Higher Education
Harnessing the Power of Music with Classes at the Wylie Campus
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mbraced by young and old, it comes in many forms, can completely change your mood, and even inspire you. No matter which genre you prefer, music’s power is undeniable. “Music can express all of the shades of emotion,” said Dr. Olga Amelkina, Collin College Wylie Campus music professor. “You can hear a melody and find that is exactly how you feel, but if someone asks you to explain it you might not be able to express it in words. Music is a language that allows us to communicate without having to say anything.” According to Dr. Amelkina, an award-winning classical guitarist and composer who has been instructing music students for 15 years, teaching music is incredibly rewarding. She said she cannot wait to teach students at the new Wylie Campus. “I love inspiring students and helping them discover their own voices in music,” she said. “You have to find different approaches to inspire each student, and that’s why it is so interesting to teach.” Housed in the student center, the 2,300-squarefoot music rehearsal room features high ceilings and a Steinway grand piano as well as additional Steinway products. This music area also includes a piano lab, a large instrument storage area, teaching studios for smaller chamber ensembles, and seven practice rooms with sound insulation technology, allowing students to practice without disturbing others. Students can choose from a robust list of music offerings ranging from classes designed for those who have never taken a music class to experienced musicians who plan to pursue music careers. Classes range from music appreciation to performance classes and applied lessons that offer one-on-one instruction in the instrument of your choice. In addition to woodwind and cho-
Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.
By Heather Darrow
Ana Clara Pereira, dual credit student, plans to attend the Wylie Campus in the Fall of 2020.
rale ensemble classes, this campus will offer a New Music Ensemble class. Open to any instrument, the class focuses on performing music from the 20th and 21st century and offers students the opportunity to compose music. Wylie High School graduate Ana Clara Pereira is looking forward to taking the New Music Ensemble class as well as other courses at the Wylie Campus. “The Wylie Campus is close and convenient,” said Pereira, who plans to transfer to a university to earn a law degree. “It is only 10-15 minutes from my house. I plan on studying flute and cello and taking applied lessons with professors.” A former Collin College dual credit student, Pereira has taken music classes since she was 4 years old. “I love music because there is so much you can do with it,” Pereira said. “You can play something really old, or recent, or a cool jazzy tune. It’s a whole different style of expressing yourself. Taking classes at the Wylie Campus is a great way to stay close to home at a nice price, and the education is amazing.” To learn about music classes at the Wylie Campus, contact Dr. Amelkina at oamelkina@collin.edu. For more information about Collin College music classes, visit www.collin.edu/department/music. For more information about the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie. •
14 • The CONNECTION • August/September 2020
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