The Green Tambourine is now open at 711 S. 50th St. (Photo from The Green Tambourine’s Facebook page)

The Green Tambourine director Ann Schwartz at the new studio near 50th and Baltimore (Photo West Philly Local)

The popular local music program, The Green Tambourine, which started four years ago at The Rotunda, has grown out of its space on 46th and Baltimore and has just moved a few blocks west to a new, bigger location.

“The old space [at 4614 Baltimore Ave.] was great to get us started in 2012 as a designated music space,” says the program founder and creative director Ann Schwartz. “I started looking for a bigger space at the beginning of this year since our schedule was getting tight. When the space came up in March I knew I wanted to make the move.”

The program, which moved to the former warehouse building at 711 S. 50th St., now has lots more space for current and new classes, and is hiring more teachers to expand the instruments that they offer. 

“One of the things we are most excited about is the ability to start more adult ensembles,” says Schwartz.

The adult Viola Ensemble has been playing together for about a year, and Folk Group with flexible instrumentation, String Chamber Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble are currently being added to the programming. Jazz/Blues, Rock Bands, Jam Sessions, Theory classes and monthly workshops will be added in the Fall.

School age students have Rock Band, Songwriter Workshop and Percussion Ensemble right now, and a Musical Theater program, String Ensemble and Choir will be added in the Fall.

“We definitely welcome people of all ages, abilities and interests. Our youngest musicians are 3-4 months old and we also have retired adults who are starting a new instrument for the first time, Schwartz said. “Our most important outcome is a positive musical experience.”

“We have built a special musical community that our families really appreciate,” Schwartz continues. “We offer different performance opportunities ranging from community service performances to recitals… We focus not only on instrumental skills, but on composition, improvisation, and playing together.”

The program is currently enrolling students for the end of the semester (now till June 24), summer camps and summer lessons. Free consultations and lessons for new students are available (during class times or by appointment).

The public is invited to check out the new space at 711 S. 50th St. and meet the staff during two open houses next Saturday, May 21, from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, from 12-2 p.m.

For more information about the new studio, visit: www.thegreentambourine.com. Also, check out The Green Tambourine’s Facebook page.