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Northern Illinois University

External Programs - Visual and Performing Arts

Piano lesson

Music, Art, and Theatre Lessons

One-on-one instruction forms the core of the community school’s program. A teacher who is sensitive to the student’s learning style, interests, and goals can help the student make progress and enjoy the process of making art -- whether it’s in music, visual art, or theatre.

Most of our instructors teach traditional private lessons, a term used to describe a wide variety of teaching methods. Teachers create, use, and adapt methods based on their own experience, education, and performance style. Teachers work closely with students and parents to determine what method is best for the student to achieve his or her goals. Teacher and student meet each week to work on a variety of skills, including mastering the instrument, sight-reading, music history, ear training, and theory. The community school offers traditional private lessons on all musical instruments, as well as in visual art and theatre. 

Music lessons are scheduled for the week of August 31 through the week of November 30 in Fall 2009 and for the week of January 11 through the week of May 3 in Spring 2010.

Duration of lessons
Students may sign up for 30, 45, or 60 minute lessons.

How are lessons arranged?
Students may register for 14 lessons in the fall and 14 in the spring; or, students may register for both semesters in fall. To register for lessons, print and complete the registration form. The form may be mailed or faxed to the office, but this process must be completed before lessons can begin. The registration deadlines are August 31 (fall) and January 4 (spring).

  • If you know the name of the teacher you would like to study with, indicate the name in the space provided on the registration form. If the teacher you requested is unavailable, we will call you to discuss alternative teachers.
  • If you are a new student and do not have a teacher in mind, check the biography section. Note that our teachers are listed at different levels depending on their experience and training and that prices for lessons vary accordingly. (See the boxes below for price details.) If you are not sure whom you would like as a teacher, indicate your preference for the level of the teacher, and we will make the assignment. Lessons are offered on most instruments and in basic areas of the visual arts and theatre.
  • If you want more information about a teacher, or would like to discuss your options, or do not see a teacher of the instrument you are interested in studying, call the office at (815) 753-1450. We will try to help.
  • Once you register, your teacher will call you to schedule lessons at a mutually convenient day and time.
  • Semi-private lessons: Semi-private lessons can give you a different kind of lesson experience - and save you money. Find a friend at approximately the same skill level and we will do our best to find you a teacher. Minimum time for semi-private lessons is 45 minutes.
  • Music lessons are taught in the practice rooms on the third or fourth floor of the north side of the NIU Music Building, unless you and the teacher make a different arrangement. Generally, teachers meet students for the first time at the elevator at the north side (Lucinda Avenue) of the building and accompany them to a specific practice room. Parents may want to escort younger children to and from lessons.
  • Art lessons are taught in the Art Building (Jack Arends Hall) or Still Hall.
  • Theatre lessons are taught in the Stevens Building. The teacher will recommend a place to meet for the first time. Minimum time for art and theatre lessons is 45 minutes.

Recitals and Accompanists

Recitals are a great way for students to share what they have learned with family and friends in a formal yet supportive setting. Recitals are generally scheduled at the end of the semester. At the NIU Community School of the Arts, all private lesson students are encouraged to perform a polished piece at one of our recitals, but it is not a requirement. A list of accompanists is available;students are expected to contact and pay accompanists directly.

Note: Some teachers have their own student recitals. They do their best to schedule these recitals to accommodate everyone’s schedule. However, students who are unavailable on the date of their teacher’s recital are welcome to participate in the Showcase Recitals in fall and spring or the Adult Recital in spring.

All recitals are free and open to the public.

Fall Showcase Recitals: December 6 at 12 noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. in the Recital Hall
Spring Showcase Recitals: May 1 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. in the Recital Hall
Adult Recital: May 3 at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall
Fall Only/Spring Only
(14 Lessons)
Fall and Spring Semesters
(28 Lessons)
Level 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes
Apprentice I $196 $294 $392 $392 $592 $790
Apprentice II $204 $306 $408 $408 $612 $816
Apprentice III $228 $342 $456 $456 $684 $912
Associate $332 $498 $664 $664 $996 $1,328
Faculty $412 $618 $824 $824 $1,236 $1,648