Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – There’s still time to register for summer lessons and camps offered by the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music.
The always popular Kindermusik program for young children is offered this summer in two sessions to allow flexibility for families to plan their summer schedules, according to Alba Madrid, director of Music Prep programming. The mixed age class for children birth to 4 years is June 15 to July 6 for Session 1 and July 13 through Aug 3 for Session 2. Mixed age classes are designed for little ones at different developmental levels to make music together with other family members. “Families build connection, grownups learn ideas for music exploration and play at home, and there’s room for everyone to grow,” Madrid said. Classes meet on Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. at the Prep House, and cost is $70.
The Kindermusik foundation classes for birth to 1-year-old children, also running June 15 through July 6, are all about exploring and reacting to new sounds, objects and movements. Parents and caregivers heighten connections with their babies by learning bonding techniques. Foundation class meets on Thursdays at 4 p.m., and cost is $70.
For string musicians hoping to take their playing to the next level, Music Prep offers its Strings Project summer camp. Designed for elementary age musicians who play violin, viola, cello or double bass, this program offers a fun and intensive learning experience. Participants will improve their skills, musical knowledge and performance abilities with expert instruction and have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. The camp is open to all students with at least one year of string instrument experience. The goal of the camp is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where musicians can develop their talents, make new friends, and have fun. The camp is from 8 a.m. to noon June 12 through 16 at the Music Prep building. Cost is $50.
Piano Improvisation Camp is designed for pianists who have at least three years of playing experience. Group classes will be held at the Prep House from June 19 to 23. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting with a group class, followed by a one-hour lunch break, and ending with two hours of private lessons and individual practice. The camp aims to teach pianists the basics of church music, contemporary lead sheet reading, jazz, rag and blues. Participants will also learn how to perform with other musicians. Cost is $150.
Way Cool Keyboarding will be offered in two camps June 26 through 29. Morning sessions for kids ages 6 to 10 are 9:30 to 11 a.m., and afternoon sessions for students 11 through 17 are 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the digital piano lab, Room 223 of the Boynton Building on the SFA campus. The younger group sessions provide positive musical and non-musical benefits, including the development of concentration and listening skills. Pre-teen and teenager students, with little or no previous musical background, can learn both chord chart and traditional note reading to make cool piano music in a short amount of time. Cost is $100.
Intro to Musical Moments for Adults is for students age 18 and up. The class is offered at 6 p.m. Tuesdays in June, including June 6, 13, 20 and 27, in the Boynton Building piano lab. Students will experience a stress-free enjoyable environment where they will learn to read music, play chords, and create music right away at the piano in a group setting. Cost is $100.
Private lessons will also be offered in violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute and voice.
Depending on the camp or lessons chosen, summer sessions begin Monday, May 29, and continue through Friday, Aug. 4.
Registration forms and more information, including detailed schedules and private lesson tuition, can be accessed at sfamusicprep.com/summer-23/, or contact Music Prep Director Alba Madrid at musicprep@sfasu.edu, or call (936) 468-1291. The Music Prep House is located at 3028 Raguet St.