ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation School of Music is accepting applications through Aug. 23 for the upcoming semester. The program offers piano and guitar lessons for youth and adults from September to May at no charge. Instruments and curriculum are provided during coursework.
“We have fully furnished piano and guitar labs, so anyone can join a class regardless of if they have an instrument at home or not,” Chickasaw Nation Performing Arts Program Coordinator Zach Garcia said.
Piano classes take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the semester with three classes per night, offering a wide variety of course instruction dependent on participants’ current music knowledge. Guitar classes take place each Thursday, with four classes offered. Classes are also categorized into different age groups.
Piano classes are divided into age groups of 8-11, 12-17 and 18 and up. Guitar classes are divided into age groups of 10-13, 14-17 and 18 and up.
“We are offering beginner level, elementary level and intermediate level courses this year for all age groups,” Garcia said.
Each class offers hands-on experience with professional music educators.
“All of our instructors have extensive backgrounds in both educational and professional performance in their instruments. They are the best of the best,” Garcia said.
Chickasaw Nation School of Music students participate in numerous performances throughout the year including Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and spring recitals.
“This is going to be the crown jewel of the studios this year,” Garcia said. “They are low pressure opportunities to get real experience performing.”
During recitals, students will come together in the studio to perform pieces they have been learning throughout course instruction while also enjoying fun games and refreshments.
Class participants without an instrument at home are welcome to practice at the studio before or after class for a short period of time.
The program has seen great success in building musical skills, and many members have formed new friendships along the way.
“We have really seen success as a community builder, and that’s something I didn’t expect. What we have built here is just an amazingly supportive, fun and friendly musical community,” Garcia said. “In this environment, we all work together, and we can achieve goals together.”
The classes are open to Chickasaw citizens, First American tribal citizens and Chickasaw Nation employees and dependents with priority given to Chickasaw citizens.
Applications can be submitted via email to Zachary.Garcia@Chickasaw.net or in person at the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities building, located at 201 N. Broadway Ave.