UNM is increasing community access to music education

UNM's Music Prep School and String Lab School are community outreach initiatives created by the Department of Music to provide local community members access to affordable educational music classes taught by globally recognized educators.

These programs have been serving the Albuquerque community for over 30 years, with the purpose of increasing access to high-quality music instruction and helping train students interested in pursuing music teaching as a profession after graduation.

All ages are welcome, from birth to adults. Registrants can sign up for group classes or private lessons.

Aaron Jacobs, an assistant professor specializing in string pedagogy and the director of both the UNM Music Prep School and String Lab School, is dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels, from preschool beginners to graduate students and more.

"The Music Prep School and String Lab School serve as a bridge between the music department and the community," said Jacobs. "They have created inclusive spaces where families, students, and university musicians learn side by side, strengthening connections across families, neighborhoods, and the university community."

Registration is open for the spring semester, and classes begin Jan. 24 and run through May 2. To register, email the Music Prep School at [email protected] or the String Lab School at [email protected].

These programs also act as a teaching laboratory for university students earning degrees in string pedagogy and music education. Registrants will have the opportunity to engage with students, as well as the highly experienced music instructors.

"At the heart of our mission is removing barriers to music education, or as we like to say, opening doors to a lifetime of music," Jacobs said.

This spring, the program is expanding to include several new, exciting opportunities to reach more young musicians. The String Lab will welcome beginner string students ages 5-8 and offer free trial lessons to anyone interested. Families with children of all ages and previous stringed-instrument experience are encouraged to inquire.

The Music Prep School is also expanding its early childhood music offerings for ages 4-7, and adding a new class, Musical Explorations, for ages 8-12.

Adding to this momentum, the UNM Children's Chorus has welcomed a new co-director, Louise Loomis. Loomis will partner with co-director Sharee Gariety. Both are highly respected and known figures within the Albuquerque youth choral community.

To learn more about the program offerings, visit the websites of Music Prep School and String Lab School.