Contact: Sharon Fisher
January 25, 2008

Traditional Music Classes Available at MECC

You may think of young children when thinking of learning to play a musical instrument, but there are great health advantages for adults who take up playing an instrument or return to playing after a long absence. Not the least of these advantages is the great socialization opportunities that playing a musical instrument can offer.
There is a large and growing musical community in southwest Virginia and east Kentucky, and there are growing opportunities for young and older musicians to play at the numerous musical events that are happening throughout the region.

As the numbers of people looking for music along the Crooked Road grow, traditional music becomes more important not only to our culture but also to our economy.

Mountain Empire Community College has long been a leader in offering training and education in fields where job opportunities exist and also a leader in offering classes and creating cultural events that showcase our regional musicians and our regional culture. Home Craft Days is one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind in the whole eastern USA.

MECC has the largest traditional music program in the state, offering classes in beginning banjo, fiddle, beginning, intermediate and advanced guitar, mandolin, lap dulcimer, shape-note singing, intermediate and advanced string-band, and keyboarding. Many of the music courses qualify for teacher certification.

Class enrollment is still available. Call 523-7489 or email sboatright@me.vccs.edu for more information.

Generations play together in music classes and events at Mountain Empire Community College.

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