Encore University Spring 2026

Encore University Spring 2026 Program Overview

Classes Begin: the Week of March 2nd 

All classes are live online using Zoom. 

Video versions of classes are made available weekly.

Tuition: Pay what you will

Due to a generous sponsorship by AARP, Encore University is available

for whatever you want to pay starting at $0.

Attend for FREE, or if you would like to assign a value to this lifelong learning experience, choose one of the ($) admission tickets. 

Classes begin the week of March 2nd.

Classes begin at 4:00PM (ET) and meet for 10 weeks.

MONDAYS: "Tai Chi" with Master Joel Timmons

4:00pm-5:00pm starting Mondays, March 2nd

Course Description: This course will introduce the “18 Tai Chi Qigong forms”. This is a popular exercise routine that combines tai chi and qigong movements in a gentle flowing sequence. It incorporates some movements and qualities of Yang style tai chi but is simpler and easier to learn than a traditional tai chi form. 

TUESDAYS: "History of Opera" with Jacquelynne Fontaine-Isaac

4:00pm-5:00pm starting Tuesday, March 3rd

Course Description: Back by popular demand, Encore conductor and professional soprano Jacquelynne Fontaine-Isaac leads students through a 10-week abbreviated history of opera from its origins to present day. Whether you're an "opera afficionado" or have always wondered, "What's so great about this?," you are welcome!

The course is designed to be informative, with lots of historical context and specific opera reviews, and entertaining - each class will enjoy at least three excerpts of pieces, with more to enjoy after class. Come in your finest opera attire or comfiest Netflix clothes. You'll finish the ten weeks with a deep understanding of opera, and hopefully some new favorite songs!

WEDNESDAYS: "Women Composers: From Unknown to Renowned" with Heather Fetrow

4:00pm-5:00pm starting Wednesday, March 4th

Course Description: Heather Fetrow, a soprano, conductor, and composer herself will lead this class of discovery into the music of often overlooked and underperformed historic and contemporary women composers. The music and lives of these women will be illuminated in their other roles as suffragettes, patrons of the arts, and much more each week of the course.

The class will further explore the struggles women faced in having their music performed and published, while also addressing the inequities that still exist today for women composers. By the end of the class, you will know some of the works of Lili Boulanger, Amy Beach, and Hildegard von Bingen just as well as the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.

THURSDAYS: "Building Your Voice" with Jacquelynne Fontaine-Isaac

4:00pm-5:00pm starting Thursday, March 5th

Course Description: Join Encore conductor Jacquelynne Fontaine-Isaac as she leads you through accessible and engaging vocal workouts designed to help you build your voice no matter where you are on your journey as a singer. Throughout this 10-week course you’ll learn valuable vocal warm-up techniques, tips for building vocal stamina, exercises to help you extend your range, and best practices for keeping your voice healthy and growing into the new year! No lecture - all singing! You'll leave the course with printable handouts to help you warm-up and keep on track during rehearsal!

While not necessary to participate, if you’ve taken any of Jacquelynne’s previous EU classes, “Building your Voice” will apply concepts learned in “Singing 101” and “Class Voice.”