By Michelle Church
“Our world is full of music and imagery,” says Andrew Heisey, Fine Arts Department Chair at Waynesburg University. The university is currently offering Fine Arts Academy lessons in art and music to the public. Art lessons are open to ages 12 and older, and music lessons to high school age and older. All classes are taught by Waynesburg University professors. The classes chosen are a reflection of the university professors’ skills and interests.
One goal of the program is to encourage people to pursue their love of the arts. Waynesburg Fine Arts Academy wants to help erase the misbelief that art skills are not marketable. “I am convinced that every occupation can benefit from people who are creative thinkers with skills in music or the visual arts”, says Andrew.
The program began about a year and a half ago and enrollment has nearly quadrupled. The ten-week program costs $250 for the group lessons and individual lessons are $350.
The addition of a financial aid aspect has been a huge help and local donors, including EQT, have made sizable donations to assist with costs. As a result, fourteen scholarships were given for the Fine Arts Academy lessons. Information about financial aid can be found on the Waynesburg University website under the Community Learning section.
Art classes currently offered are: Drawing, Watercolor and Pottery. Drawing and Watercolor will be taught by Lisa Rasmussen. Andrew Heisey will be teaching Pottery.
Music lessons are offered in: Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Lamplighters Concert Choir and Symphonic Band. Teachers include Sara Beattie, Jeremy Olisar, Melanie Catana, and Dr. Ronda DePriest.
Private lessons are also offered for Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion and Bagpipes.
There is also free group instruction for James D. Rudolph Keltie Band, Beginner Bagpipe/Drums and Keltie Band.
The class size varies based on interest level. But you can be assured that the teacher to student ratio is conducive to learning.
The program appeals to many but can be especially helpful to homeschooled students. It allows students to achieve their fine arts credits. It also gives all students a chance to pursue additional interest in the arts beyond what their high schools may already offer.
As Kurt Vonnegut said about pursuit of the arts, “…they are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake”.
The next session of classes will begin in February 2020.