Winter Quarter 2000-2001 November 27, 2000 - February 26, 2001

Drummer joins Music Arts

We've just taken a rather distinct step. For the first time in Music Arts history, we offer drum lessons! The Advisory Board has just accepted the application of E.J. Smith, a personable young man who's had plenty of experience as drummer in a number of rock bands, and who has authored a drumming instructional book.

(Please note, however, we're talking about drum lessons, not percussion, which includes tympani, marimba, etc.)

A particularly interesting aspect of lessons with E.J. is his use of miked drums and digital video cameras to film lessons for future reference for his students. If you know of anyone (beginning as well as advanced levels), tell them about E.J. And earn free lessons . . .

Yes, Earn Free Lessons!

Some of you haven't read your Music Arts Student Guide as thoroughly as you should... or maybe you've just forgotten that part about earning free lessons in exchange for referring new students to Music Arts?

If you don't have a copy of the Student Guide, ask your instructor for one, and check out page 8 for a full description of the Referral Reward Program.

You'll earn one free lesson for every full Quarter of lessons your referred student completes. These "Bonus Lessons" (as they're called when they're deducted from your bill) will continue for two full years! What a deal! Although no one has reached the top yet, it's possible for you to have completely free lessons, year after year. Everyone wins, because your friends get great instruction at great prices, you get free lessons, and Music Arts gets new students!

Although we usually ask new students how they heard of Music Arts, it'll help if you remind your referred student to let us know that it was you that sent them to us! Again, check the Student Guide for all the details.

But Wait, You Also Get...

Remember the last "Update?" We mentioned that the Civic Music Association (ORCMA) offers free admission to the Concert Series to all students ages 18 and under. (Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). A large proportion of Music Arts instructors play in the Oak Ridge Symphony.

But did you know that in addition, there are monthly "Coffee Concerts" featuring great performances of area musicians, and these concerts are free to everyone? Back in October, Music Arts' very own violin instructor Ilia Steinschneider performed the Beethoven violin concerto. Our piano instructor Edward Pierce was the "orchestra." Future Coffee Concerts will feature more Music Arts instructors and other talented folks. (By the way, you don't have to drink the coffee to enjoy the refreshments!)

There's also the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, which offers all their concerts free (and they usually have refreshments too). In addition to several of our instructors, some of our Music Arts students play in this orchestra. Everyone has a fine time playing great orchestra repertory as well as getting plenty of performance tips and comments from Conductor Stacy Taylor (also a Music Arts instructor) about how an orchestra works. And it helps them immeasurably with their sight-reading abilities.

So why are we devoting so much space to 'advertising' events that are free? Simple answer! Every music student, no matter which instrument, no matter what age or level, benefits from exposure to other instruments and great compositions, and can appreciate the value of hearing "live" music.

That's why so many Oak Ridge groups want to make it as easy as possible for students to attend concerts. And remember, we're also talking about developing the next generation of concertgoers!

Music and the Internet
by Rudolph Nemeth