Samford Academy of the Arts offers language, art, photography, and music classes

Channel Your Inner Creative

Samford Academy of the Arts offers classes for all ages, from preschool to 80-something

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

No matter your interest—drawing, pottery, stained glass, music, photography—Samford Academy of the Arts probably has a class for it.

The Samford Academy of the Arts is the combination of two long-existing programs: the hugely popular Samford After Sundown, which offered adults not-for-credit courses in a variety of interests, and the Preparatory Music Department in the School of Music, which provides instruction in voice, piano, violin, and cello.

“I started as the Director of Samford Preparatory Music Department in 1989,” says Connie Macon, Coordinator of Academy Arts. She remained there until 2014, when the university combined its noncredit options into one entity under the School of the Arts and Dean Joseph Hopkins.

Academy of the Arts courses encompass a wide range of interests. For example, pottery is popular. “We have some who take pottery again and again because they want to try different projects each time,” says Connie. “We have a kiln, so the instructor fires pieces on-site. We’re also getting six new pottery wheels and are so excited. We’ll be revamping the art studio big-time!” There are day and night classes, and the first session of daytime courses is already halffull. Most classes are split into Session A (August–October) and Session B (October–December), so there’s still time to secure something.

Coming off a successful summer of kids’ camps, the fall looks equally promising. Divided by age, and even including a class just for homeschoolers, art class students work with mediums like graphite, clay, glass, and paper. “We have incredible art teachers,” says Connie. “Nicki Masterson is just a pottery guru. Her classes fill up because it’s so much individual attention. And we’re so thankful to have Margaret Winchester back for painting and drawing. She’s a Samford graduate who taught in Bolivia for two years, and she’s returned to get her master’s.” Arts choices for adults include calligraphy, stained glass, fused glass jewelry, painting, and more.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMFORD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

It’s never too late to pick up a new skill. Many adults take music classes at Samford’s Academy of the Arts.

Another big draw for the Academy is its language program, including French, Italian, Spanish, and ESL. “Our ESL instructors are degreed and have extensive training,” says Connie. “The beginner’s class gives 40 hours of teaching in 10 weeks. We have lots of students from Central and South America but some from as far away as Spain, too.”

Though none of the classes qualify for university course credit, some do offer certificates, like photography. Requirements for the Photography Certificate Program are rigorous. “The classes are substantial, and you do finish the program with a large portfolio,” says Connie. “It’s a super popular course, and we have a great group of instructors who excel in their particular niches.” With subjects such as architectural photography, creative fine art, essential color printing, and landscape photography, there’s truly something for everyone.

Connie’s teaching focus is piano lessons, where

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students range in age from 4 to retirement. She’s modest—“All of our music teachers are amazing”— but she is accomplished herself, with

more than 40 years of experience teaching lessons, as well as classroom instruction. She is a member and past president of the Birmingham Music Teachers Association; a nationally certified member of the Music Teachers National Association; and a member of the American Music Therapy Association and Music Managers Forum, where she also served as president. In addition, Connie has been co-chair of Hymn and Piano Solo Festivals at Samford and the Sonata/Sonatina Competition and served on the AMTA state board.

“Music is a really successful part of our program,” she says. “Students can start piano as young as age 4, violin around 5 or 6, and cello at age 8 because their hands need to grow.” In addition to learning music and honing a talent, Connie says, “Music students enjoy the benefit of disciplined learning and being away from a computer screen. It uses different brain processes because you have to force both hands to work in tandem.” Additionally, there is visual and aural (hearing, listening, pitch) learning and physical coordination. Music students participate in competitions and festivals, perform for nursing home residents, and can share what they’ve learned with family. “I don’t know many people who don’t want to sit and listen to the piano.”

The benefits of arts education are myriad for all ages. “Some schools have had to cut music and art classes, especially with virtual learning,” says Connie. The Academy’s classes are a great way to keep this education integrated into children’s lives. “Plus, it’s a different group of friends than at school, and it can be really fun to get to know others who share your same passion.” Even for adults, classes have amazing health and social benefits. “It’s therapeutic and, of course, they make new friends while trying something new,” she says.

Mostly, though, Connie is just excited to be back to semi-normal this fall: “We have a lot of options, more than we’ve ever had,” she says. “Day, night— there is something to fit all schedules, and I’m just really thrilled about what’s to come.”

To view course offerings and register for classes, visit samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts. The best way to contact the school is via email at academyofthearts@samford.edu.

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