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Northwestern State University Music Academy Opens Fall Registration for Private Lessons
The Northwestern State University (NSU) Music Academy has announced that registration for its fall semester is now open. Students can enroll for private lessons in piano, guitar, percussion, and voice that begin on Monday, August 24. The program is available to learners aged six and older and is offered on the university’s Natchitoches campus.
The academy is directed by faculty members Dr. Francis Yang and Dr. John Price. Instructors are current graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Creative and Performing Arts, giving participants instruction from peers who are actively engaged in the university’s music curriculum. Lessons are delivered in both face‑to‑face and online formats, allowing flexibility for families and students. The program also offers group ensemble classes that allow students to collaborate with peers across different instruments in a supportive setting.
Last spring, academy students showcased their progress in an end‑of‑semester recital held in Magale Recital Hall. Many also took part in the annual NSU Music Festival, performing for adjudicators and earning spots in an honors recital. In previous years, students have performed at the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival, and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Upper Elementary Auditions. These opportunities provide exposure to regional and national audiences and help students build performance resumes.
For the upcoming fall semester, students will have the chance to perform in an ensemble concert and a Christmas recital. The ensemble concert will feature group pieces that require collaboration across instruments, while the Christmas recital will focus on holiday repertoire. Both events will be staged in Magale Recital Hall and will be open to the public, offering a chance for families and community members to hear the academy’s work.
Enrollment is open through the NSU website at https://www.nsula.edu/musicacademy/. Prospective students can view schedules, instructor profiles, and pricing information. For additional questions, the academy’s directors can be reached by email at yangf@nsula.edu or pricejo@nsula.edu. The academy encourages early registration, as spots are limited and fill quickly.
The fall semester marks the continuation of NSU’s commitment to community music education. Since its establishment in 2014, the academy has served the Natchitoches area by providing high‑quality instruction from university students. The program’s integration with the university’s broader music department allows students to experience a professional learning environment while contributing to the campus’s cultural life.
As the fall semester approaches, the NSU Music Academy is preparing to welcome new students and schedule its recital series. The academy’s leadership has indicated that the ensemble and Christmas concerts will be followed by a spring recital in May, mirroring the spring schedule of last year. Families interested in enrolling should consult the website for current tuition rates and lesson availability. The academy also plans to host a virtual masterclass series featuring guest musicians from the regional music scene. These online sessions will complement in‑person instruction and broaden students’ exposure to diverse styles. The academy remains a key resource for developing musicians in the region and a platform for university students to gain teaching experience.
The academy is directed by faculty members Dr. Francis Yang and Dr. John Price. Instructors are current graduate and undergraduate students from the School of Creative and Performing Arts, giving participants instruction from peers who are actively engaged in the university’s music curriculum. Lessons are delivered in both face‑to‑face and online formats, allowing flexibility for families and students. The program also offers group ensemble classes that allow students to collaborate with peers across different instruments in a supportive setting.
Last spring, academy students showcased their progress in an end‑of‑semester recital held in Magale Recital Hall. Many also took part in the annual NSU Music Festival, performing for adjudicators and earning spots in an honors recital. In previous years, students have performed at the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival, and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Upper Elementary Auditions. These opportunities provide exposure to regional and national audiences and help students build performance resumes.
For the upcoming fall semester, students will have the chance to perform in an ensemble concert and a Christmas recital. The ensemble concert will feature group pieces that require collaboration across instruments, while the Christmas recital will focus on holiday repertoire. Both events will be staged in Magale Recital Hall and will be open to the public, offering a chance for families and community members to hear the academy’s work.
Enrollment is open through the NSU website at https://www.nsula.edu/musicacademy/. Prospective students can view schedules, instructor profiles, and pricing information. For additional questions, the academy’s directors can be reached by email at yangf@nsula.edu or pricejo@nsula.edu. The academy encourages early registration, as spots are limited and fill quickly.
The fall semester marks the continuation of NSU’s commitment to community music education. Since its establishment in 2014, the academy has served the Natchitoches area by providing high‑quality instruction from university students. The program’s integration with the university’s broader music department allows students to experience a professional learning environment while contributing to the campus’s cultural life.
As the fall semester approaches, the NSU Music Academy is preparing to welcome new students and schedule its recital series. The academy’s leadership has indicated that the ensemble and Christmas concerts will be followed by a spring recital in May, mirroring the spring schedule of last year. Families interested in enrolling should consult the website for current tuition rates and lesson availability. The academy also plans to host a virtual masterclass series featuring guest musicians from the regional music scene. These online sessions will complement in‑person instruction and broaden students’ exposure to diverse styles. The academy remains a key resource for developing musicians in the region and a platform for university students to gain teaching experience.
