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Community School for the Arts: Traditional Music Lessons

Overview

The Community School for the Arts (CSA) offers one on one private lessons on all major orchestral instruments (wind/brass/percussion/strings), piano, and voice. 

Lessons are taught by Illinois State University upper-class or graduate music students who have taken courses in pedagogy. All CSA teachers are recommended by Illinois State faculty and have passed a background check.

Typically, lessons are taught on campus, either in Old Union or Cook Hall. Teachers will communicate the location and any required materials.

Private Lessons

Spring 2024

January 22-May 3

Spring Recital: Sunday, May 5, 2024, Kemp Recital Hall
Encouraged for all students enrolled in spring semester 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. Contact Dr. Katherine Lewis if you have any questions about registration.

Prices

  • 30-minute lessons: $270/14 week fall/spring session
  • 45-minute lessons: $375/14 week fall/spring session
  • 60-minute lessons: $480/14 week fall/spring 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.

Register for lessons

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.