Fall Music Classes for Adults in Chatham

A special blend of music and camaraderie will be available in Chatham again this fall. For four years, John Fitzpatrick has offered Rock ‘n’ Roll High School for Adults classes as part of The Coffeehouse Project, an organization he founded based on the philosophy that getting together and making music in the community is of great benefit to those who participate. “My degree is in Community Music,” explains Fitzpatrick, “and what community musicians do is provide opportunities for people to get together for a joint purpose, organized around music. Studies have shown this process actually provides overall health benefits. It’s also simply a joyful outlet for folks who might not otherwise have such an opportunity in their busy lives.”

The Coffeehouse Project groups will meet at Stanley Congregational Church for twelve weeks starting after Labor Day. There are two sessions of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School for Adults, both meeting from 7:00-9:00pm on either Wednesdays or Thursdays. This is the most popular program and culminates in a free rock concert for the public at the end of each semester.

New this fall, Fitzpatrick is offering an Afternoon Folk group designed for individuals who play acoustic guitar and would like to spend a few hours every week playing folk music in a small group setting. This group is different from the Rock ‘n’ Roll flagship program in that it will meet from 3:00-5:00pm on Thursday afternoons and will not present a concert at semester’s end. “This is a great opportunity for my retired friends to reap the benefits of creating music without the stress of a performance looming in their futures. Some folks really dig performing, but there are plenty who do not and I don’t want to leave them out,” says Fitzpatrick.

For more information about The Coffeehouse Project or registering for these music groups visit: http://thecoffeehouseprojectnj.org/. You can also contact John Fitzpatrick via email at jfitz58@hotmail.com if you have any questions.