This weekend, more than 40 Athens community members, ranging in age from five to over 60, will get to showcase their musical abilities in the Athens Community Music School’s Spring Recital series.
The 34-year-old organization offers private instrumental lessons taught by Ohio University School of Music students and community members with musical training. As of this year, more than 200 community members are taking lessons, with piano being the most popular instrument.
Elizabeth Braun, the director of ACMS since 2005, described the program as a “win-win” situation.
“We are able to provide teachers (to the community) and our teachers are able to get teaching experience,” Braun said. “We can also do it at a pretty affordable price.”
Braun said the goal of the group is to give the people of Athens and Southeastern Ohio the opportunity to enjoy music.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how good you are, we’ll take you and help you find happiness with music,” Braun said.
Wendy Blackwood, a piano teacher who has spent six years teaching in ACMS, said working with her younger students has been the most rewarding part of her time with the organization.
“When they get it, their faces just light up,” Blackwood said. “It’s their time to shine and to show off what they’ve been working on and what they’re able to do.”
Lexi Jones, a piano teacher who has spent two years with ACMS, has learned the importance of being patient with her younger students.
“Their learning styles are the most important thing to think about… I have to figure out which student learns what way to be able to teach them best,” Jones said.
Part of that process is to understand what kind of music the students like to perform, Jones said. She thinks performing modern songs will make the experience more enjoyable.
As a teacher, Blackwood said that being in the group has taught her to think with an open mind.
“You have to find a way to get what you want to teach (across) to every student and to give each student an opportunity to learn and grow as a musician,” Blackwood said.
With so many students learning at different rates, ACMS had to schedule three different recitals to ensure that everybody had the chance to perform, Braun said.
Students who are considered to be at a more advanced level will take the stage Friday. Braun said that being asked to play in the first recital is an honor.
Beginner and intermediate level students will take the stage during the Saturday recitals.
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