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“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” ~ Victor Hugo
“If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." ~ Jimi Hendrix
Our Mission: To provide high-quality music lessons and music education programming for all ages and abilities to the greater Bath community, regardless of financial means.
Our Values: We believe that music is transformational and innate. We hold creating music as an integral part of the human experience. As such, we recognize the benefit that music education brings to the spirit and morale of the community. Therefore, we commit to investing in music education offerings for the greater Bath Community through financial sponsorship, uplifting and empowerment of music teachers, and provision of critical infrastructure and resources for music lessons and classes.
Artistic Statement: “Welcome to our brand new music program at the Chocolate Church. Since the CCAC has been a beacon of performing arts in the Greater Bath Community for decades, it seems fitting for us to curate a portal into the world of music education. In any community, the arts are not simply an enhancement but a way of life, yet it is too easy for community members to feel isolated from the creative process. Music education transcends the divide between performer and audience, transforming audience members into performers and creators. (read more….)
To learn more about full and partial scholarships, email Dr. Jane Clukey at jclukeymusic@gmail.com
"As someone who never thought their voice was good enough to learn or even try for that this experience has been life changing. I now have the confidence to go out and try and perform and learn more. I have the confidence to dive into music production and write my own songs. " - Melissa
Dr. Jane Clukey: Director of Music Education, Voice, Piano
Dr. Jane Clukey, mezzo soprano, is an active performer and teacher of classical and commercial singing styles from Maine, USA. Dr. Clukey received her Doctor of Musical Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory, her Master of Music from the University of North Texas, and her Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern Maine. In 2022, she successfully defended her dissertation “A Voice Teacher’s Guide to Temporomandibular Disorders in Singers”. Dr. Clukey appears frequently throughout Maine, nationally, and internationally as a presenter, adjudicator, lecturer, music director, and workshop facilitator. Her students are regularly recognized for their technical skills and artistry in vocal competitions and auditions. She was an adjunct professor and vocal director at the University of New England from 2020-2024. An accomplished songwriter, Dr. Clukey has shared compositions at festivals and concerts throughout Maine. She also regularly performs with the Studio Theatre of Bath (musical theater), Three Little Birds (jazz), Gardenhouse Collective (rock), and Crystal Vision (a Fleetwood Mac tribute). She sits on the board of Gardenhouse Records, a grassroots music label and recording studio, is a member of the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Opera on Tap Maine, and sits on the board of the Studio Theatre of Bath. You can find her on Instagram at @dr.jane.voice.studio or on Facebook at Dr Jane Clukey Voice Studio.
Freddy Larrosa: Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Music Production
Freddy Larrosa is an Ecuadorian singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His music is deeply inspired by South American folklore and iconic Latin American troubadours such as Silvio Rodríguez and Facundo Cabral, shaping his distinctive sound. At 19, Larrosa embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, traveling to Uruguay, his father’s homeland. There, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Candombe, exploring its African roots, Murga, and drumming, which profoundly influenced his musical style. This artistic journey has taken his voice and talent around the world. Notably, he shared the stage with Bob Marley’s legendary band, The Wailers, in Woodstock, NY, performing alongside renowned percussionists Gerald Ache (Drums of Freedom) and Juma Sultan (Jimi Hendrix’s percussionist). Within the Latin music scene, Larrosa has opened for celebrated acts such as Duncan Dhu, Ella Baila Sola, and Sergio Sacoto. In 2020, Larrosa participated in a collaborative album featuring over 30 artists, including Tubby Love and Amber Lily, recorded in Boulder, CO. That same year, he released his debut album, Children of the Light. The album showcases a unique fusion of musical genres, including Trova, folklore, hip-hop, jazz, Candombe, pop, and world music. Its powerful lyrics explore themes of healing, introspection, meditation, and the human experience, honoring life and the memories of ancestors. Larrosa is the founder of Gardenhouse Records and the visionary creator of Gardenfest https://gardenhouserecords.com/
Gary Smith: Band, Music Appreciation, keyboard/piano, bass, drums, guitar
Gary Smith is a vocalist, instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and music educator. His private instruction includes both guitar and voic,e and publicly in general music. His professional career started at the age of eighteen with performances in Classical, Jazz, Pop, and Rock. He has performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra as a choral member of ChoralArt and currently sings from the Great American Songbook with recent performances with the Bath Swing Band, the Volunteers Jazz Band, and occasional guest appearances at the Abbey café in Brunswick. Undergraduate studies in music include Berklee College of Music in Boston and earning a B.Ed. in Music from the University of Hawaii. Post-Graduate studies in music include the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and he is a two-time participant of the “Jazz in July” program at UMass both as a vocalist and instrumentalist.
Voice Lessons with Dr. Jane Clukey
Voice lessons are for students of all ages and experience levels. Dr. Jane's teaching style focuses on healthy, sustainable singing techniques that can be adapted to many different genres, such pop, rock, country, opera, musical theater, and more. She integrates her scientific knowledge of the voice with nearly 20 years of experience singing and working with singers in an approach that views each singer holistically and individually .Voice lessons include both vocal technique and song/ performance preparation. In lessons, you will learn how to warm up your voice, how to practice, and how to strengthen your voice and keep it healthy. Get to know your voice while learning to sing and perform expressively! Build confidence and overcome performance anxiety through 2 yearly studio recitals and additional opportunities. Additionally, Dr. Jane can help you prepare for specific goals, such as:
For more information, please visit https://www.drjaneclukeyvoicestudio.com/ or email jclukeymusic@gmail.com
Guitar, Bass, or Percussion Lessons with Freddy Larrosa
Unlock your musical potential with personalized guitar and percussion lessons! Whether you're a beginner or intermediate player, Freddy offers a fun and creative approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. Together, you’ll explore techniques at your own pace, fostering a relaxed environment where you’re free to explore, experiment, and express yourself through music. No matter your age, each lesson is designed to inspire, build confidence, and help you discover the joy of making music.
For more information, call 207-442-8455 or email larrosaband@gmail.com
Keyboard/piano, bass, drums, guitar with Gary Smith
Learning to play an ensemble instrument in six weeks through the Berklee School of Music lesson plans. Phase I, INSTANT MUSIC, is for beginners with little or no playing experience. Students have the opportunity to play guitar, bass, keyboard, or drums during a six-week course. Utilizing accompanying music tracks, students will learn to play with other rhythm ensemble instruments. Dozens of tunes are provided in different styles in a listen and play format. Elementary techniques are provided to get the students playing with and without music notation. Students may repeat the course, choosing a different instrument. Depending upon the student's ability, dedication, and motivation, the student may progress to Phase II, GET YOUR BAND TOGETHER (see Group Classes).
Additional instruments: We are continuing to expand our private lesson offerings, so please keep checking back! To inquire about a specific instrument not listed here, please email Dr. Jane Clukey at jclukeymusic@gmail.com
MONTHLY OPEN MIC with Freddy Larrosa and Jane Clukey (COMING SOON)
When you share music with others, something magical happens. Join us in the Chocolate Church Annex for our new monthly open mic! Whether you’re a singer-songwriter looking to try out a new song or a student musician looking to gain more confidence performing in front of an audience, this is the event for you. We curate a casual, positive environment where you can feel supported regardless of your experience level. Bring a karaoke track or your accompanying instrument of choice. Drop-ins are welcome, however, it will help us plan if you are able to sign up via the attached Google form. No cover, but donations will be collected at the door to support the Chocolate Church Music Education Program.
“GET YOUR BAND TOGETHER” (8-week class) with Gary Smith (COMING FALL 2025)
Learn how to play in a BAND developed by the faculty of Berklee College of Music. Utilizing the Berklee Practice Method, your instructor will guide you in learning what all great musicians know how to do intuitively, how to listen, interact and respond, improvise, and become part of the groove. Weekly rehearsals will guide you through techniques that is specific to playing in a contemporary ensemble, culminating in a public performance at the end of the course. This course is offered to those who have basic music reading skills and can play one of the following instruments: electric bass, drums, electric or acoustic guitar, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, or vibraphone. Class minimum: 1 each of electric bass, drums, guitar, and keyboard.
HOW TO LISTEN TO JAZZ (8-week class) with Gary Smith COMING SOON
“Rhythm of the Heart: A Journey Through Drum & Spirit” with Freddy Larrosa SIGN UP SOON
A one-day interactive and immersive drumming workshop centered on the Djembe, with foundational connections to world percussion, African diaspora rhythms, and the spiritual heartbeat that connects all humans. No experience necessary. Required materials: bring your own drum if you have one - we have a handful available to those who don’t.
"The Song Within: A Somatic Journey into Creative Expression" with Freddy Larrosa SIGN UP SOON
This one-day, experiential class is for beginner to intermediate songwriters, creatives, and anyone seeking healing through self-expression. Help students reconnect with their bodies and emotions through somatic awareness.
“Sound Alchemy: Creating Music from the Heart” with Freddy Larrosa SIGN UP SOON
This one-day workshop is for aspiring beginner-intermediate music producers looking to improve their skills through practical, heart-centered instruction.
Topics:
Required Gear: Laptop with DAW, headphones, MIDI keyboard/controller (optional), audio samples/instruments
Software Recommendation: Ableton Live / Logic Pro X / FL Studio (flexible based on group)
"After our lesson, we had band practice. My friend sat in, and afterwards told me 'You’ve always had a beautiful voice, but today you broke into a new dimension' - I felt powerful!" - Loretta
"Working with Dr. Clukey these past couple of years has made our musicals run much more smoothly. Without her talent and patience, we would not have been able to put on as high-quality a show as we did! - Aiden
"As someone who never thought their voice was good enough to learn or even try for that matter-this experience has been life changing. I now have the confidence to go out and try and perform and learn more. I have the confidence to dive into music production and write my own songs. " - Melissa
"Working with Jane has been incredible, she has helped me start to overcome my insecurities around singing in a higher-pitched voice." - Brady
"I have seen a tremendous difference in my voice over this past summer. I have grown in performance and confidence as well." - Kelsey
This fledgling music program is a labor of love. Our goal is to make music and high-quality musical instruction available and accessible to Bath and the greater Midcoast area. Your support means so much! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
“Welcome to our brand new music program at the Chocolate Church. Since the CCAC has been a beacon of performing arts in the Greater Bath Community for decades, it seems fitting for us to similarly curate a portal into the world of music education. In any community, the arts are not simply an enhancement, but a way of life, yet it is too easy for community members to feel isolated from the creative process. Music education transcends the divide between performer and audience, transforming audience members into performers and creators. Thus, this program becomes the logical next step in the evolution of a community performing arts center.
A little backstory: I was born and grew up in Maine, eventually leaving the state to pursue higher education. I returned with my Doctorate of Musical Arts and have been teaching voice and piano lessons in the Annex basement for the past few years (invisible to most, but lurking beneath like the Phantom of the Opera!).
Last year, my dreams became much more ambitious as I began conversations with Matthew Glassman towards the creation of a legitimate music education program. With the help of the CCAC team, I moved upstairs to my current studio and embarked on this journey to create and lead the nurturing music education program of my dreams. Over the past 6 months, we have been working to bring in new teachers, develop programming, and expand private lesson offerings. In December, we produced our first studio recital open to the public, where voice and piano students of all ages performed on the beautiful CCAC mainstage - many for the first time.
It is wonderful to be back in this community, working and collaborating with so many amazing artists and musicians. I lived the first two years of my life in Bath, and during that time, like many in this community, my dad worked at Bath Iron Works. I have had the opportunity to listen to Matthew’s curtain speech at CCAC events a few times, and he always talks about Bath’s rich shipbuilding history. I think that what goes into building a music program is perhaps very similar to what goes into shipbuilding - big dreams, a dedicated team, creativity in response to challenges, and persistence towards a vision that may take some time to fully realize.
Whether you are an aspiring student or a supporter of music education, I am very excited for you to join me on this voyage. Please browse through the tabs below to see our teachers and our current and upcoming offerings, and explore ways in which you can support this growing program. We shall build a craft worthy of the rough seas of these modern times as we bring music education to this beautiful community. May fair winds and following seas be with us all on this journey. ~ Dr. Jane”
