Music Lessons
We offer one-on-one music instruction for students of all ages. A teacher who is sensitive to a student’s learning style, interests and goals will create an opportunity for enjoyment and success in music-making. Our teachers help each student master their instrument and gain skills in areas such as sight-reading, ear training and theory. We offer performance opportunities for music students at our end-of-semester showcase recitals.
- Lesson frequency: Once a week (fourteen lessons in fall and spring, six lessons in summer)
- Length: 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Location: Music Building. Online lessons by request are subject to availability.
View our instruments and teachers
We also offer semi-private lessons, allowing you to share lesson time and cost with another student of a similar skill level. Semi-private lessons must be a minimum of 45 minutes.
- Fall 2025 lessons begin the week of August 25 and end the week of December 8. Fall Showcase recitals are on December 6.
- Spring 2026 lessons begin the week of January 12 and end the week of May 4. Spring Showcase recitals are on May 2.
- Summer 2026 lessons begin the week of June 1 and end the week of August 17.
Arranging Lessons
- Read our teacher biographies and if you'd like more information about a teacher or do not see a teacher for your instrument, call us at 815-753-1450 for assistance.
- Open a CSA online account or log in to your existing account.
- Then complete a private lesson inquiry.
After we receive your private lesson inquiry, your teacher will contact you to discuss scheduling lessons.
Please review information about Parking at NIU before you come to campus for the first lesson.
At the first lesson, the teacher will meet you at the elevator on the north side (Lucinda Avenue) of the Music Building and accompany your child to a practice room. You may choose to escort your child to and from the practice room.
Recitals
Showcase recitals at the end of the fall and spring semesters provide an opportunity for music students to prepare a piece of music to perform for family and friends. Students taking private lessons are not required to perform at a recital, though they're encouraged to do so.
Some teachers have their own recitals. They do their best to schedule these recitals to accommodate everyone's schedule. Students who are unable to attend their teacher's recital are welcome to participate in the showcase recitals in fall and spring.
Check our calendar to see upcoming recitals.
Lesson Cost
The cost of your lessons depends on your teacher's level. Note: teachers with an asterisk symbol (*) indicates their lesson fee is different from the faculty fee listed on the fee grid. Please contact the office to find out the lesson fees for these teachers.
Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Semesters
| 14 Private Lessons | 28 Private Lessons | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 60 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Apprentice 1 | $308 | $462 | $616 | $616 | $924 | $1,232 |
| Apprentice 2 | $322 | $483 | $644 | $644 | $966 | $1,288 |
| Apprentice 3 | $364 | $546 | $728 | $728 | $1,092 | $1,456 |
| Associate | $504 | $756 | $1,008 | $1,008 | $1,512 | $2,016 |
| Faculty | $616 | $924 | $1,232 | $1,232 | $1,848 | $2,464 |
| Montzka | $658 | $987 | $1,316 | $1,316 | $1,974 | $2,632 |
Summer Session 2026
| 6 Private Lessons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Apprentice 1 | $132 | $198 | $264 |
| Apprentice 2 | $138 | $207 | $276 |
| Apprentice 3 | $156 | $234 | $312 |
| Associate | $216 | $324 | $432 |
| Faculty | $264 | $396 | $528 |
| Montzka | $282 | $423 | $564 |
Lesson Policies
School Closure for Weather
Teachers and students may cancel a lesson because of weather conditions at their own discretion and should be in contact with each other if weather conditions prevent travel. Lessons and classes may be rescheduled by the teacher later in the semester, time permitting.
Make-up Lessons
We recommend that students keep a record of all lessons attended. Make-up lessons are generally scheduled by teachers during the weeks following the end of the semester. Due to scheduling conflicts, it is not uncommon for students to begin lessons either earlier or later than the published semester dates.
Student Absence
One make-up lesson is granted each semester for excused absences due to illness, family emergencies or religious observances. At least 24 hours' notice (or as much as possible) must be given. Sporting practices and events, family vacations and nonemergency medical appointments are not considered excused absences.
Some teachers may ask students who request a make-up lesson to switch lessons with another student. Others may set up a day at the end of the semester to hold make-up lessons. Be sure to check with your teacher about this.
Teacher Absence
If a teacher is unable to teach a lesson or class, they will inform their student(s) at least 24 hours in advance (or as much time as possible). They will reschedule the lesson or class.
Children’s Safety
NIU buildings are open to the public. Young children should be supervised at all times; older children should be picked up promptly after lessons and classes and should not wander through the buildings.
Contact Us
College of Visual and Performing ArtsOffice of External Programs
Music Building 132
Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu
Online Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)
