Community School for the Arts: Traditional Music Lessons
The Community School for the Arts (CSA) offers lessons on all major orchestral instruments (wind/brass/percussion/strings), piano, guitar, and voice. Adaptive music lessons (piano, guitar, and hand percussion only) are available for students seeking an individualized musical experiance. Lessons are taught by Illinois State University graduate or upper-class music students who have taken courses in pedagogy.
All CSA teachers are recommended by Illinois State faculty members. Typically, lessons are taught on campus, either in Old Union or Cook Hall. Your teacher will communicate the location and what materials are needed for lessons.
2021-2022 Lesson Information
Please note: Illinois State University is following current coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from the State of Illinois and the CDC and may need to adjust the program (e.g. delivery mode, group size, or location) on short notice. Any changes will be communicated to those participating as soon as we are able.
Lessons are currently offered both in-person and on Zoom, and prices are the same no matter which method of delivery. Please see information below for delivery options for individual teachers.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Fall Session individual and adaptive music lessons begin the week of August 23, 2021 and Spring Session Lessons begin the week of January 17, 2022. Each session runs for 14 weeks. Lesson schedules are arranged individually between a student and a teacher. Late registrations will be prorated in the form of a refund. Contact Dr. Lewis if you have any questions about registration.
- 30-minute individual and adaptive music lessons: $240 per session
- 45-minute individual and adaptive music lessons: $315 per session
- 60-minute individual and adaptive music lessons: $375 per session
*A 5% discount is available to families enrolling their second child or lessons on a second instrument through CSA. However, this discount is only available to families who pay in full at the time of registration. Individual lesson days/times are determined between the instructor and the family.
NEW! INTERGENERATIONAL LESSONS
CSA Is now offering intergenerational music lessons. Lessons are designed for a grandparent/grandchild, aunt/niece, or other caregiver and child to experience diferent musical styles together in a fun and interactive way. Zoom lessons are a perfect option for families who do not live in the same town. Class times will be arranged between individual failies and the msic teacher
- Four (4) 30-minute intergenerational classes (grandparent/grandchild): $80
- Eight (8) 30-minute intergenerational classes (grandparent/grandchild): $150
*5% discount is available to families enrolling their second child or lessons on a second instrument through CSA. However, the discount is only available to families who pay in full at the time of registration. Individual lesson days/times are determined between the instructor and the family.
Performance Opportunity
At the end of each semester, students enrolled in private lessons are invited to perform on a recital for family and friends. The 2021-2022 performance dates are:
- Sunday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. for Fall Session Students
- Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. for Spring Session Students
CSA 2021-2022 Teachers
Adaptive Music Lessons for Individualized Learning and Intergenerational Lessons
David Norgaard, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
*Adaptive Lessons will be taught using guitar, piano, and/or percussion
Piano
Grace Zimmerman, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
Ivy Buenaventura, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
Violin
Rose Ortega, Senior (Zoom and in-person)
Viola
Grace Eom, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
Nicholas McKee, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
Cello
Alex Hibbard-Brown, Senior (Zoom and in-person)
Peyton Miles, Senior (Zoom and in-person)
Gita Srinivasan, Graduate Student (Zoom and in-person)
Bass
Hunter Thoms, Senior (Zoom and in-person)
Guitar
Jackson Miller, Senior
Flute
Samantha Wyland, Graduate Student
Clarinet
TBA
Oboe (Zoom only)
Anastasia Ervin, Senior
Bassoon
TBA
Saxophone (Zoom only)
Ryan Baur, Junior
Trumpet (Zoom only)
Katherine Shindledecker, Graduate Student
Trombone (Zoom only)
AJ Nemsick (Senior)
Horn (Zoom only)
Mary Monaghan, Graduate Student
Tuba/Euphonium (Zoom only)
TBA
Percussion
Baryl Brandt, Graduate Student
Will Lawton, Senior
Voice* (Zoom only)
Ivy Buenaventura, Graduate Student
Megan McDillon, Senior
Aidan Singh
*It is recommended that voice students be middle-school aged or older.
Private Music Lesson General Information and Policies
Who can enroll?
Private lessons are offered to students age five through adults for weekly private 1/2 hour, 45-minute, or 1-hour lessons.
Requirements
Student musicians 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.
Please note that students may be required to purchase music assigned by their instructor.
Lesson locations and attendance
On campus lessons are taught in either Cook Hall or Old Union as reserved and communicated by the teachers. In the event of absence, notify the instructor 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 mild illness by either party or poor weather conditions, 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.