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- Classes Offered
- Calendar
- Current Students
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- CSA Faculty
- Frequenty Asked Questions
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It is the mission of the APSU Community School of the Arts to provide opportunities in the arts for as many community members as possible, no matter age or ability level. By offering a variety of courses, it is our goal to promote and increase awareness of the arts throughout the surrounding area. As a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, we join other schools in their mission of offering quality education in the arts to all who seek it.

Voice:
- Margaret Brewer
- Lindsey Rapp
Piano:
- Carolyn Bunger
- Sylvia Carver
- Anne Glass
- Stacie Robbins
- Simone Rothemel
Guitar:
Violin:
- Phoebe Gelzer-Govatos
- Ryan Ogrodny
Cello:
Flute:
Oboe/Bassoon:
Clarinet:
- Emily Tragle
- Mingzhe Wang
Saxophone:
Trumpet:
Trombone/Tuba/Euphonium:
Percussion:
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Jazz Improvisation:
- Kelly Brunson
- Jarrod Jackson
Music Theory
Middle and High School Flute Choirs:
Saxophone Ensemble:
Percussion Ensemble:
Youth Chorus:
Teen Singers:
Community Chorus:
Piccolo Strings:
Youth Orchestra:
Kindermusik:
Art Lessons:
Ceramics:
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 If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community School of the Arts.
What is CSA?
The Community School of the Arts at Austin Peay State University provides lessons in music and the visual arts for the general community.
Where are you located?
We are located on the APSU main campus; our office is Room 137 of the Music/Mass Communications Building on the corner of 8th and Marion Streets.
What classes do you offer, and what are the fees and the schedules?
Our programs range from Kindermusic classes for infants and toddlers to adult classes in photography, ceramics, and music. Please see Classes Offered menu.
How do I register for a class?
There are several was to register for CSA classes and lessons. You may choose from one of the following: By Phone: (931) 221-7508 By Email: csa@apsu.edu On this website: please see Prospective Students - Registration Menus.
What is your mailing address?
Community School of Arts
P.O. Box 4625
Clarksville, TN 37044
I heard about CSA students being able to get free Nashville Symphony Orchestra tickets. How do I do this?
Community School of Arts Music students in grades 6-12 can recieve up to 2 FREE tickets to attend Nashville Symphony Concerts. Please see Current Students - Nashville Symphony Information menus.
How do I know what class I need to sign up for?
Classes and individual lessons are listed with descriptions in the Class Offered menu.
I would like to learn how to play an instrument and read music, but learning with a class of other students is intimidating. What other options are there?
Individual lessons are offered as well as classes. With individual lessons, there is only one student with the teacher.
I have an infant child that I want to expose to music. Do you have any programs for this?Our Kindermusic classes are designed for parents and small children ages 6 months to 4 years. Please see our Classes Offered -- Kindermusik menu.
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Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Below are directions to the Austin Peay campus from various starting points. If you have any further questions, please contact the Community School of the Arts.
| From Nashville |
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| From Hopkinsville |
- Take I-24 E to Clarksville
- Take Exit 4 (US79) (SR-13).
- Turn right onto US 79 (Wilma Rudolph Blvd)
- Wilma Rudolph Blvd becomes College Street
- APSU will be on the right
- [Campus Building & Parking Map|Click Here]
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| From Springfield |
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| From Dickson |
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- Muisc Classes
- Music Lessons
- Kindermusik
- Visual Arts Classes
- Visual Arts Lessons

In addition to the listing below, we have also made it possible to view and print the complete listing of all Fall 2008 classes through this PDF document or Microsoft Word document.
All programs scheduled in the Music/Mass Communication Building.
Music Theory:
Instructor: JoAnn McIntosh
Ages: High School Students and Adults
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 235
Designed for high school students and adults who already study an instrument or voice.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 25 and end December 13. |
Time |
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
Class Piano for Adults:
Instructor: Simone Rothemel
Ages: Adults
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building, Room 235
A complete hands-on experience for the adult beginner only. Learn to play the piano and read music in a relaxed, enjoyable group setting. No prior music training necessary.
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Calendar |
Classes begin August 25 and end December 13. |
Class Guitar:
Instructor: Christopher Davis
Ages: 15 and older
Where: TBA
Group instruction for those who have had no previous guitar experience, ages 15 and older. The course will provide an introduction to the technique and classical literature of the guitar.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 25 and end December 13. |
Class Voice:
Instructor: Desiree Dolan
Ages: 15 and older
Where: TBA
Group instruction for ages 15 and older in the techniques used to develop and improve the singing voice.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 25 and end December 13. |
Clarksville Youth Chorus:
Director: TBA
Ages: 8-12
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 147
Any child, age 8-12, is encouraged to participate. All interested students, new and returning, should attend the informational meeting with a parent/guardian at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin September 8 and end December 13. |
Clarksville Teen Singers:
Director: Jared Wilson
Ages: 13-18
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 147
This is a unique and challenging singing experience for high school students. All interested students, new and returning, should attend the informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug 25. Auditions for new students will be held immediately following the meeting.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin September 8 and end December 13. |
Clarksville Community Chorus:
Directorr: Valerie Oyen-Larson
Ages: 18 and older.
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 147
Enjoy an enriching semester of rehearsing and performing music of various historical eras and styles with other adults who enjoy choral singing. Serious and lighter music, as well as seasonal selections, will be prepared for community and formal performances. Auditions for new members 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28. Returning members need not reaudition.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin September 4 and end December 13. |
Time |
Thursdays, 7:30 - 9 p.m. |
Piccolo Strings:
Director: Ron de la Vega
Ages: Young string players
Where: TBA
An opportunity for young violin, viola, cello and bass students to experience the enjoyment and benefits of ensemble playing. Through rehearsals and performances, students will learn how to play in an orchestra setting. Participation in the group is allowed based on teacher’s recommendation.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 25 and end December 13. |
Middle School Flute Choir:
Director: JoAnn McIntosh
Ages: Grades 7-8
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 235
This is a unique opportunity for flute students to develop musicianship and performance skills in a small ensemble setting. Students have the chance to perform in recitals, community events or in concert with the APSU Flute Choir.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 26 and end December 13. |
Time |
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. |
High School Flute Choir:
Director: JoAnn McIntosh
Ages: Grades 9-12
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 235
This is a unique opportunity for flute students to develop musicianship and performance skills in a small ensemble setting. Students have the chance to perform in recitals, community events or in concert with the APSU Flute Choir.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 26 and end December 13. |
Time |
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. |
Saxophone Ensemble:
Director: Chris Gee
Ages: Adults with two years of playing
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 152
For saxophonists with two or more years of playing experience, this performing ensemble will explore a variety of saxophone ensemble repertoire, learn ensemble-playing skills and develop musicianship and performance skills.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 28 and end December 13. |
Time |
Thursdays, 7 - 8 p.m. |
Percussion Ensemble:
Director: Wes Powers
Ages: High School Students and Adults
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 152
A great opportunity for students and adults, with or without experience, to participate in a performing group made up of percussion instruments. Classes will include instruction on classical percussion instruments (timpani, mallets, snare drum) as well as unorthodox pieces performed on household items (pots and pans, basketballs, brooms, etc.). Experience percussion – one of the oldest forms of communication on the planet – in a whole new light!
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 26 and end December 13. |
Jazz Improvisation:
Director: Kelly Brunson
Ages: Adults
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 147
For experienced instrumentalists, this class will offer instruction in basic jazz improvisation. Rehearse and perform some of the standards of the jazz repertoire in a group setting, and express your individuality by learning to play “off the page”.
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Calendar: |
Classes begin August 26 and end December 13. |

In addition to the listing below, we have also made it possible to view and print the complete listing of all Fall 2008 classes through this PDF document or Microsoft Word document.
PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
(bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, horn, oboe, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba/euphonium, violin or voice)
Instructors: TBA
Ages 4 and up for violin lessons
Ages 7 and up for guitar, piano and other instruments
Ages 13 and up for voice lessons
Adults are welcome as beginners or continuing students in all areas.
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building
Students receive one-on-one instruction for 30 minutes each week. Lessons are available onbassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, horn, oboe, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba/euphonium, violin or voice. Lessons take place weekday afternoons and evenings. There are 14 lessons per semester and an end-of-semester recital.
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| Calendar |
Lessons begin August 25 and end December 13 14 weeks (14 lessons per semester). |
| Time |
Scheduled at a mutually convenient time with teacher. |
Lessons are taught by APSU music students, graduate students, APSU faculty and local professionals. All skill levels accepted. Please call the Community School of the Arts office for more information.
Missed Lessons:
When private lessons are scheduled, please keep in mind that lessons are the same day and time all semester. Temporary changes can be made only at the discretion of the instructor. Community School of the Arts instructors are not obligated to schedule make-up lessons or classes for lessons missed by the student. In the event of an instructor cancellation, a make-up date will be scheduled.
Payment Plan:
All fees are due before lessons and classes begin. Payment plans may be arranged in advance of the start of classes for private music instruction. Payments are due promptly on or before the designated due date, as outlined in the payment plan. No statements will be sent. A $20 late fee will be assessed for payments more than two weeks late. Call 931-221-7508 for more information.
Refund Policy:
Lesson fees are paid in advance for the semester. No refunds will be made. If extenuating circumstances occur, please call the Community School of the Arts office as soon as possible.

In addition to the listing below, we have also made it possible to view and print the complete listing of all Fall 2008 classes through this PDF document or Microsoft Word document.
KINDERMUSIK VILLAGE:
Instructor(s): Marcina Clark (licensed Kindermusik educator)
Ages: 6-18 months
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 229
Village provides a delightful environment unlike any other. Through a unique blend of multilevel activities that includes creative movement, vocal play, object and instrument exploration and a colorful literature component, your baby’s growth and development are stimulated and all of his senses engaged.
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Calendar |
Class begins August 26 |
KINDERMUSIK OUR TIME:
Instructor(s): Marcina Clark (licensed Kindermusik educator)
Ages: 18 months - 3 years
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 229
Our Time encourages your child to uncover an engaging musical world while building confidence, self-control and communication skills. Singing, imitating sounds, rhyming and object identification foster language skills. Creative movement to various musical “moods” develop a sense of balance, timing and spatial awareness. Listening and turn-taking encourage blossoming social skills.
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Calendar |
Class begins August 26 |
KINDERMUSIK IMAGINE THAT!:
Instructor(s): Marcina Clark (licensed Kindermusik educator)
Ages: 3yrs - 4yrs
Where: Music/Mass Communication Building: Room 229
Imagine That! is designed for active, energetic, enthusiastic and imaginative 3 and 4 year olds and encourages socialization, sharing and participating in group activities. Singing becomes a focus for enhancing the preschooler’s vocal development as her expressive language is beginning to emerge. Parents are invited to participate in the last 15 minutes of the 45-minute class for sharing time.
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Calendar |
Class begins August 26 |

In addition to the listing below, we have also made it possible to view and print the complete listing of all Fall 2008 classes through this PDF document or Microsoft Word document.
Beginning Pottery :
Instructor: Caroline Tuzeneu
Ages: 8-14
Where: Trahern Building, Room 101
A beginner’s level course that introduces young people to working with clay and establishing good techniques with hand building before progressing to the potter’s wheel.
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Calendar |
First Session: Aug. 30-Oct. 11 Second Session: Oct. 18-Nov. 29 |
Time |
Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. |
| Cost: |
$125 plus $25 materials |
Ceramics I:
Instructor: Melody Shipley
Ages: 15 and older
Where: Trahern Building, Room 101
Ceramics I is a beginner’s level course that covers the introduction to both hand-built vessels and the use of the potter’s wheel. Students begin with hand building which affords familiarity with the material and techniques, then move to wheel throwing.
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Calendar |
First Session: Aug. 26 - Oct. 9 Second Session: Oct. 14 - Dec. 4 |
| Cost: |
$135 plus $25 materials |
CERAMICS II :
Instructor: Melody Shipley
Ages: 15yrs and up
Where: Trahern Building, Room 101
Ceramics II is a continuation course of Ceramics I and for those with previous experience.
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Calendar |
First Session: Aug. 26 - Oct. 9 Second Session: Oct. 14 - Dec. 4 |
| Cost: |
$135 plus $25 materials |
Painting with Watercolors :
Instructor: Morgan Conwell
Ages: 8-14
Where: Trahern Building, Room 403
Classes to gain familiarity with drawing and watercolor techniques. Students will also study different watercolor artists, including visits to Austin Peay art galleries.
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Calendar |
First Session:Sept. 8 - Oct. 20 Second Session: Oct. 27 - Dec. 1 |
| Cost: |
$135 plus $40 for materials |
Introduction to Black and White Photography in the Darkroom :
Instructor(s): Jillian Morano
Ages: 15yrs and up
Where: Trahern Building, Room 101
Classes in technical use of students’ 35mm cameras, including camera controls, obtaining correct exposure, creating quality negatives, and also understanding various elements of composition. In the darkroom, students will learn to print and edit black & white photographs from their negatives.
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Calendar |
First Session:Sept. 8 - Oct. 20 Second Session: Oct. 27 - Dec. 1 |
| Cost: |
$135 plus $40 for materials |
Please check back for class offerings in photography and other visual arts!

In addition to the listing below, we have also made it possible to view and print the complete listing of all Fall 2008 classes through this PDF document or Microsoft Word document.
Individual Art Lessons
Instructor(s): TBA
Ages: 7yrs and up
Where: TBA
Students receive one-on-one instruction for 30 minutes each week, beginning with drawing and progressing to other areas, tailored to the student’s own interests. 14 lessons per semester on weekday afternoons.
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Calendar |
Lessons begin August 25. |
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There is no Calendar of Events for Fall 2008
- Photo Album
- Nashville Symphony Information

Click an image below to view it larger.
Dear CSA music students and families,
The Nashville Symphony Orchestra is providing a very special opportunity to our Community School of the Arts students in grades 6-12 (including home-schooled students.) Sponsored by Regions Bank, this program allows students (grades 6-12 only) to receive up to 2 free tickets to attend Nashville Symphony Concerts. Students currently enrolled in the Community School of the Arts may request up to 2 tickets for themselves and their family members. Please see the attached information for a list of concerts. This is an amazing opportunity, especially since the opening of the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center. I hope you will all take advantage of this program at some point during the school year. To ensure that we may continue to benefit from this program, please be sure to follow these guidelines exactly:
* Request for tickets must be made bewteen Monday and Friday the week before the concert.
* Requests will only be accepted via email: csa@apsu.edu
* The symphony will not accept individual requests - they must come through the CSA!
* The request must include the student's name, grade in school, and their CSA teacher's name, number of tickets needed, and the concert date you are requesting.
* All reserved tickets will be available for pick-up in the West Atrium, next to the Symphony Store, starting at 6:00 P.M. on the concert night, and MUST be picked up at least 30 minutes prior to the begining of the concert. If they are not picked up by the time, their availablity cannot be guaranteed. DO NOT go to the Box Office.
* The CSA can only request 10 tickets per performance. If the number of request exceeds 10 tickets, requests will be honored in the order in which they were recieved; however preference will be given to students who have not already attended a performance.
* Do not abuse the program! If you request tickets, attend the performance. | I am happy that we can extend this outstanding opportunity to our CSA students. You may find more information about the Nashville Symphony (including directions to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center) at www.nashvillesymphony.org.
Sincerely,
JoAnn McIntosh
Coordinator, Community School of the Arts
Austin Peay State University
(931) 221-7508
Why become part of Austin Peay State University's Community School of the Arts? There are many advantages of studying performing and visual arts as well as advantages of being a part of CSA!
A ten-year study indicates that students who study music achieve higher test scores, regardless of socioeconomic background.
-Dr. James Catterall, UCLA
College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music paticipation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.
-Carl Hartman, "Arts may improve Students' Grades,"
A study of 7,500 university students revealed that music majors scored the highest reading scores amoung all majors including English, biology, chemistry and math.
Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate major of medical school applicants. He found that 66% of music majors who applied to med school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. Only 44 % of biochemistry majors were admitted -www.menc.org

There are several ways to register for CSA classes and lessons. You may choose from one of the following;
Please take note of a few things:
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JoAnn McIntosh is only in her office between 12:30 pm - 4:30 p.m Monday - Friday. Calls and e-mails made or sent after posted office hours may not be immediately returned, but she will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Classes fill up quickly, and will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will receive confirmation that you have been enrolled in the class.
***The form below is not directly registering you for a class. It is notifying the Community School of the Arts of your desire to register for the specific class. You will receive notification confirming your registration if space is available.
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For further information, please contact the Community School of the Arts.
JoAnn McIntosh
Coordinator, Community School of the Arts
Austin Peay State University
P.O. Box 4625
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931)- 221-7508
csa@apsu.edu |

The Community School of the Arts at APSU provides lessons and classes in music and the visual arts for the general community. From Kindermusik classes for infants and toddlers to adult classes in photography, ceramics, and piano, the Community School of the Arts strives to serve community members of all ages and ability levels with high quality instruction in the arts.
Founded in 1990, The Community School of the Arts at APSU serves approximately 300 students and employs 25 instructors. The CSA office and all music activities are housed in the Music/Mass Communication Building at APSU and art activities take place in the Trahern Building.
By offering a variety of courses, it is our goal to promote and increase awareness of the arts throughout the surrounding area. As a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, we join other schools in their mission of offering quality education in the arts to all who seek it
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