Northern Illinois University

External Programs - Visual and Performing Arts

Prelude

Music Classes

For very young children

Prelude

Ages: 1 – 3*,  *first time 3-year-olds should enroll in Prelude.
12 sessions, Saturdays, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m., MB 103
Fall: Sept. 13 – Dec. 6, no class Nov. 29
Spring: Jan. 17 – Apr. 4
Come sing, dance, play, and discover! Children explore and delight in the sights and sounds of our world through music listening, creative movement, songs, and lap games. The curriculum changes every semester.

Teacher: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $94

Development

Ages 3* - 6,  *first-time three-year olds should enroll in Prelude
12 sessions, Saturdays, 10:35 – 11:05 a.m., MB 103
Fall: Sept. 13 – Dec. 6, no class Nov. 29
Spring: Jan. 17 – Apr. 4

Learn basic musical patterns and skills through games, songs, creative movement, playing percussion instruments, basic music theory, and learning about some of the instruments of the orchestra. The curriculum changes every semester. This class provides children with the musical knowledge they need to begin private music lessons.

Teacher: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $94

Around the World in Seven Weeks – NEW!

Section 1: Ages 3 – 5*, 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Section 2: Ages 5* – 8, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.
*first-time five-year olds enroll in Section 1
7 sessions, Tuesdays, MB 103
Fall: Sept. 9 – Oct. 21
Spring: Feb. 3 – Mar. 17

Travel the world without leaving DeKalb! Children embark on an exotic journey that takes them beyond the familiar and into a deeper appreciation of the many varied cultures of the world…using music as the vehicle. Children learn how music is common to people all over the world, and discover how music enhances the lives of people in many cultures. Literature, listening exercises, group participation, and special guests are part of the fun. The curriculum changes every semester and older students do different activities.

Teacher: Alishia Joubert
Fee: $56


For school-age children

Piano Players 1

Ages: 6 – 8
12 sessions, Mondays, 4:00 – 4:40 p.m., MB 451
Fall: Sept. 15 – Dec. 1
Spring: Jan. 26 – Apr. 20

Children have fun with music while learning piano skills in this beginning group class. Skills include basic notes and position of keys, harmony, melody, rhythm, phrasing, playing simple tunes, basic notations, and ensemble playing. No previous experience on the piano is necessary. No book is needed for this class. Class is limited to four students.

Teacher: Barbara Wirz-Ellsworth
Fee: $125

Piano Players 2

Ages: 6 – 8
12 sessions, Mondays, , 4:45 – 5:30 p.m., MB 451
Fall: Sept. 15 – Dec. 1
Spring: Jan. 26 – Apr. 20

This class builds on the skills introduced in Piano Players 1 or is for children with limited experience on the piano. Children gain more musical sophistication and confidence on the instrument as they refine their skills. The expectation is that a child will be ready for private lessons at the end of Piano Players 2. Information about the piano book needed for this class will be mailed to parents before class begins. Class is limited to four students.

Teacher: Barbara Wirz-Ellsworth
Fee: $125


For teens and adults

Piano Primer: What to Know When Buying A Piano – NEW!

Ages: 18 – adult
1 session, Sunday, November 9, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., Recital Hall

Learn how to buy the piano of your dreams while staying within your budget in this short, one-day workshop. Among the topics are: consideration of the space for the piano, discussion of a realistic budget, what to listen for when trying out instruments in the store, resources (books and websites), and rental options. An expert in the field shares insights from his many years of experience with the instrument.

Teacher: David Graham
Fee: $15 (registration fee not required)

Group Piano for Adults, Levels 1 and 2

Ages: 18 – adult
12 sessions, MB 100

Level 1: 7:00 – 7:55 p.m.
Fall: Sept. 8 – Nov. 24
Spring: Feb. 2 – Apr. 27, no class Mar. 9
Level 2: 8:00 – 8:55 p.m.
Spring only: Feb. 2 – Apr. 27; no class Mar. 9

Satisfy the curiosity you’ve always had about learning to play the piano! Level 1 is offered in fall and spring and is geared to those with no prior piano experience or who have forgotten those long-ago lessons. Level 2 is offered in spring only for those who have taken Level 1 or for beginners who want to take their playing to the next level. Taught in a group piano classroom, each student has the use of a keyboard. Topics to be covered include: the basics of piano technique; reading music on the grand staff; the fundamental building blocks of music, such as scales, intervals and chords; how to harmonize melodies and improvise simple tunes; play solo repertoire as well as duets and ensemble pieces with fellow classmates. Prior to the first class (both levels), students should obtain the following text: Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Ed. – E.L. Lancaster and Kenon D. Renfrow; it is published by Alfred Publishing Co.; ISBN # 0-7390-3526-6 and it is available online at www.alfred.com.

Teacher: Susan Breitner
Fee: $105

Group Guitar Basics

Ages 13 – adult
12 sessions, Wednesdays, 7:45 – 8:45 p.m., MB 241
Fall: Sept. 17 – Dec. 10, no class Nov. 26
Spring: Feb. 4 – May 6, no class Mar. 11, Apr. 15

Learn the fundamentals of the guitar, including tuning, picking, and chords. This class is geared for beginners without any previous playing experience. It will also be useful for those who want to brush up on their basic skills or for those who have never had any formal training. This class is good preparation for the CSA Guitar Ensemble. Students are asked to buy the book, Mel Bay's Guitar Class Method, Vol. 1, (Product # 93300BCD) online at www.Melbay.com.

Teacher: Larry Brown, Jr.
Fee: $94

Circuit Bending Workshop

Ages 13 – adult
6 sessions, AB 211, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 
Spring only: Jan. 25 – Mar. 1 

Learn how to rewire consumer electronics into new noise machines and music makers. Students tear apart old electronic toys and make them into unique sound-generating creations. Learn the basics of electricity and electronics and discuss other applications for electronic music making. The fee includes materials and tools. Safety precautions will be explained and demonstrated.

Teacher: Michael Taylor
Fee: $50

The community school offers a variety of music classes for people of all ages.