The Piano Program for Young People offers students of kindergarten through high school age the opportunity to pursue piano study through theory classes and private lessons in a university setting. Sponsored by the Furman Music Department and Office of Continuing Education, the program provides a comprehensive musical background for the student and draws its faculty from professionals in the community, Furman undergraduate assistants and Furman faculty members. Private lessons and theory classes are presented in the Daniel Music Building on Furman’s campus. Recitals, open to the public, are held in the 300-seat Daniel Recital Hall which features three concert grands. Student lessons and theory classes are conducted in well equipped studios and classrooms. Other facilities of the building include a 12-station electronic piano laboratory, a harpsichord and a Broadwood piano identical to the one Beethoven played in his home. This is a selective program; evidence of regular practice and participation is required to retain a place in the program.

2009–2010 Calendar

This program follows the Greenville County School system for inclement weather closings, but not for holidays. For information,
contact Continuing Education, Furman University, Greenville, S.C., 29613; telephone Amy Robinson at 864.294.3134.

The Staff

Ann Hollingsworth Guest, director, holds a B.M. in piano performance from Furman, an M.M. in piano performance from Converse College, and has done graduate work at the University of South Carolina in piano pedagogy. She is a nationally certified teacher in the Music Teachers National Association and is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Furman Music Department.

Danielle Jackson has both a B.M. and an M.M. in piano performance from Bob Jones
University. She has served on the Bob Jones piano faculty and has taught in our pre-college program for several years. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the National Federation of Music Clubs, and she frequently serves as accompanist.

Melissa Summer graduated from Furman University in May 2009 with a double-major in music and elementary education. An active teacher with the pre-college piano program during her time as an undergraduate student, she also served as the Vice President (2007- 2008) and President (2008-2009) of Furman’s collegiate chapter of MTNA. She was recognized as a Furman Fellow and as a member of the Senior Order during her senior year. Currently, Melissa teaches elementary school in the area while completing her master’s in early childhood at Furman.

Jessica Coggins earned a B.A. in music education from North Greenville University, and she holds a teaching certificate in choral music and piano. She works as a music teacher for Greenville County Schools and frequently serves as a church musician and children’s music coordinator. She is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Allison McCann graduated Furman with bachelor of arts degrees in music and communication studies. She worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., before returning to Greenville to become the associate director of Donor Relations at Furman. Allison is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Undergrad uate Assistants, as full-time Furman students, are approved by the Furman piano faculty to teach in this program. They are sophomores, juniors and seniors studying applied piano, piano pedagogy, music theory and music history. Undergraduate assistants are members of the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Special Features

• Furman’s program is unique because students attend a musicianship class (music theory, history and
  performance skills) as well as a private lesson each week during the 28-week term.
• The fall and spring recitals provide all students with the opportunity to perform.
• Piano Program for Young People students have won numerous awards in piano competitions.
• Students are eligible and encouraged to enter auditions at the discretion of instructors.
• Progress reports are mailed twice yearly. Conferences with parents are welcome.
• For additional information about programs at Furman, see www.furman.edu/lifelong.

Musicianship Class Schedule

Tuition (Includes 45-minute Musicianship Class and Private Lesson)

** Expanded Lesson (theory instruction included with the private lesson) is only available when student’s musicianship level differs from the classes offered and is determined by the director of the program

Note:

• A $50 non-refundable deposit, due with application, is applied toward tuition once the student is accepted; the deposit is refundable if we are unable to accept the application.
• Monthly payments are due by the first of the month, September through April.
• A late fee of $5 per day will be added to any payment made after the due date.
• Half-year payments are due by August 31 and January 11.
• Missed lessons are made up only in the event of inclement weather or illness.

Application

Click Here to View the Application PDF