The Community Music School of Webster University’s Pre-College Music Preparatory Program (PREP) has been nationally recognized for its excellence, as the program was awarded a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant.  This is the first time in over 15 years that the Community Music School or Webster University has received an NEA grant.  PREP is only one of three programs in St. Louis — and one of five in Missouri — to receive an NEA grant this year through the Learning Through the Arts for Children and Youth category.

The $10,000 NEA grant will support PREP’s current programming structure, as well as allow for the addition of a juried workshop.  The workshop will be modeled to provide junior division level student ensembles with a workshop that focuses on their division, acting as a precursor for participation in the Fischoff Junior Division Competition, which PREP Program ensembles enter each year.  The workshop will include coached sessions with a culminating juried performance, open to the general public and chamber ensembles from throughout the Midwest.

The PREP Program is designed to augment the individual music study of exceptionally talented string, woodwind, brass, percussion, and piano students in grade 7-12 who are studying privately and are highly motivated and committed to furthering their music education and who anticipate pursuing a career in music.  Utilizing the vast artistic resources of Webster University, the Community Music School of Webster University, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and other area music professionals, the Preparatory Program offers high caliber instruction, performance opportunities, and artistic mentoring in one comprehensive curriculum.  The curriculum is centered on chamber music and also includes theory, ear training, music history and literature, performance classes, and special events such as recitals, master classes and guest lectures and community service.  In the 2007-2008 school year, 35 students participated in PREP.

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The Community Music School of Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.  The Community Music School receives assistance from the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis and the Regional Arts Commission.