The Wilshire Academy of Fine Arts has opened with initial lessons in piano, voice, organ and guitar.

The academy will provide private instruction for children and adults of all ages in a professional environment that is open to the community.

Wilshire has an existing relationship with East Dallas Children’s Music, which offers Musikgarten classes. These classes will continue to be offered at Wilshire under the umbrella of the fine arts academy.

Jeff Brummel, Wilshire’s organist and a doctoral student in music, will direct the academy.

“The Wilshire Academy of Fine Arts has come about through the vision of the Worship and Music Committee to build upon the church’s reputation as a place where the fine arts are valued,” Brummel said. “We want to open our doors to the church and the community as a place where students of all ages will nurture their God-given gifts.”

Although starting small this fall, the academy is projected to expand in future years. Current work to renovate and expand Wilshire’s music facilities includes adding new space for private lessons and practice rooms, as well as a new Choral Hall that will also serve as a recital and lecture hall. The new space is slated to open in spring 2009.

Instruction in the fall semester will begin the week of September 2 and will be offered according to teacher and student availability. Most instruction will occur on evenings and weekends.

Faculty in the academy will be professionally trained educators from within the church, from area colleges and from the community.

Tuition for the fall semester is $448 for 15 weeks of 30-minute lessons; $672 for 15 weeks of 45-minute lessons; and $896 for 15 weeks of 60-minute lessons. The per-lesson breakdown is $32 per 30 minutes; $48 per 45 minutes; and $64 per 60 minutes.

For registration information, contact Jeff Brummel and the academy at wafa@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3120.