Community Learning Programs
The Waynesburg University Fine Arts Academy consists of community-based, non-credit courses and is open to anyone wanting to study comprehensive collegiate music and/or visual art taught by our current Waynesburg University professors.
About Our Instructors
Emily Wiedner
Emily Wiedner is the Director of the Fine Arts Academy and instructor of art at Waynesburg University. Holding a Master's Degree in Studio Arts from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Ms. Wiedner is a versatile artist who works in graphite, watercolor, clay and other media. She teaches studio art classes and art history. When Ms. Wiedner is not teaching at Waynesburg University, she is teaching pre-school students.
Through her love of teaching art to students of all ages, Ms. Wiedner has implemented a variety of studio classes within the Fine Arts Academy, including the Summer Art Camps.
Eric Brewer
Eric Brewer is the Director of the Music Program at Waynesburg University. Here, he conducts the Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble as well as teach individual brass lessons. Prior to Waynesburg University, Mr. Brewer was on faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and Kent State University in Ohio. For over a decade he served as the Principal Trumpet of the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater where he performed with artists such as Marnie Nixon, Joy Hermalyn, Faith Esham and Michael Ballam.
As a trumpet soloist, Mr. Brewer has been featured with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, New Music Ensemble at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and with the Utah Festival Opera Orchestra. He has recorded music for San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the Imperial Brass. Mr. Brewer has performed with numerous professional ensembles around the country including the Dallas Wind Symphony, Wichita Falls Symphony, Plano Symphony and Springfield Orchestra.
A graduate of the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and the Yale School of Music, Mr. Brewer was a trumpet student of James Darling of the Cleveland Orchestra and Allan Dean of the New York Brass Quintet. He has studied conducting with Dwight Oltman, John DeMain and is currently working on his Doctorate of Musical Arts at West Virginia University with Dr. Scott Tobias.
Melanie Catana
Melanie Catana is an assistant professor of Vocal Music, the director of Choral Music and in her 14th year teaching at Waynesburg University. Previous to her appointment at the University, Ms. Catana performed professionally as an operatic soprano soloist for more than 10 years in theaters including: the New York City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, the Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Ms. Catana has performed the roles of Micaela in "Carmen," Musetta in "La Boheme," Lucia in "Lucia di Lammermoor," Anne Trulove from the "Rake’s Progress," to name a few. She holds her bachelor's and master’s degrees in music, K-12 certification in teaching and a minor in jazz voice from Carnegie Mellon University.
Camilo Jauregui
Residing in Pittsburgh, Percussionist Camilo Jauregui plays an important role in various musical groups and ensembles throughout the Pennsylvania area. He serves as the Kiltie Band Percussion Instructor at Carnegie Mellon University, Percussion Teacher at Waynesburg University, Music lecture teacher at Pittsburgh University and Percussion Instructor at South Fayette High School.
Mr. Jauregui's diverse background as a percussionist, composer and conductor takes him worldwide, allowing him to share and acquire knowledge of world music, with a particular focus on the impact of music education in postwar zones. He is the co-founder and co-director of Camerata 33, establishing the first and only Latin-American Chamber Orchestra in the Pittsburgh area. His artistic residencies include notable collaborations with the National Ballet of Cuba and many professional orchestras in Colombia. With prior teaching experience at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul, The Music Project in Sri Lanka, “Tocar y Luchar” in Bogota, Colombia, Mr. Jauregui has enriched his pedagogical experiences.
Mr. Jauregui holds a master’s degree in music from Corpas University and Masters in Musicology from Universidad de la Rioja in Spain, complemented by bachelor’s degrees in Percussion Performance and Conducting. His creative output includes numerous compositions for percussion, string and wind ensembles, as well as solo pieces. Notably, his series of small pieces, "Music in a Social Distance for not conventional instruments” and "Retazos for Solo Instruments," and the Afghan fantasy for vibraphone and small orchestra have been frequently performed in various countries.
Dr. Sora Lee
Dr. Sora Lee is teaching and accompanying at Waynesburg University. Dr. Lee, originally from South Korea, currently lives in Morgantown, WV. She earned the Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the University of California Irvine and holds the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Collaborative Piano from WVU. She was the recipient of The Valerie Canady Charitable Foundation Scholarships, the Toni and Red Cowsert Music Scholarship and the Kathy Sprouse Music Scholarships. She also was the recipient of the WVU Foundation Distinguished Doctoral Award in 2016.
Dr. Lee is an active collaborative pianist working with many singers and instrumentalists. She was selected as an accompanist for the WVU Bavarian Summer Voice and Piano Collaborative Workshop and performed in the Rubinsteinsaal at the Steinway-Haus in Munich. She has been also awarded a grant from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.
Dr. Lee can be heard on the new international recording Return to Old Ireland: Music of Mary McAuliffe from Delos. She also co-produced the documentary “Munz: A Pianist’s Story”, which was released in 2021 and premiered on West Virginia Public Broadcasting in July 2022. The documentary was produced based on her awarded dissertation “The life and legacy of Mieczuslaw Munz.
Private Lessons
CUSTOMIZABLE SCHEDULE WITH A ONE-ON-ONE APPROACH TO LEARNING
For All Ages
Private Lessons are scheduled on an ongoing basis. Students now have the option to sign up for 1-10 lessons at a time. Registration for private lessons will ALWAYS be open. Please carefully read the description of the lesson you are interested in. Each type of lesson has a different window of availability and requirements. After you register, your instructor will contact you to schedule your lessons.
Private Brass Lessons
Instructor: Eric Brewer
Students wishing to study Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, or Tuba can take individual lessons on their instrument over the course of several weeks. Fundamentals such as tone production, music reading, scales, and techniques are addressed at the student’s pace.
Lessons will not take place from mid-December through January. However, you are still welcome to register during this time.
Private Guitar Lessons
Instructor: Scott Elliott
PRIVATE GUITAR LESSONS REQUIRE REMOTE INSTRUCTION
All Levels (beginner to advanced)
Lessons will be tailored to meet the students’ knowledge level. Students will learn proper guitar technique as well as how to learn musical notation and fundamentals of music theory.
Students should have daily access to a guitar in playable condition, and be able to reserve at least 30 minutes each day for preparation of assignments.
Private Percussion Lessons
Instructor: Camilo Jauregui
Learn about drums, keyboards (mallets), marimba, vibraphone and Latin percussion or Symphonic percussion. Children or adults with or without previous knowledge are welcome. Technical resources and information about how to practice and improve your musical skills will also be provided.
Lessons will not take place from mid-December through mid-January. However, you are still welcome to register during this time.
Private Piano Lessons
Instructor: Sora Lee
Description: All Levels (beginner to advanced) Lessons will be tailored to meet the student’s knowledge level.
Lessons will not take place from July through August. However, you are still welcome to register during this time.
This lesson requires an additional $50 supply fee upon first-time registration. If you need extra materials for your lessons, your instructor will notify you and a payment link will be sent to you.
Private Visual Arts Lessons
Instructor: Emily Wiedner
This is individual instruction in a specific area of the Visual Arts. Students will be introduced to basic techniques and apply them to a series of works. No experience is required. For all ages.
Lessons will take place on Mondays or Wednesdays. Other availability may be possible.
Lessons will not take place from mid-December through January. However, you are still welcome to register during this time.
This lesson requires an additional $50 supply fee upon first-time registration. If you need extra materials for your lessons, your instructor will notify you and a payment link will be sent to you.
Private Vocal Lessons
Instructor: Melanie Catana
This course is offered to beginner and intermediate vocal students. Students will learn and refine the basics of vocal technique and production as they explore various types of vocal repertoire chosen to complement their individual vocal range and level of musical proficiency. Students will be coached by the instructor on pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, diction, musicality, projection and dramatic delivery.
Each student will be expected to learn 2-3 songs during the semester. There will be a requirement of one Italian Art Song, one song in English and one song of student choice agreed upon with the instructor. Lessons will be a combination of technical vocal exercises and the application of vocal techniques acquired in select repertoire. For all ages.
Lessons will take place on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Lessons will not take place in August. However, you are still welcome to register during this time.
Private Woodwind Lessons
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar
These private lessons will focus on instrumental development for beginner, intermediate and advanced woodwind players on flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon or bagpipes. Students will work on developing and mastering tone production, articulation, technique, musicality, theory, sight reading and improvisation through the use of a variety of scales, exercises, etudes, solo music and duets. For less experienced students, basic embouchure and technique development, note and rhythm reading, and performance accuracy will also be focused on. There may also be an optional opportunity for more advanced students to perform for a chamber works concert or end-of-semester recital. Students will need to have their own instrument* in good playing condition, as well as any necessary accessories (reeds, neck strap, etc.).
*For bagpipe lessons, starting instruments and equipment are available to borrow.
Group Classes
Bagpipes Beginner's Clinic
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar
This is a Beginner's Clinic for anyone interested in Bagpipes! No previous experience is needed, and instruments (practice chanters) and materials will be provided for students who don't have their own. Students will learn the basics of tone production, music reading and notation, and instrument technique through the use of a variety of exercises and traditional bagpipe tunes.
Ages: 12 and Up!
Price: $25 per workshop
- February 26, 6-8 p.m.
- March 26, 6-8 p.m.
- April 23, 6-8 p.m.
Register for all three workshops now to pay the discounted price of $60!
Woodwinds Beginnner's Clinic
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar
This is a Beginner's Clinic for anyone interested in Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon)! No previous experience is needed, though students will need to provide their own instrument (in good working order) and accessories (reeds, neckstrap, etc.). Students will learn the basics of tone production, music reading and notation, and instrument technique through the use of a variety of scales, exercises, etudes, solo music, and duets. Opportunities will also be provided to go over music and exercises students are working on with their school band class.
Ages: 12 and Up!
Price: $25 per workshop
- February 28, 4-6 p.m.
- March 28, 4-6 p.m.
- April 25, 4-6 p.m.
Register for all three workshops now to pay the discounted price of $60!
Free Programs
Join University programs free of charge! These groups meet according to the University semester schedule.
James D. Randolph Kiltie Band
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar
Description: Traditional Bagpipes, Drums, and Kilt wearin'!
Ages: Any and all!
Days/Times: Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
6 -7 p.m. - Intermediate/Advanced Bagpipers and All Drummers
7 - 7:40 p.m. - Beginning Players
The James D. Randolph Kiltie Band, established in the Spring of 2013 and named in the late "Fuzzy's" honor, strives to keep Scottish pipe and drum music alive on campus and in the community. These group lessons and rehearsals are for beginner through advanced bagpipers and drummers with membership being open to Waynesburg University students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as community members. No prior music experience is required, though private lessons may be recommended for new players before participating in full-group rehearsals and performances. Starting instruments, equipment and music are available to borrow. We look forward to having you join us!
This class will follow the University's fall semester schedule.
Jazz Ensemble
Instructor: Jeremy Olisar
Ages: High School and Adult
Days/Times: Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
This class focuses on group rehearsal and performance development through the musical genre of jazz for intermediate and advanced saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section players*. Students will work on developing an enhanced proficiency in music reading, tone production, articulation, musicality and individual technique; an enhanced proficiency in ensemble techniques, such as entrances, releases, group articulations and dynamics, balance and blend, and musicality and phrasing; knowledge of different jazz styles and the means to express themselves artistically through a variety of standard, quality repertoire for Jazz Ensemble; and the ability to create and perform improvisatory solos.
Students are expected to attend and come prepared to all rehearsals, as well as perform during the end-of-semester concert (Tuesday, April. 15, at 7:30 p.m.). Students will need to have their own instrument in good playing condition, as well as any necessary accessories (reeds, neck strap, mutes, drumsticks, etc.). An ensemble folder, music and pencil will be provided and need to be brought weekly to rehearsals. We look forward to having you join us!
*Students learning a new instrument or at the beginning level should sign up for individual lessons first. As spots are given priority to current Waynesburg University students, FAA students may be contacted if a spot they are interested in is already filled to see if they are interested in covering another spot.
*This class will follow the University's fall semester schedule
Lamplighters Concert Choir
Instructor: Melanie Catana
Ages: 15-19
Days/Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 - 5:15 p.m. during the Fall Semester*
This course is available to any student or Waynesburg Community member committed to the rehearsal and performance of choral music at Waynesburg University. No previous choral experience is required. It is strongly recommended that you are evaluated by the director for pitch-matching skills before you join. Members of the Lamplighters Concert Choir will learn and explore various types of choral repertoire as they prepare for annual University concerts, chapels and various events. Lamplighters Concert Choir Members are committed to using their performances for the enhancement of the University and the surrounding communities. The Lamplighters will continue a tradition of excellence in singing and performing with a strong focus on connecting their music with faith in God.
The general instructional approach will be a combination of vocal warm-ups, sight-reading, part reading, sectionals, analyzing texts and musical form in choral pieces, and perfecting the execution of songs for performances
*This class will follow the University's Fall Semester Schedule
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of education and creativity with a Fine Arts Academy Gift Certificate! Help someone special to take lessons and classes in music or visual arts. Gift Certificates through the FAA can be used to pay for any private lessons or group classes offered throughout the year. All Gift Certificates are good for 12 months after purchase.
Obtaining your Gift Certificate:
After registration and payment have been verified by the Waynesburg University Fine Arts Academy, the FAA Director, Emily Wiedner, will send your gift certificate and instructions on how to use it to your email.
- Registration & payment must be completed before a student may attend.
- Private lesson schedules to be arranged between the students and instructors.
- Refunds are not granted after the 3rd week of class.
- Special requests should be made in writing to the Fine Arts Department Chair.
- For more information email the Fine Arts Academy Director, Emily Wiedner.
Waynesburg University Fine Arts Academy Cancellation Policy
Students need to notify instructors at least 2-hours prior to a lesson if they cannot attend. If instructors receive at least a 2-hour notice the lesson will be rescheduled. If a student does not give enough notice or does not show up for the lesson the instructor reserves the right to not reschedule. Emergencies or sudden illnesses are an exception.
Instructors will also follow these procedures if they need to cancel. If the instructor cancels a lesson it will be rescheduled.
***Please note that Fine Arts Academy Group Classes must be conducted on the scheduled dates. Students cannot reschedule or make up these classes. Refunds will only be given if you cancel 3 weeks before the class start date.
If you wish to withdrawal from your Fine Arts Academy Private Lessons, you must do so before your 3rd lesson in order to get a refund. You will not be refunded for any classes that took place prior to your withdrawal.