Department of Music

Keyboard Development Program

The Keyboard Development Program is a comprehensive piano program which provides quality piano instruction to children and adults from the beginning level to the advanced level. In addition to individual instruction, the student will participate in group classes after three consecutive individual lessons. These experiences will help develop musicianship as well as performance skills. Instructors who conduct group instruction are experienced faculty members who excel in and enjoy teaching the various levels. There will be opportunities for the student to play in recitals at the end of Fall and Spring semesters, and the advanced student may enter competitions as well.

Preparation is given for the Illinois State Music Teachers Association A.I.M. Examinations, a twelve-level series of yearly examinations in piano and music theory. The student learns to transpose and harmonize in addition to developing good auditory skills in playback and identifying musical concepts. This program is geared toward educating the student to be a rounded musician.

Format

Students receive one-on-one instruction with their assigned instructor each week for the first three weeks of the semester. On the fourth week, students attend a group class in the level determined by their studio instructor. This format repeats for the entire semester. No private lessons take place during the group class week.

Registration

Spring 2024 registration will be held November 27, 2023-January 12, 2024. You may send your completed registration form and check to the Director at the above address. Lessons will begin on the week of January 8 and end on the week of April 22.

Parking

Please be advised that there is no free parking on campus before 8:00p.m. on weekdays. Temporary parking permits (for each semester) can be purchased for $30.00 through the Keyboard Development Program. These temporary parking permits will allow you to park at Lot E (behind the Music building). Paid parking is also available.

Payment of Fees

Fees are charged on a 15-week semester basis and are due on January 12, 2024. Fees are non-refundable except in cases of extended illness or a move from the area. If necessary, you may pay in two installments. Discounted rates (10%) are available for families enrolling more than one student concurrently in the program.

*Late Fee Payment: An extra fee of $25 will be charged if fees are not paid on time.

The following are fees for the entire semester (15 weeks):

Discounted Rates (for families enrolling more than one student in the program)

Note: Lessons are non-transferable.

Withdrawal from the Program

Withdrawal from the Keyboard Development Program once lessons have begun must be made only by a written request to the Director immediately after the first lesson. All requests for a refund are subject to a $50 administrative fee plus the cost of the first lesson.

Missed Lessons

All students are expected to attend their scheduled private lessons and group classes. When a student must miss a regularly scheduled lesson, the instructor should be notified at least 24 hours in advance. Except for emergencies, a lesson will not be made up unless prior notification has been given. Missed lessons will only be made up at the discretion of the instructor. However, lessons missed by the instructor will be re-scheduled. All lessons must be made up by the end of the semester. No refunds will be given for missed lessons. Lessons begin and end at the assigned times; no extensions can be given for late arrivals. There is no make-up for group classes.

Scheduled Holidays and Breaks

Holidays and breaks observed by the Keyboard Development Program do not necessarily reflect those observed by public schools. Please refer to the Calendar of Events for further details.

Practice

Students are expected to practice on a daily basis and come to lessons prepared. In general, 30 minutes of daily practice is required for students during the first couple of years of piano study. Students should spend 45 minutes to 2 hours on practicing the piano as the level advances. When young children are taking lessons, parental involvement is most important, and parents are expected to supervise practice.

Recitals

Students and their families are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the recital begins and to remain for the duration of the recital. Students are expected to perform by memory except for duets. Appropriate attire is expected – no jeans or tennis shoes.

Calendar of Events

SPRING 2024
(January 8 – April 26)