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Made in Fort Worth: Fort Worth Conservatory of Music
“Anyone can study music” is the guiding principle behind the Fort Worth Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts. From Early Childhood and Kindermusik classes for babies and toddlers to private lessons in voice, piano, violin, and guitar for any age, the Conservatory wants to inspire a lifelong love of music. Part of the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate program, the Conservatory aspires to excellence, inspiration, and fun.
We reached out to the Conservatory’s founder and director, Dr. Jill Sprenger.
Jill T. Sprenger on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Photo by Joyce Marshall
Madeworthy: What was the impetus for starting the Conservatory?
Jill Springer: My journey started with a great teacher, as it does for most musicians. From third through 12th grade, my teacher instilled in me a love for piano and music education. I became a university professor teaching advanced piano and pedagogy – in other words, teaching teachers to teach. After 30 years in university education, I dreamed of a conservatory where I and hand-picked teachers could give students of all levels and ages a solid technical foundation and a lifelong love of music.
MW: Tell us about how the Conservatory came into being.
JS: As a professional violinist and teacher, my husband Kurt was immediately on board [with the Conservatory]. We live in one of the original Ryan Place houses, and we knew we wanted a location nearby. As 2018 came to a close, Kurt and I began looking for a suitable building in the Southside.
We found the perfect location on Hemphill that was already gutted and ready to be tailored to our specifications. It was a bit nerve-wracking… the electricity was turned on two days before, and the pianos were moved in the day before the opening. We can laugh about it now.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Conservatory of Music
MW: What are your facilities like?
JS: We have five teaching rooms and five new Collora pianos: three uprights and two grands… Out of our five teaching rooms, one serves as our recital hall, and [another] holds our group theory classes.
MW: What level of training do students need to start with you?
JS: Students don’t need any prior training to study at the Conservatory. It is our pleasure to give students of all levels the skills they need to enjoy a lifetime of music-making! For our students who choose to pursue professional music, we provide opportunities to enter competitions and perform at a very high level. Several students were awarded full scholarships to TCU, and another Conservatory voice high school senior was offered a full academic and performing scholarship for four years to her chosen university. Past students majored in music at schools such as Oberlin Conservatory, Baylor University, and the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Conservatory of Music
MW: Is there an age limit to begin learning music?
JS: It is never too early or too late to begin your musical journey! We have thriving Early Childhood Music classes for babies as early as 6 months old, and we teach adults far into their retirement who finally have the time and resources to realize their lifelong dream of studying music.
MW: Who is the ideal Conservatory student?
JS: Our motto is “Excellence, Inspiration, and Fun.” We strive to create a community of students who are watching the growth of other students in group activities and recitals and think “I want that!” We strive to keep students motivated within an encouraging environment. And we love fun events where the students bond. This spring, we will be bringing our music into the community, playing in nursing homes and assisted living centers.
MW: Tell us about the faculty members and their educational backgrounds.
JS: Our faculty members are all musicians of the highest caliber who are themselves advanced performing musicians. Each has a passion for guiding and nurturing young musicians to develop their full potential and skill. We strive to be the kind of teachers who can encourage students through the inevitable ups and downs of learning an instrument.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Conservatory of Music
MW: What can new students expect at the Conservatory?
JS: Every student can expect an encouraging environment that promotes excellence, inspiration, and fun! Depending on their age, instrument, and experience, they’ll be paired with a private teacher or group to build the foundation they need to reach their unique potential and enjoy a lifetime of musical expression.
MW: How can prospective students or their parents learn more about the programs at the Conservatory?
JS: You can find an overview of our programs on our website. Follow our Facebook page to get updates for special events and this summer’s Music Theory Blast Camps.
