NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Scholarship applications are now being accepted for music instruction through the Stephen F. Austin State University Music Preparatory Division. The partial tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and can be applied to private lessons or group instruction.

Application forms are available on the division's website, www.music.sfasu.edu/prep (under Programs), or may be picked up either at the Music Preparatory Division Office, 3028 Raguet St., or in the SFA School of Music Office, Room 150 of the Wright Music Building.

The maximum amount awarded for any student is 50 percent of the total tuition.

All scholarship applications must be received in the Music Preparatory Division office by Wednesday, Aug. 1, and must be accompanied by a copy of pages one and two of the applicant's 2011 1040 Income Tax return or other proof of the previous year's income.

Applications can be mailed to SFA Music Preparatory Division, P.O. Box 13043, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 or turned in to the Music Preparatory Division Office or the SFA School of Music Office.

The Music Preparatory Division has been serving the greater East Texas area for over 30 years, seeking to provide excellent musical training on any level of proficiency, said Pat Barnett, director.

"We offer private lessons for voice, piano, Suzuki violin/viola/cello, traditional violin/viola/cello and bass, classical guitar, harp, flute, oboe, trumpet, horn, saxophone, percussion and other instruments as requested," said Barnett.

"And we also offer Kindermusik classes for newborns through 5-year-olds, two children's choirs serving second through 12th graders, the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra for students in middle through high schools, and an adult piano class."

A relatively new offering is designed to help interested students compose music. The private lessons for high schoolers through adults will meet for 12 weeks beginning the week of Sept. 10. Joshua Zinn, student of SFA Professor of Theory and Composition Stephen Lias, will be teaching the lessons.

For more information, please contact Barnett via e-mail at pbarnett@sfasu.edu or call her at (936) 468-1291.