Butler School To Offer Informal Music Classes

By alcalde in Blog on August 27, 2010 at 11:30 am | 2 Comments

Remember how the Texas Union announced this spring that it was abruptly shutting down informal classes to save money? It pissed off a lot of people and didn’t do much to improve the University’s image in the Austin community.

Well, the Butler School of Music has just announced it is launching informal music classes beginning this fall. Encore!

Director Glenn Chandler said Friday the school had been planning to offer non-credit classes for adults. Once the Union nixed its informal classes, the Butler School decided to step in.

“It fits with our long-range plans to extend non-credit offerings to the community and create financial aid opportunities for our graduate students,” Chandler said.

Seven classes will be offered at first, all beginner level, for adults 18 and over who want to learn to read music, sing, or play guitar or piano.

The classes will be taught by Butler School graduate students under faculty supervision, an opportunity for them to both make money and get pedagogical training.

“We are all about finding ways to help our graduate students afford their education,” Chandler said. “If we can do that, we can attract the very best students.”

Chandler said the school will offer intermediate and advanced level classes as interest grows.

Classes start at $100, and will include access to some Butler School performances. Visit the school’s website for details on enrolling.