NEW FOR SPRING!   Music Carousel returns with a new teacher and a new format.  We are offering a Kodaly-based singing and movement class for grades K-2. This 45-minute class is both fun and educational and will introduce your child to note reading and eventually sight-singing!  We are offering two sections on Thursdays - one for homeschoolers from 1:30-2:15pm and one after school, from 5-5:45pm.  Contact us for more information or to register for this 12-week class, beginning Thursday, January 26.  Enroll your child and see them blossom under the direction of our Kodaly-trained instructor, Suzanne Loerch, SFA 316.    Tuition: $160.  Early Bird Special:  Register by Jan. 12 and receive $15 off regular tuition.

Suzuki Talent Education in violin is offered as an option for younger children. In the Suzuki, or “Mother Tongue” Method, children learn music just as they learn their own language, through listening (to recordings of the music), encouragement, and repetition in practice.  Students receive a private lesson each week and several group lessons during the semester.  Lessons are given on Monday and Tuesday only. Call and see if there is room in Ms. Becker’s studio or to place your child on a waiting list for the summer.  For ages 4 and up.  Instructor:  Catherine Becker, SFA 208.  Tuition $280 for 13 weeks, 30 minute lessons.

Little Mozart Pre-Piano Class:  This 6-week class is for children, approximately ages 5-7, and in Kindergarten - Second grade this spring.  A fun introduction to the keyboard and an excellent program to determine readiness for piano lessons.  30 min. class weekly: Tuesday, 4:30-5 pm.  Maximum enrollment: 6.  Minimum enrollment for class to make:  4.  Tuition:  $90.  Materials fee of $15 payable at first class, January 24. Instructor: Terrie Shires, SFA 134A     Early Bird Special:  Register by Jan. 10 and receive $10 off regular tuition.

Class Piano for Adults:  Forgot what you learned as a child, or never took at all?  Learn to read music, while learning scales, chords and familiar tunes.  Twelve weeks of lessons begin Monday, Jan. 23,from 6-6:50pm.  This class is for adult,s age 16 and up. Tuition is $150, with a materials fee of $20, payable to the instructor at the first class – January 23.  Instructor:  Lynnette Stanley, SFA 134A       Early Bird Special:  Register by Jan. 9 and receive $10 off regular tuition.

Class Guitar for Beginners, for ages 12 and up, is scheduled for Tuesdays, 6-6:50pm, beginning January 24. A materials Fee of $7 is payable at the first class.  An acoustic guitar is recommended for this economical and fun way to learn to play the guitar.  Maximum class size: 10.  Tuition:  $150.  First class:  January 24.  Instructor:  Nathan Mathews, SFA 125     Tuition:  $150.  Early Bird Special:  Register by Jan. 10 and receive $10 off regular tuition.

 Central Arkansas Children's Choir for boys and girls in grades 4-9.  The CACC promotes musical literacy and performance by providing a challenging, high quality choral experience for its members, and has received numerous awards and trophies since it's creation in 1996.

The CACC will begin rehearsals Monday, January 9.  Part of the UCA Community School of Music, the CACC rehearses each Monday of the school year from 6-7:30pm.  The CACC is led by Dr. Ryan Fisher and assisted by Dr. Paige Rose of the UCA Music faculty and consists of Choristers (a training choir) and the Concert Choir.  Bart Dooley, music specialist at Ida Burns Elementary assists as accompanist. 

             Students receive instruction in vocal technique, learn a variety of music in many styles and languages, perform several concerts each semester, and compete in a regional competition annually in the spring.  Dr. Fisher stated in a recent announcement, “We have a lot of great performance opportunities this year and hope many new excited and gifted young singers will join us. Last fall we sang with Pat Boone in Reynolds Performance Hall and were also featured in the Conway Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert.  In the spring, we will collaborate with the University of Arkansas Children's Choir for a special joint concert and in June participate in the Windy City Youth Choral Festival in Chicago's historic Orchestra Hall.”

          A short audition is required for membership and may be scheduled on Saturday, January 7, from 11:30am until auditions are completed, and also following the January 9th rehearsal.  Parents should contact the Community School office at 501-450-5755 or 450-3672, or e-mail jannb@uca.edu or tbumgarn@uca.edu  to schedule a 10-minute audition.  A prepared piece is not required.   Tuition is $200 for the school year and $100 for Spring only, and a payment plan may be set up upon request.  Donations are being accepted for need-based scholarships and are tax deductible.