Published: August 08, 2008 09:04 pm      

Music education hits the right note

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A local woman is taking her love and education of music and giving it back to the community.

Two weeks ago, LaRae Wallace, who is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, began providing a “basic music educational course,” free to the community.

“I feel like I have something to give and it’s my way of sharing my knowledge with other people,” she said of her decision to provide lessons. “It’s just something I want to do. I’ve always wanted [to give lessons] and now’s my opportunity as I am retired.”

Wallace retired after working 33 years with the social security administration. After taking a “short respite,” she said she feels she’s ready to share what she knows.

“I will work with them and try to meet each student’s requirements,” she remarked. “It’s just simply I want to pass on my knowledge because in this day and time [music] is becoming a lost art and I just want to share myself with the community.”

Wallace’s program is designed as an opportunity “to unlock, explore and expand individual talents,” information states. From no experience in music to advanced, she has designed lessons for each participant. Group course sessions covering overall structure and basic elements of music are the main focal point for those electing to participate, she states, with the piano keyboard as the main learning tool to use as a “springboard” to all other avenues.

Each week, a new course lesson will cover different musical elements, with the same lesson repeated at various times and on various days during that same week. The entire course will be offered again, beginning with the first lesson, every few months, Wallace noted, as the course is part of an ongoing program.

Private lessons may also be scheduled for those interested in receiving “specialized training” in various instruments or voice skills. These lessons will be scheduled based on available openings and the availability of instructors. All lessons will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 12831 Horton Drive, Mt. Vernon.

Wallace reminds those interested that this is a free program, however, for those who wish, donations will be accepted at the church.

For more information you may call the church at 241-9072, and leave a message.