Monthly Archives: June 2019

Outlet Encourages Musical Growth

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by Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Back Beat Music provides chances for people to make their music dreams come true.

Open in Jonesboro since 2015, Back Beat Music not only sells instruments but also provides a place for people who are interested in music to share their feelings.

“Music is creative. I enjoy music because it is no rules, like painting,” owner Darrell Sykes said.

Customers can take lessons for different kinds of instruments such as guitar, piano and ukulele. Lessons teach everyone from beginner to the professional. Teachers are not just instructing students simply how to strum and play by ear; they are teaching students how to understand music and music theory.

“I have been learning guitar about five months, and I feel relaxed and enjoyable when I play it. I spend 30 minutes practicing the guitar every day,” said Jett Bradsher, a student taking guitar lessons.

Local musicians are preparing for the music festivals during the summer months.

“Even though we do not play professionally on the music festival, we just go to attend and enjoy. We hope more people come to join us, and let more people hear our bands,” assistant Greg Arnold said.

Back Beat Music continues to adjust music lessons schedule and introduce more varieties of instruments.

School Teaches Design of Art

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by Yu Bai
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — The Art School of Jonesboro allows people of all ages and walks of life to express their feelings and imaginations.

The Art School of Jonesboro opened its door to students in 2009, and it has grown to more than 80 artists. Artists shape the opinions of others through their work. Through the study of works by both the great masters and modern-day artists, all students are exposed to art history. Different kinds of art classes exist for people to enjoy. Drawing is the most popular; students focus on developing contour through drawing and shading. Younger students begin with a general art class, which will develop their skills for advanced classes such as digital art.

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 Students practice during the painting class. (Photo by Yu Bai)

“I love teaching the kids about all kinds of arts, especially portrait art and illustration. As a freelance artist, I work in both photo-realistic and children’s illustration,” said Tanya Eddy, the proprietor of the school.

Since opening, students have successfully participated in art competitions throughout Arkansas and Tennessee, bringing home dozens of awards. Teachers base the class on art history or movement. Student skills are evaluated to place them in classes that will challenge them. For example, if a fifth-grade student can work at a senior-high level, the school provides them the opportunity to advance.

“We feel as if it is important for the students to learn from the great masters, and we use those works in our classes. We also look at artists of today and learn their techniques through observation and practice,” said Maya Eddy, a part-time art writing teacher.

The unique teaching style offered at the Art School of Jonesboro is very popular among students. Classes remain small: only six-to-eight students are allowed in per class. Teachers get to know their students and their families, and they encourage their educational endeavors outside of the studio.

“I really enjoy classes here, and it is wonderful to see people learning to create something of their own,” 18-year-old Olevia Dunman said.