Community School for the Arts: Traditional Music Lessons
Overview
The Community School for the Arts (CSA) program provides one on one private lessons on all major orchestral instruments (wind/brass/percussion/strings), piano, and voice. Students of all ages and levels are encouraged to participate. Instruction is tailored to meet the goals and interests of each individual student. A recital opportunity is offered at the end of both fall and spring semesters.
Community School lessons are taught by upper-class or graduate music students who have been recommended by Illinois State University music faculty. Typically, lessons are taught on campus, either in Old Union or Cook Hall. Teachers will communicate the location and any required materials.
Private Lessons
All lessons are held in person on the Illinois State University campus. Zoom lessons may be offered if requested by the family or as a substitute if either the teacher or student is ill when both parties agree to this as a form of make-up lesson.
Lesson days/times are arranged individually between the teacher and student. Late registrations will be prorated in the form of a refund. Students canceling before the first day of the session will be fully refunded minus a $30 processing fee. Email csamusic@IllinoisState.edu if you have any questions about registration.
Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Registration for Spring 2025 is now open.
Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Semester Prices
- 30-minute lessons: $270 per 14 week session
- 45-minute lessons: $375 per 14 week session
- 60-minute lessons: $480 per 14 week session
Spring semester lessons will begin the week of January 27 and end the week of April 28. There are no lessons March 10-16 (Illinois State University Spring Break).
Spring 2025 Recital
Sunday, May 4, 2024
Encouraged for all students enrolled in spring semester lessons.
Summer 2025
Summer 2025 lessons will be divided into two 6-week sessions. Dates will be posted mid-spring.
Summer 2025 Prices
- 30-minute lessons: $120 per 6-week summer session
- 45-minute lessons: $165 per 6-week summer session
- 60-minute lessons: $210 per 6-week summer session
*A 5% discount is available to families enrolling their second child or lessons on a second instrument through CSA. This discount is only available to families who pay in full at the time of registration. Please email csamusic@IllinoisState.edu after you enroll to request your discount. The discount will be applied as a refund.
General Information and Policies
Who Can Enroll?
Private lessons are offered to students age five through adults for weekly private 30-minute, 45-minute, or 1-hour lessons.
Requirements
Student are required to provide their own instruments for lessons and practice (pianos and some percussion instruments are provided for lessons). Vocalists may be required to pay an accompanist fee for the final performance.
Students may also be required to purchase music assigned by their instructor.
Locations and Attendance
On campus lessons are taught in either Cook Hall or Old Union as communicated by the teachers. Teacher assignments are made after students register and communicated through email from the director. It is expected that families work out a regular weekly lesson time for the entire semester directly with their assigned teacher. Please be flexible! All of our teachers are full time students and have to work around their class schedules.
In the event of absence, notify the teacher directly. One make-up lesson is granted each session for excused absences, provided at least 24 hours (or as much notice as possible) is given. Sporting practices/events and family vacations are not considered excused absences. Be certain to make appropriate arrangements if you plan to be absent.
In the case of poor weather conditions or mild illness by either party, in person lessons may be held on Zoom. If the University closes due to inclement weather, lessons will not be held or made up.
Please listen to WGLT radio (89.1 FM) for updates.