SEMO ACADEMY TO OFFER MUSIC LESSONS; INSTRUCTION IN STRING, VOICE, BAND INSTRUMENTS; PIANO FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Instruction in violin, viola, cello and string bass for youths ages four and up will be offered on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University this fall as part of a new string program sponsored through the Southeast Missouri Music Academy.

The program will provide fifteen 30-minute private lessons and fifteen 60-minute group performance classes during the fall session scheduled for Aug. 30 to Dec. 17. Registration deadline for the fall session has been extended to Aug. 25.

Instruction will be based on Suzuki concepts and other traditional approaches, according to Becky Fulgham, the academy director.

Class size will be determined by age and ability, and classes will include large and small ensemble playing, as well as basic music theory, she said.

Instructors for the string program will be JoAnne Bonnington and Mel Gilhaus, both of whom are Academy adjunct faculty members.

The academy, a non-profit organization under the auspices of the university's Department of Music, is dedicated to enriching the lives of students by stimulating a lifelong appreciation of music. It formerly was known as the Music Preparatory Program.

In addition to the string program, the academy also is offering instruction in all band and orchestral instruments, piano, organ and voice for students in grades one to 12.

This segment of the academy, which also runs from Aug. 30 to Dec. 17, includes fifteen 30-minute private lessons plus fifteen group musicianship classes each semester. Musicianship classes will provide students with the basic tools of music.

Instruction will be provided by Sherrie Morton Troxel and Alicia Wappel. Registration deadline for this segment of the program also is Aug. 25.

As in previous years, the academy also will offer adult piano classes and special classes for young children, Fulgham said.

The adult piano class is designed for beginners and those wishing to brush up on skills learned as a child. Classes start "at the beginning" and are taught in a light "just for fun" atmosphere in groups of 5 to 10 students, Fulgham said.

Jeanne Tjaden will teach the classes, which will meet on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Electronic Piano Laboratory. Classes will run from Oct. 12 to Dec. 7. Registration deadline is Oct. 1.

Fulgham said an early childhood music class also will be offered from Sept. 13 to Nov. 1 for children ages 4 and 5. The class, titled "Music, Movement & More," will meet for 30 minutes twice a week and will explore creative music through singing, playing a variety of instruments, and moving. Wappel also will provide instruction for this class.

Registration deadline is Sept. 3.

All classes will be held in the Brandt Hall of Music on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

Fee information for the various programs is available by calling Fulgham at 651-2378. Partial scholarships are available to a limited number of students who are unable to afford full fees. Some financial information will be required. To apply, contact the academy office at (314) 651-2378.