Information about the School of the Fine Arts at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, is online at firstpresatl.org; 404-228-7753.
For about seven years, a growing program based at First Presbyterian Church in Midtown has been introducing students of all ages to the joy of music. For tiny tykes and retirees alike, the School of the Fine Arts has been a way to learn an instrument or discover movement and dance in an environment designed around inspiration instead of a grade.
“It’s a hidden gem here in Midtown,” said Katie Patterson, a Georgia State University music grad who has led the program for more than a year. “It began as an outreach of the church and is open to the public. We get lots of people coming who are not members.”
Students range in age from three to 60-plus and often attend classes in the late afternoons. The lessons continue through the summer, and a music camp provides additional training. Private instruction is offered in guitar, voice, cello, violin and piano, to name a few. The pre-school set can sign up for group classes of tumbling, yoga, art and music. And the offerings have expanded beyond the typical realm of fine arts. Group classes in Spanish, phonics, handwriting, math, science and cooking are also available.
“Piano is our most popular,” said Patterson, who also leads a beginning keyboard class. “It’s the easiest to learn and appeals to parents who want their kids to have a general music background.”
Adult student Linda Stephenson picked the piano as her instrument of choice when she joined the program more than two years ago.
“I had some free time and a very limited background in music,” said the Brookhaven resident, who takes a private, weekly lesson through the school. “I have always enjoyed learning new things and felt that music was an area I needed to explore. I found when I started that learning to play the piano is a lifetime commitment to study, lessons and practice. While I will never be an accomplished pianist, I have found learning simple songs very enjoyable. I am always a bit surprised when I can actually play a piece without too many mistakes! My teacher has encouraged me to work at a pace comfortable for me, and as a result, I am committed to continuing.”
The lessons are led by a faculty that comes not just from the church, but from across the metro area to share their expertise.
“We have a great network,” said Patterson, who teaches piano and voice. “We’ve been very lucky finding great teachers from our own orchestra, the St. Cecilia Consort, as well as our professional contacts.”
During an average week, as many as 60 lessons may be booked in the program’s five classrooms on the second floor of the church on Peachtree Street. Students typically sign up for a 14-lesson semester, with costs running around $60 an hour. The expense can be offset by the George Wirth Scholarship Fund, a resource named for the church’s retired senior pastor who launched the program.
“We just awarded a four-year scholarship to a piano student and gave two partial scholarships for a semester,” said Patterson. “It’s a great way to encourage students to keep on working.”
About the Author
