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, guitar, 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.
Private Lessons
All lessons are held in person on the Illinois State University campus in Old Union or Cook Hall. 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. Teachers will communicate the location of the lesson and any required materials.
Lesson days/times are arranged individually between the teacher and student. Please note that lessons scheduled for Mondays—Thursdays will be scheduled after 4 p.m. 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.
2026-2027 Academic Year
Registration for Fall 2026 is now open.
Registration for Spring 2027 will open on December 1.
Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Semester Prices
- 30-minute lessons: $306 per 14 week session
- 45-minute lessons: $429 per 14 week session
- 60-minute lessons: $549 per 14 week session
Fall semester lessons will begin the week of August 24 and end by December 6, 2026. There are no lessons November 23–29 (Illinois State University Fall Break).
Spring semester lessons will begin the week of January 18 and end by May 2, 2027. There are no lessons on January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day or March 8-14 (Illinois State University Spring Break).
Fall 2026 Recital
Sunday, December 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Kemp Recital Hall
Encouraged for all students enrolled in Fall semester lessons.
Spring 2027 Recital
Sunday, May 2, 2027, at 2 p.m. in Kemp Recital Hall
Encouraged for all students enrolled in Spring semester 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. Participants in fourth grade or younger should begin with string instruments (including guitar) or piano. Students registered for voice lessons must be 10 years of age or older.
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.