MUSIC PREPATORY PROGRAM STARTS AT SOUTHEAST

Applications are being accepted for the Music Preparatory Program at Southeast Missouri State University, which offers instruction in all band and orchestral instruments, piano, organ, guitar and voice.

The non-profit program has offered music instruction since 1985 for first-grade students through adults. This year, a new program has been introduced for pre-school children.

Classes for 4 and 5-year-olds, called "Music Making for the Young Child," will begin Oct. 5 and run for six weeks. During the 30-minute, twice a week classes, children will explore creative music through singing and by playing a variety of instruments. Registration deadline is Sept. 11.

"The Music Preparatory Program is unique," said Becky Fulgham, program director, "because of the qualifications of our faculty and the range of classes offered. Faculty members provide instruction of the highest quality by guiding the development of basic musicianship and performance skills and by encouraging creative thinking."

Starting Sept. 1, a beginning piano class for adults will be offered. The class is designed for adults who want to "brush up" on their piano skills and for those who have no previous training. Registration deadline is Aug. 19.

Private lessons for students studying voice, piano or other instruments will be offered in 15, eight and four-week sessions. The 15-week sessions include 30 minutes of private instruction and a musicianship class each week beginning Aug. 31. Registration deadline is Aug. 19. A spring session will begin Jan. 19.

Eight-week sessions, which do not include musicianship classes, begin Oct. 19; registration deadline is Oct. 12. A spring session will begin Jan. 19.

The four-week session is designed for students preparing for the district music festival, which is scheduled for March 25-27. Classes begin Feb. 22 and the registration deadline is Feb. 15.

Musicianship classes for grades 1-12 will begin Aug. 31. Classes meet for 30-45 minutes once a week and teach the basic tools of music from note and rhythm reading through identification of key signatures, scales and chords to actual composition, ear-training and sight-singing.

The Music Preparatory Program meets the requirements for provisional status in the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.

For more information, contact Fulgham at 651-2378.