NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Scholarship applications are now being accepted for music instruction through the Stephen F. Austin State University Music Preparatory Division. The partial-tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and can be applied to private lessons or group instruction.

Application forms are available on the division's website www.music.sfasu.edu/prep (under Programs), or may be picked up either at the Music Preparatory Division office, 3028 Raguet St., or in the SFA School of Music office, Room 150 of the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

The maximum amount awarded for any student is 50 percent of the total tuition.

All scholarship applications must be received in the Music Preparatory Division by Thursday, Aug. 1, and must be accompanied by a copy of pages one and two of the applicant's 2012 1040 Income Tax return or other proof of the previous year's income.

Applications can be mailed to SFA Music Preparatory Division, P.O. Box 13043, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 or turned in to the Music Preparatory Division office or the SFA School of Music office.

The Music Preparatory Division has been serving the greater East Texas area for more than 30 years, seeking to provide excellent musical training on any level of proficiency, said Pat Barnett, director. The division offers private lessons for voice piano, Suzuki violin/viola/cello, traditional violin/viola/cello and bass, classical guitar, harp, flute, oboe, trumpet, horn, saxophone, percussion and other instruments as requested, Barnett said.

"And we also offer Kindermusik classes for newborns through 5-year-olds, two children's choirs serving second through 12th graders, the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra for students in middle through high school, and an adult piano class," she said.

The private lessons taught by SFA students begin the week of Sept. 9 and continue for 12 weeks. Private lessons taught by upper-level teachers begin the week of Aug. 19 and continue for 16 weeks. End of semester recitals will be held in December. Other recitals will be announced.

For more information, visit the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep, or contact Barnett at pbarnett@sfasu.edu or call her at (936) 468-1291.