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Life & Arts

Moores program takes music to another level

Quality faculty is key to course's success, director Smith says

by KAREN KLUCZNIK
The Daily Cougar

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the piano like Mozart? Or sing like Josh Groban? Although they can't promise miracles, the instructors at the Preparatory and Continuing Studies Program at the Moores School of Music can offer you a place to hone your skills, or, if you are just getting started, provide an excellent forum in which to learn.

"(The program) is the community branch of the Moores School of Music," Jessica Smith, director of the Preparatory and Continuing Studies Program, said. "We offer high quality, non-credit music instruction in the form of classes and private lessons to people of all ages and abilities from the greater Houston area.

"We believe the study of music increases the quality of life and nourishes the human spirit."

The program, which began in 1998, offers a variety of music instruction, including piano, cello, guitar, electric guitar, organ, percussion, composition, music theory, flute, saxophone and most other orchestral instruments. In addition, there are voice and violin programs. For younger students, a Suzuki violin program is offered that is based on the teaching philosophy developed by Shinichi Suzuki, in which students learn to play by ear first versus reading music.

Each program focuses on standard classical repertoire, and students are required to perform memorized pieces at recitals throughout the year.

"(Music) is about communication and connecting with others, and we provide non-threatening venues for students to practice in the recital halls at Moores," Smith said. "The recitals give students a goal to work toward, so they tend to practice and get more from their lessons."

Instructors who teach in the professional program have, at minimum, a master's degree or equivalent training, and many either have or are working toward their doctorate in musical arts. Student teachers are either pursuing bachelor's or master's in their field and are supervised by those in the professional departments.

"The key to our program is the instructors," Smith said. "I have a particular appreciation for our faculty and the fact that anyone who wants high quality instruction can take lessons at the Moores School of Music.

"All of our teachers are spectacular."

Annual enrollment exceeds 400 students, the Department of Continuing Studies is constantly searching for new arenas for students to expand their talent and this fall added an American Musical Theatre Workshop that offers classes in performance, technique and theory.

In addition, the department will be offering new Teacher Training Workshops for Music Educators this summer to allow teachers from all over to earn continuing education credits with classes such as the Choral Conductor Boot Camp and Coaching Singers to Act.

"Since we offer lessons to the general public, we welcome college students — regardless of their ability," Smith said. "We do have quite a number of UH students (and professors) who are not music majors, but who want to continue taking lessons or start lessons.

"Many of our students have left us to become music majors at the college level. There are no special requirements — only the willingness to practice."

So whether you are looking to brush up on a few skills or just getting started, visit the program's Web site at www.pcs.uh.edu for more information about the classes.

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu