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MusicWorks is a comprehensive program of music instruction for all ages currently offered at the Jay County Campus of Arts Place and Blackford County Arts Center. Students learn reading music, proper playing techniques, and the fundamentals of music theory.
MusicWorks runs year-round with a fall and spring semester as well as a summer session. Call 260-726-4809 to register or use the button below to register online.
For younger students, MusicWorks provides a solid music education foundation. For middle school and older students, MusicWorks lessons contribute toward the mastery of an instrument and exposure to standard repertoire written for their particular instrument. Individual Lessons are offered with a qualified teaching artist.
Group lessons introduce young children to playing an instrument in a comfortable small group setting. Guitar and Piano labs are offered late fall and early spring at the Blackford County Arts Center and the Jay County Campus of Arts Place.
Ensemble students learn to perform in small groups, a skill quite different from playing in larger numbers. These groups require the student to play their part independently of the others in the ensemble, a skill necessary for all musicians. Ensembles also give students more performance opportunities and expose them to repertoire written specifically for their instrument.
Arts Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization providing arts programming in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio. Thanks to the financial support of many donors, businesses, and grantors, our arts activities are affordable, and whenever possible, free. All the communities we serve benefit from this generosity. We understand that the families we serve may have financial barriers to participating in our programs. In order to provide families additional support, Arts Place offers two programs: financial assistance and scholarships.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is based solely on financial need. As a general rule, families who qualify for free/reduced lunch or whose income meets those guidelines, are eligible for financial assistance for the current school year. No individual shall receive additional financial assistance for the same program/instrument until all other applicants have been considered. If that person receives a second round of financial assistance for the same program, Arts Place reserves the right to adjust the percentage of assistance granted.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Although scholarships may consider family income, financial status may not be the primary factor in awarding scholarships. Some scholarships are merit based. To learn more about the following Arts Place scholarship opportunities, click on the scholarship applications below.
Tiffany Grace Abner Music Scholarship
Established by Tiffany’s home church, the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bryant, Indiana, in the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) in memory of Tiffany Abner. This fund is a partnership with the ACCF and Arts Place for a scholarship program with Arts Place in memory of Tiffany Grace Abner. The scholarship fund will help students from Adams County, Indiana and Jay County, Indiana in meeting the cost of instruction through the Arts Place MusicWorks program.
The Tiffany Grace Abner Scholarship Fund was established at the Adams County Community Foundation in memory of this impressive young woman who was very active with the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant, Indiana and the Adams and Jay County (Indiana) communities.
Tiffany passed away from injuries sustained from an auto accident in December 2013. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of David and Ruth (Schepman) Thorsell. Tiffany married Robert Abner July 16, 2011. Her husband was pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant, Indiana when this scholarship was established. Tiffany was a school psychologist for Mississinewa School Systems and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the National Association of School Psychologists. Musically, Tiffany was an avid violinist before moving to Bryant. Shortly thereafter, Tiffany enrolled in the Arts Place MusicWorks program to expand her skills by studying cello. This fund will be an annual tribute to remember Tiffany, her talents, and her love of music.
Elizabeth Starbuck MusicWorks Merit Scholarship
The Elizabeth A. Starbuck Endowment held at The Portland Foundation was established in 2012 by the will of Elizabeth Starbuck. Miss Starbuck was a retired banker whose family established the Peoples Bank (now First Financial Bank) in Portland. Her estate established the Elizabeth A. Starbuck Arts Place Fund in support of the arts at Arts Place.
One scholarship is awarded to a current MusicWorks student in grades 9, 10, or 11 at the time of application.
Dr. Jennifer Hammond Clamme Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Jennifer Hammond Clamme graduated from Blackford High School and Taylor University before graduating from Indiana School of Medicine. She completed her residency at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and became a Blackford County physician in 2012. Jennifer owned Reliant Health Care in Hartford City until they closed their doors to patients.
Jennifer was very caring and her patients were very important to her. She spent a lot of time helping others and giving back to her community. She had an amazing support system with her family and she was very proud of her children, always sharing stories of their accomplishments. She was always quick to smile and her heart of gold did not go unnoticed to her family or her community.
Jennifer is the daughter of Daniel G. Hammond and Margaret (Bell) Hammond. Daniel serves on the Arts Place Corporate Board of Directors, and Margaret is a piano instructor at Arts Place locations in Hartford City and Portland. Jennifer was married to Matthew B. Clamme with whom she has three children.
Jennifer’s family has started this scholarship in her memory to encourage participation in the arts. One scholarship is awarded annually to a current MusicWorks student receiving instruction at the Arts Place’s Blackford County Arts Center.
Based on teacher availability, Arts Place may teach Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp, Tuba, French Horn, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder, Piano, Trumpet, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Bassoon, Ukulele, Mandolin, Voice, Trombone, and Percussion.
MusicWorks lessons occur in two semesters – Fall, Spring, and a Summer session. Registration for the Fall Semester automatically enrolls you for the Spring semester. Lessons for the Fall Semester typically begin in early September, with registration opening in early August. Lessons for the Spring semester begin in January. Lessons for Summer MusicWorks, which is a great opportunity to try something new without the commitment of two semesters, typically begin in June.
Yes! Financial assistance and scholarships are available for MusicWorks and interested parties are highly encouraged to apply.
