For The Observer

Local musician Davy Ray Bennett will offer a guitar instruction class through the Northwest Mississippi Community College Division of Continuing Education, according to Patricia Lowder, coordinator. The class will be held on Tuesdays, Jan. 26 – May 18, from 2-8 p.m. in the art building, Room 105 on the Senatobia campus.

A meet-and-greet with Bennett will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Senatobia campus.  Bennett will perform during the event, which is jointly sponsored by Senatobia Sycamore Arts and the Northwest 

Division of Continuing Education.

Lessons are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 20. A recital will be held on May 18.

Using the Suzuki method, students ages 4 to 16 will learn the art of playing the classical guitar. The Suzuki method will teach the student proper technique in a fun way. The student will learn to play songs by listening to a piece of music every day on the CD, and practicing at least 15 minutes a day.

The Suzuki method requires a parent to be in the room to provide encouragement and support for the student. Parents will take notes at the lesson to help the student remember what to practice at home. There will be one group lesson at the end of the  semester. Traditional method is also taught.

The fee for the class is $30 (30-minute lesson); $35 (45-minute lesson); and $55 (1 hour lesson). Supplies needed for the class include classical guitar and footstool, Suzuki Guitar School Book I and Suzuki Guitar School Book I CD. The approximate cost of supplies is $30, not including the guitar.

For more information, contact Lowder at (662) 562-3349 or e-mail pwlowder@northwestms.edu