Northern Illinois University

External Programs - Visual and Performing Arts

Prelude

Music Classes

For young children

Prelude

Ages 1 – 3*,  *first time 3-year-olds should enroll in Prelude.
12 Saturdays, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m., MB 103
Fall: Sept. 12 – Dec. 12, no class Nov. 7 and 28
Spring: Jan. 16 – Apr. 24, no class Feb. 13, March 20, and April 3 

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. A caregiver must accompany each child.

Teacher: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $98

Development

Ages 3* - 6,  *first-time three-year olds should enroll in Prelude
12 Saturdays, 10:35 – 11:10 a.m., MB 103
Fall: Sept. 12 – Dec. 12, no class Nov. 7 and 28
Spring: Jan. 16 – Apr. 24, no class Feb. 13, March 20, and April 3 

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. A caregiver must accompany each child.

Teacher: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $98

Music Time for Siblings - NEW!

Ages 1 - 5 
12 Saturdays, 11:15 - 11:50 a.m., MB 103
Fall: Sept. 12 – Dec. 12, no class Nov. 7 - 28
Spring: Jan. 16 – Apr. 24, no class Feb. 13, March 20, and April 3 

Brothers and sisters can enjoy a music class together in this new class especially designed for two siblings. This is an experience they will remember, talk about, and share. Children enjoy songs, dances, rhythm games, and movement activities. It is recommended that two parents (or adults) attend if at all possible. Three siblings are allowed by request only.

Teacher: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $180 for two children

Piano Players

Ages 6 – 8
12 Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m., MB 420
Fall: Sept. 15 – Dec. 1
Spring: Jan. 26 – Apr. 13

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. Parents are expected to purchase a book for this class, which will be made available at the first class by the teacher. Class is limited to four students. Final day open house for family and friends.

Teacher: Barbara Wirz-Ellsworth
Fee: $125


For teens and adults

Group Piano for Adults

Ages: 18 – adult
12 Mondays, 6:15 - 7:10 p.m., MB 100
Fall: Sept. 14 – Nov. 30
Spring: Feb. 1 – Apr. 26, no class Mar. 8

Experience the joys and meet the challenges of learning to play the piano. The class is taught in a group piano classroom and 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; learn to play solo repertoire as well as duets and ensemble pieces with fellow classmates. Information about the book needed for class will be shared at the first class.

Teacher: Susan Breitner-Hurm
Fee: $105

Guitar Basics

Section 1: Ages 9 - 12
Section 2: Ages 13 – adult
12 Wednesdays, Sect. 1: 5 - 5:55 p.m., Sect. 2: 6 - 6:55 p.m.,  MB 241
Fall: Sept. 16 – Dec. 9, no class Nov. 25
Spring: Feb. 3 – April 28, no class Mar. 10

Learn the fundamentals of the guitar in this class designed for the beginning student. Learn to read music, play songs, and construct and play scales and chords. Gain knowledge about music theory and experience various styles of guitar techniques. No prior musical background is required. Students are expected to bring a guitar to class. The instructor brings the music book to the first class; students are asked to reimburse the teacher $15 (adult class) and $10 (children’s class). A semester of Guitar Basics prepares students for the CSA Guitar Ensemble.

Teacher: Quentin Dover
Fee: $96

Paper Free Music Theory

Ages 12 – adult
12 Mondays, 6 - 6:55 p.m., MB 241 
Fall: Sept. 14 - Nov. 30
Spring: Feb 1 - April 19 

Finally, the practical music theory class you’ve been waiting for! Improve your reading, memorization, and improvisation skills in this introductory class that builds on listening skills. Learn to read and memorize music more easily and gain a real understanding of how music works. Students listen to and play many styles of music. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of their instrument, which should be brought to class each week.

Teacher: Eric Schroeder
Fee: $96

Circuit Bending 101
Ages 15 – adult; children 9 and older welcome with an adult
1 Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m., AB 211
Fall: November 21
Spring: March 20

Learn to rewire battery-operated electronic toys, keyboards, drum machines, and effects pedals to find weird new sounds lurking inside. Circuit-bent devices sound radically different. A child's toy can become a strange and surprising sound synthesizer. Toys are provided or students can bring their own device to modify. Safety, soldering, electronic components, exploring circuits, typical modifications, and useful tools will be demonstrated and explained.

Teacher: Austin Cliffe 
Fee: $40, no discounts

FALL ONLY

Electric Guitar for Beginners

Ages 14 – adult 
6 Mondays, 6 - 6:55 p.m., MB 157 
Fall only: Oct. 5 - Nov. 9

Learn how to harmonize major scales, and learn all kinds of soloing skills. Students learn basic theory and how to play classic tunes. This class is geared to beginners, but the curriculum will be adapted to the skills students bring to class. This class is great preparation for the spring Flash Techniques Workshop on February 9. Students are expected to bring an electric guitar to class.

Teacher: Lisa Baker
Fee: $60

SPRING ONLY

Flash Guitar Techniques

Ages 14 – adult 
1 Tuesday, 6 - 7:55 p.m., MB 157 
Spring only: Feb. 9

Rock ‘n rollers and heavy metal players, this class is for you! Learn speed picking, heavy metal and clean tapping, and raking techniques – all the really cool stuff! Students need to bring an electric guitar to this workshop, and may want to bring a distortion pedal. Beginning and intermediate players are welcome. Be prepared to get your shred on.

Teacher: Lisa Baker
Fee: $28, no discounts

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