Stephanie Blanco, right, gives pointers to a beginning student who served as one of the Student Interns in the Summer Program.

In addition to our classes in music history, conducting, vocal training and individual instrument ensemble workshops, the music school offers a unique program aimed at beginning students who might like to see what music lessons are like, or if a particular instrument might be for them.

The big difference in our program, however, is that each 30 minute lesson will be supervised for at least 5 minutes by our professional faculty. In this way, our Student Interns will have years of experience at their side. The faculty will be observing on a rotating basis, so that a variety of styles and teaching techniques can be tapped.

Our Summer Intern program was conducted slightly different this year. In order to be fair to our Student Interns and supervising faculty, and to encourage our beginning students to take full advantage of the program, we charged a flat fee, with no refunds for missed lessons.

Cost: The cost for the summer program of 11 weeks is $75, averaging slightly less than $7 per lesson. Under some circumstances, students will be allowed to switch instruments within the program as scheduling allows.

There are two "group" dates with no extra charge to the student. These get-togethers are designed to compensate for any lessons missed and add a different dimension to private lessons.

Refreshments are planned, with parents' assistance, for the recital date at the end of the summer.

The Program again takes place on Wednesdays, with lesson times available from approximately 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m.