Registration is underway for private lessons and group classes offered for the 2018 spring semester by the Music Preparatory Division of the School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Besides the usual 16-week private lessons in piano, harp, violin, voice, bass, classical guitar, saxophone and cello, Music Prep is introducing early childhood music classes in the coming spring, according to Pat Barnett, director of the Music Preparatory Division.
“This is an exciting new offering for the children in the community to experience music and learning,” Barnett said, “and we highly recommend the program.”
Dr. Kristin Lyman, coordinator of music education in the SFA School of Music, will lead the classes beginning Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Music Prep House at 3028 Raguet St. Bounces, wiggle, tickles, clapping, tapping, songs, beat and movement will be explored by newborns to 18 months; 18 months to 3 years; and 3 to 5 years of age, along with their parents.
Another new Music Prep offering is unique 45-minute private piano lessons for two children at a time, taught by Theresa Moon.
“The piano students will meet with Mrs. Moon at the same time and learn to play piano and discover the mysteries of the instrument,” Barnett said.
Music Prep offers 12 weeks of musical study with SFA music major students. Lessons in violin, cello, classical guitar, trumpet, voice, French horn, fiddle and other instruments upon request are offered. The student instructors are referred by their major professors and have a high level of mastery of their instrument, Barnett explained.
Group classes offered are Music Theory Adventures, taught by Laura Treadaway; Adult Piano Class, taught by Dr. Ping-Ting Lan; Pineywoods Youth Orchestra, directed by Dr. Evgeni Raychev; Pineywoods Fiddlers, directed by Brenna Campbell; and The Raguet Strings, directed by Brenda Josephsen. The Pineywoods Fiddlers, begun by SFA music major Emily Williams, will be continued by Campbell.
Registration forms for the 2018 spring semester are available on the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep and are being accepted now. The forms may be downloaded and turned in to the Music Prep office. Sixteen-week private lessons begin the week of Jan. 8, and 12-week private lessons begin the week of Jan. 29. Contact the Music Prep office at (936) 468-1291 for more information.
Shirley Watterson and Dr. Robert Blocker, a former chairman of the SFA Department of Music, founded the SFA Music Preparatory Division in 1980.
