Program Overview

Northern Illinois University College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Northern Illinois University offers a variety of programs through its Office of External Programs.

Community School of the Arts

The Community School of the Arts provides music classes, music lessons, ensembles, and other programs for students of all ages.

Programs

• Music Classes (group)
• Music Lessons
• Ensembles
• Suzuki Program
• Advanced String Quartet Workshop
• Junior Chamber Music Workshop
• Registration

Piano Starter Program

The Piano Starter program is a fun, small group setting for children aged 5-7 to learn about the piano. Students will learn basic notes and play simple tunes. This class provides the opportunity to see if your child is ready for private lessons. No previous experience is necessary, and each class is limited to four students.

Fall 2025 Classes

• Dates: September 8 through November 24 (12 Mondays)
• Time: 4-4:45 p.m.
• Location: Music Building, Room 100
• Fee: $170
• Teacher: Soo-Yon Choi
• Dates: September 9 through December 2 (12 Tuesdays), no class on November 25
• Time: 5-5:45 p.m.
• Location: Music Building, Room 100
• Fee: $170
• Teacher: Jodeen Coulter

Spring 2026 Classes

• Dates: January 26 through April 27 (12 Mondays), no class on March 9, 23
• Time: 4-4:45 p.m.
• Location: Music Building, Room 100
• Fee: $170
• Teacher: Soo-Yon Choi
• Dates: January 27 through April 28 (12 Tuesdays), no class on March 10, 24
• Time: 5-5:45 p.m.
• Location: Music Building, Room 100
• Fee: $170
• Teacher: Jodeen Coulter

Music Classes

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers various music classes, including:

• Children's Music Education
• Piano Starter
• Adult Piano
• Guitar Basics
• Intermediate Guitar
• Guitar for Kids
• ILMEA Summer Preparation for Violinists

Summer in the Arts

The Summer in the Arts program offers various camps, including:

• Jazz Camp
• Percussion Camp
• Theatre Arts Camp
• Visual Arts Camp

High School Clinics

The High School Clinics program offers various clinics, including:

• Choir Days
• Jazz Day
• String Days
• Chamber Music Encounters
• Jazz Combo Day
• Trumpet Day
• Violas Unite!