Todd and Heather Parks wanted to bring a vision to life when they founded the New School of the Arts. With a combined 50 years of experience in the fine arts, they wanted to create a healthy, fun environment for learners of all ages who are passionate about the arts.
Founded with the concept that it’s never too early or too late to become immersed in fine arts, the New Song School of the Arts offers year-round private and group lessons for students of all ages in music, theater and visual arts. Additionally, the beautiful campus hosts special spring break and summer camps for kids.
“Our dream is that people everywhere may experience the beauty of the arts. Our hope is to do that in a profound way and with a high level of excellence here in North Texas,” shared Todd.
The pair also understand and promote the long-term benefits of introducing children to the fine arts early in life. Through these creative outlets, children hone fine motor skills, learn to positively express emotions, develop critical thinking skills, and begin to understand and appreciate the diversity of the world.
“As parents, we often wonder how we should be investing in our children, how we will see the best return on the resources we’re investing in them or question what is the point of a certain extra curricular activity,” said Heather, who has been playing piano since she was 4.
“Although we don’t know what the future holds for them, whether or not a child grows to be a famous artist, concert musician or Hollywood star, we want to get them under the influence of the fine arts as young as possible and retain them as long as possible so they can gain the benefits academically, socially, and emotionally as long as possible. Through this influence, they will have enriched, healthy, and more wholesome lives.”
With over 60 knowledgeable and accomplished instructors, the opportunities are vast but uniquely tailored to different areas of the schools of music, theatre, and visual arts.
Within the School of Music, children under 4 and their caregivers can participate in Music Together, which is an early childhood introduction to music class. For children 4 to 6 1/2 years old, MusiksCOOL is a preschool piano program designed to be age appropriate and adaptive. For students older than 6 1/2, there are a variety of voice and instrumental lessons offered in private and group settings. Musical group classes focus on garage band, worship band, orchestra and a female vocal ensemble.
Lessons in acting, musical and traditional theatre, television and film fall under the School of Theater. MainSTAGE theatre productions in the facility’s black box theater, giving students the opportunity to act on stage in a full cast.
The School of Visual Arts hosts private and group lessons for students of all ages using a variety of mediums to spur creativity. Offerings include special events such as art competitions and paint and sip parties. These are all held in the new visual arts center.
“We're reaching families and enriching lives from newborns all the way to senior adults,” Todd said. “Our youngest student is 8 months old and our oldest student is 85 years old.”
Included on campus are several spaces that are also available for rent, including the recital hall, black box theater, and the Arts Center. These spaces provide a versatile backdrop for birthday parties, bridal showers, galas, fashion shows and other events.
“We love being able to enrich the world around us by what we have to offer,” shared Heather. “God is using us to bring light to the community through the fine arts, and we are so blessed to serve the community with the beauty of the arts.”
The New Song School of the Arts is located at 1624 FM 407 E. in Argyle. For more information, visit newsongschoolofthearts.com or call 214-915-2787.