The Northwestern State University Music Academy will begin its third year Monday, Aug. 22. The academy is under the direction of Northwestern State music faculty Dr. Christine Allen and Dr. Francis Yang and offers piano and guitar lessons for area students in pre-K through 12th grade.

A new initiative this year is group piano lessons which will be offered to beginning students. Yang said this allows students to learn together in the group piano lab and can serve as a stepping stone to private lessons.

Graduate music majors Robyn Tan and Melissa Quek will teach piano. Orlando Enrique Gonzalez will teach guitar.

Last year, academy students performed in a Christmas concert and a spring recital. Some students participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival and the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival.