August 22, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Barton Communications
The Barton Community Music School is now enrolling students for the 2025–2026 academic year, offering students from surrounding communities ages 6–18 access to high-quality, affordable music lessons while providing valuable teaching experience and scholarship support for Barton music students.
The program pairs each student with a Barton music major who provides individualized, one-on-one instruction. This unique partnership not only enriches the musical lives of local youth but also contributes directly to the academic success of Barton students. Tuition starts at just $15 for a 30-minute lesson, with all proceeds awarded back to the college students in the form of scholarships.
While piano lessons remain the cornerstone of the Community Music School, the program is expanding this year to include new offerings. Beginning this fall, students in sixth grade and above will have the opportunity to enroll in lessons for clarinet, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, viola, violin, and French horn. This addition reflects the College’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for instrumental instruction in the region and providing more diverse opportunities for young musicians.
Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment Dr. Alejandro Avila who started the program last year, emphasized the impact of this initiative.
“The Community Music School is a win-win for everyone involved,” he said. “School-age students receive access to quality music education, while Barton students gain valuable teaching experience and direct scholarship support that helps them advance their own studies and future careers in music.”
Enrollment for the fall semester is open now through Aug. 31, with lessons beginning the first week of Sept. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in end-of-semester recitals in Dec. and May, giving them the chance to share their progress and celebrate their achievements with family and friends.
For more information or to enroll, visit shows.bartonccc.edu or contact Avila at avilaal@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9384.