2012 marks the tenth season of the Tabor College Music Preparatory School. The school was formed under the guidance of Dr. Sheila Litke, Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy at Tabor College.

“We started the school in 2002 because there was a need in the community with so many local music teachers retiring,” Litke explained.

“It also allowed the Tabor students to get some hands-on supervised experience doing something they enjoy doing — teaching music. So as an extension of Tabor’s mission statement, it was a natural thing to offer to the community.”

Tiffiney Harms, a ‘07 graduate of Sterling College and a ‘09 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, School of Music, has been hired as the new director of the Music Preparatory School. She comes to Tabor most recently from McPherson College where she was a Lecturer of Music and Departmental Accompanist.

Lessons begin August 20 and run through November 30.

Since its formation, the School has offered a variety of music lessons including piano, voice, percussion, flute, trumpet, and violin. A unique aspect of the School is the offering of group piano lessons. In this setting students receive the benefits of both individual instruction and group learning.

“One of the advantages of group lessons is the length, allowing for the addition of other elements such as composition, theory, activities, and history. Students enjoy the positive peer learning and friendships formed through group lessons,” Litke added.

Those interested in taking music lessons this fall should enroll now. Contact Harms via e-mail at tiffineyh@tabor.edu, or call (620) 947-3121, ext. 1407 for more information.