Welcome to the University of Puget Sound. Whether you are a current or future Logger, an alum, or one of our neighbors in the immediate community or beyond, we welcome you to join us in person or online for classes that bring you the best skills, tools, and knowledge our faculty has to offer. Anyone can take part, and there are no exams of any kind! These classes are not associated with a degree or certification program. We simply invite you to learn with us and be inspired.

View over campus lawn and pathways

Whether you are a beginner or have many years of experience, our faculty can help you take your skills and knowledge to new heights!

Join us, connect with us, learn with us.

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You will be contacted by the instructor prior to the first class date regarding details, including zoom links when applicable. If you have questions about the format of a course, please contact communitysummer@pugetsound.edu. 

* There is a, nonrefundable fee of $10 for each student at the time of initial registration. Thereafter, the fee will be charged at the beginning of each term. Students registering for multiple courses in the same term will only pay one $10 registration fee. For additional information please visit the Community Music Registration & Payments page. 

In-Person Classes

These classes are taught in-person only on our beautiful Puget Sound campus in Tacoma

What Kind of Dog is That?

Instructor: Alexa Tullis, Professor and Associate Chair, Biology

In-person, Thompson Hall, Classroom #283
Campus Map & Directions

June 27, 5-6:20 p.m.
June 29: 5-6:20 p.m.
July 1: 5-6:20 p.m.
July 6: 5-6:20 p.m.
$110, plus $10 registration

In this course, we'll first examine where, when, and how, wolves became the first dogs. We'll then cover how humans took these primordial dogs and created the breeds that we see today. We'll then spend the rest of the time exploring the ramifications of this 200-year-long breeding experiment, including thinking critically about the value of breeds. The course will be a combination of lecture and discussion. There may be some pre-class reading. 

Age Group: This class is open to anyone age 13 and up.

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Cancer in Context

Instructor: Leslie Saucedo, Professor of Cell Biology 

In-person, Thompson Hall, Classroom #197 
Campus Map & Directions

Thursday, June 30: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 7: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 14: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 21: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 28: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, August 4: 6-8 p.m.

$240, plus $10 registration

This course examines the history of cancer discovery and treatment. Students will build a solid foundation in both the science and history of cancer to allow thoughtful exploration and critique of where we’ve been and to identify future areas of concern and hope. Students will need to purchase a copy of The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee. 

Age Group: This class is for students age 16 and up

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Private Music Lessons for Adults, Children and Teens (all levels)

Faculty
Registration and scheduling is done on a rolling basis. Please contact us at any time.

Central to the success of Community Music is an outstanding faculty of professional educators. The department proudly brings together the area’s finest teachers and artists. Many Community Music instructors also serve as Puget Sound professors and affiliate artists.

Our student body is very diverse. Participation is open to all persons regardless of age, gender, race, religion, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or aptitude. Our youngest student is 4 months old and our oldest student is 92 years young. Our students also represent a broad geographic area. Some Community Music students are neighbors who can walk to campus; some are Puget Sound students who live on campus, while others commute distances that require two hours or more. Through our virtually taught programs, you can participate from anywhere.

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Brass Camp

Brass Camp is for students ages 12-19 with two or more years of playing experience.

Camp Fee: $295 for a week-long day camp

Camp Schedule: Monday - Friday 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Friday has early dismissal at approximately 1:30 P.M. (after the final concert).
The week concludes with a free public performance at 12:30 P.M. Friday, July 1, 2022 on the Schneebeck Concert Hall stage at University of Puget Sound School of Music.

Camp Director: Judson Scott
Assistant Director: Stephen Abeshima
French Horn Specialist: Danielle Lemieux

Please note: This camp requires participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination status upon arrival the first day of camp. Applicable health safety measures will also be observed throughout the camp.

Puget Sound Brass Camp is offered in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma
Brass Camp is a collaboration between the Puget Sound Community Music Department and Metro Parks. It offers an exciting, non-competitive environment for players of varying abilities to study with highly qualified university-affiliated faculty in a university setting.

The week-long camp happens on the college campus during the summer and offers students the chance to improve their skills, perform new works, and interact with peers who share an interest in music. Students are placed in small groups and larger ensembles to play music in various styles, including jazz improvisation. Masterclasses will focus on building technique, using proper breath support, warm-up methods, practice techniques, and intonation. The camp culminates in a final performance, where students show off all they’ve learned.

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Virtual Classes

These classes are taught in a live, interactive online format. Students can join from anywhere in the world.

Leadership & Humility: Inspiring others to thrive

Instructor: Anna Valiavska  Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, Center for Speech and Effective Advocacy

July 1, 12-1 PT (On-line)

$20, plus $10 registration fee

This class will discuss the latest research on leadership and humility and give the participants clear strategies that will help them with supervision and team building.

Age Group: Adult

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Writing Emails that Get Results

Instructor: Anna Valiavska  Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, Center for Speech and Effective Advocacy

July 8th 12-1 PT (On-line; Instructor will email you zoom link prior to start of class)

$20, plus $10 registration 

Does your day get taken over by email? The average person spends over three hours of each day checking their work email (and another two hours a day checking personal email!). In this class we will learn to write emails that save time and get results.
 
Age Group: All ages

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Instructor: Anna Valiavska  Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, Center for Speech and Effective Advocacy

July 14th 12-1 PT (On-line; Instructor will email you zoom link prior to start of class)

$20, plus $10 registration 

Workplace conflict is an inevitable part of work life. Learning to embrace it and channel conflict positively can radically alter a professional’s ability to manage workplace relationships and expectations. This session will address two dominant types of workplace conflicts, five commonplace conflict management strategies, and techniques for breaking a stalemate among other communication skills.  

Age Group: Adult

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Advocacy at Work: How to make a change and have your ideas heard

Instructor: Anna Valiavska  Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, and Director, Center for Speech and Effective Advocacy

July 21 12-1 PT (On-line; Instructor will email you zoom link prior to start of class)

What does effective advocacy look like in the workplace? Learn how to evaluate what is needed, and gain practical applications, tools, and strategies for fostering change.

$20, plus $10 registration 

Age Group: Adult

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