CIFA Course Offerings
PRIVATE LESSONS—MUSIC
Weekly private instruction (10 weeks per trimester)
Regular weekly private instruction is offered in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute increments in the various disciplines represented by our faculty. Registration is made for each ten-week trimester. Fees are slightly higher for instruction with WCU/CIFA artist-faculty.
Beginning piano students (ages 5-8) may select private lessons only or participate in the Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program first year group class (informal placement audition required).
Teacher Assignments
Once your registration form has been reviewed, you will be contacted for the purpose of arranging lessons with one of our faculty members. In order to assure an optimal fit between instructor and student, a simple audition and discussion of your options in private study may be necessary. Whenever possible, teacher preferences will be honored. Please refer to the CIFA faculty listing in making your preference decision.
WCU/CIFA Artist-Faculty*
PIANO: Dr. Ellen Price Elder, Dr. Howard Keever
VOICE: Josephine D’Arpa, Dr. Rudy Gatlin, Dr. Connie Roberts, Dr. Gene Winters
GUITAR: Dr. Carlos Castilla
ORGAN: Kathy Vail
THEORY/COMPOSITION: Dr. Howard Keever
LESSON FEES: 1 hour– $350.00; 45 minutes – $270.00; 30 minutes – $185.00
CIFA Faculty†
WOODWINDS: Wes Cameron
BRASS: Wes Cameron
LESSON FEES: 1 hour– $325.00; 45 minutes – $250.00; 30 minutes – $170.00
CIFA Student Faculty+
PIANO: Tae-Young Hong, Mary Whipps
GUITAR: Ashley Antie
VOICE: Christopher Napier
LESSON FEES: 1 hour– $250.00; 45 minutes – $190.00; 30 minutes – $130.00
*WCU/CIFA artist-faculty—Performing artist, terminal degree or equivalent professional experience, full-time faculty member at WCU, ample teaching experience
†CIFA faculty—Highly qualified instructors/performers. Masters degree.
+Student faculty—WCU undergraduate music majors; Piano Pedagogy Laboratory group class interns
Coachings (nonregular basis)
Private instruction in music is also offered by way of coachings with WCU/CIFA artist-faculty members on a nonregular basis. This arrangement affords students the opportunity to have up to 3 lessons per trimester with a teacher in those situations in which regular weekly study is not warranted, desired, or possible.
Coachings with WCU/CIFA Artist Faculty (nonregular basis)
1 hour coaching fee: $45.00 (each)
(Maximum 3 coachings per trimester – Those wishing to have more than three coachings should consider registering for weekly lessons).
GROUP CLASSES—MUSIC
PIANO LAB PROGRAM New Beginning Group Piano Class for Children (ages 5-8)
Dr. Ellen Price Elder, Instructor
Meets Tuesdays/Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., beginning in the fall
*An informal audition is required for placement in the group.
Group and private keyboard instruction for children, which introduces and reinforces musical concepts. Classes provide instruction in technique skills at the keyboard, sight-reading, theory, and ear training. Games and other creative and improvisational activities help to provide an outlet to make learning fun for the children.
Group classes foster a musical community among the students. They have numerous opportunities not only to play for one another, but to also play together as a class ensemble. These are experiences that they remember for a lifetime.
1st Trimester – 10 weeks – Two (2) Weekly 1 Hour Group Classes with Dr. Elder
$350.00 + $25.00 annual registration fee = $375.00 + materials (available for purchase at Wolfe Gang Music Co.). These materials will be used for the entire 30-week session.
2nd Trimester – 10 weeks -- During the winter trimester, one of the group classes is
replaced with a 30-minute private lesson.*
Instructor rates and trimester fees vary, and are outlined below.
WCU/CIFA Artist Faculty
$175.00 One (1) 1 Hour Group Class with Dr. Elder
$185.00 One (1) 30-minute Private Lesson
$360.00
CIFA Faculty
$175.00 One (1) 1 Hour Group Class with Dr. Elder
$170.00 One (1) 30-minute Private Lesson
$345.00
CIFA Student Faculty
$175.00 One (1) 1 Hour Group Class with Dr. Elder
$130.00 One (1) 30-minute Private Lesson
$305.00
3rd Trimester – 10 weeks
Same as 2nd Trimester.
*Private lesson teachers will be assigned by Dr. Elder at the beginning of the winter trimester. Care is taken to ensure an optimal fit between teacher and student. Whenever possible, instructor preferences will be honored.
GROUP REPERTOIRE/MASTER CLASS TBA Fee: None
For upper intermediate and advanced level students, these group classes provide a special opportunity to perform regularly in preparation for public performances. We encourage all students to participate in these group repertoire/master class sessions as an incentive to the advancement of their playing.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities to perform. At the discretion of the instructor, students are encouraged to participate actively in CIFA recitals, HMTL (Hattiesburg Music Teachers League) recitals, and the various festivals and competitive events in the southern Mississippi region and beyond. For those events with sponsorship outside the CIFA, participation fees normally apply.
CIFA student recitals
At the end of each trimester, CIFA will hold student recitals. Please refer to CIFA Events Calendar or Academic Calendar for details.
CIFA scholarship auditions
Talent/need-based scholarship auditions for current CIFA students were held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Lucile Parker Art Gallery. Scholarship information and an application form were mailed to current CIFA students.
Faculty/guest artist recitals
Attendance at evening performances on the WCU concert series is strongly encouraged. Please refer to the CIFA Events Calendar for details.