OSU brings piano class to Stillwater community

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Oklahoma State University is offering a non-credit piano class for Stillwater-area adults. Aimed at beginners and those who wish to brush up on their skills, Introduction to Piano will meet from 5:30-6:20 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Aug. 20-Dec. 7 in OSU’s Seretean Center for the Performing Arts.

Music professor and instructor Nataša Kaurin-Karača has 15 years of experience teaching piano, including leading Class Piano at OSU since 2006. She plans to adapt the fundamentals of that class for beginning students in the community.

“Perhaps they always wanted to learn to play but were reluctant to start with individual lessons, or they thought it would take years of lessons to be able to play confidently,” Kaurin-Karača said. “Taking Class Piano is a wonderful way to make that first step and may start a new, highly rewarding hobby.”

Over the course of 16 weeks, students will learn the basics of piano in both classical and pop music. Assignments may also be tailored to the individual students’ interests.

“If a student played a different instrument and already knows some basics of notation, that will only speed up the process for them, but even students with no experience are welcome,” Kaurin-Karača said.

A typical lesson includes several activities introducing new repertoire, harmonization of folk and popular tunes, ensemble playing, sight-reading and technical exercises. No quizzes or tests will be administered, and grades will not be assigned. A final performance will be open to the public.

Sheron Allen, who participated in a previous class, strongly encouraged her friends to sign up when they asked her about the course.

“Don’t have any inhibitions; just go,” Allen said. “It is a wonderful experience. Nataša is amazing. She made the difference; she really did.”

A registration fee of $400 is due by Aug. 6. To register or find more information, visit cas.okstate.edu/outreach/piano or contact program coordinator Christine Nichols at christine.nichols@okstate.edu or (405) 744-8459.