piano or keyboard at home and access to an internet connected device. The class is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands on instruction.

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing-all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, and free yourself from sheet-music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords recommended. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. Ages 13+ Students will need a piano or keyboard at home and access to an internet connected device. The class is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands on instruction.