The Catawba Community Music Program is accepting enrollments for spring semester classes and lessons.

An outreach program of the Catawba College music department since 1984, Community Music continues to provide quality music instruction for aspiring music students of all ages and abilities through the following new spring classes and ensembles, most of which start Jan. 22.

Private lessons — Private instruction in piano, guitar, strings, winds, brass, and percussion is offered for students of all ages and all levels of ability. Students may study one-on-one with the instructor of their choice for weekly 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons. Experience, teaching styles, and availability vary from instructor to instructor, including performing-artist, professional and undergraduate teachers. Although a full term of instruction is highly recommended, new students may enroll for varied number of lessons.

Family Music Time (ages birth-4) — Designed for the entire family, this 40-minute class meets once a week for 14 weeks each semester. Music education is emphasized as parents learn how to modify activities in developmentally appropriate ways for the unique age characteristics of each child. Activities include singing, focused listening, playing simple instruments, as well as creative and purposeful movement. 5:15- 5:55 p.m. Tuesday; Martha Hallquist, instructor.

Music Makers (Ages 4-6) –Classes are 60 minutes, with parents joining the children for the final 10 minutes of each class for the 14-week semester. Learning is broad-based with activities including singing, music listening, rhythmic activities, purposeful movement, instrument playing, as well as an introduction to orchestral instruments and music reading. 4-5 p.m. Tuesday; Martha Hallquist, instructor.

Songwriting class (high-school age through adults) –This class is designed to introduce students to the art and craft of songwriting. Topics will include melody, rhythm/style, harmony, form, and lyrics as well as the nature of aesthetics and the place of popular song within modern culture. Some background in music is required to take the course, but no formal training is necessary. Class time TBA; Dennis Reed, instructor.

Vernaculars H/S Ensemble (Grades 9-12) — Vernaculars H/S is an ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality contemporary popular (vernacular) music. Through participation, high school-age musicians gain experience performing a variety of styles of vernacular music in an ensemble setting. Vernaculars H/S also serves as a vehicle for the performance of original works, and gives the technologically inclined a chance to work with live sound reinforcement. Enrollment is by audition only. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Dennis Reed, director.

Catawba Community Band (Grades 9-12) — Through participation, high-school age musicians gain experience performing traditional band music in an ensemble composed of both college and community musicians. Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.; Dr. Steve Etters, director.

For more information, call Dr. Julie Chamberlain, director, at 704-637-4106, or the CMP office at 704 -637-4345 or visit www.music.catawba.edu. Enrollment is limited.