Private lessons are offered for piano, guitar, voice, recorder, harp, percussion, string, woodwind, and brass instruments, as well as theory and composition.  For most instruments, students must be at least 7 years old. However, we do offer Suzuki Violin lessons and classes for students beginning as early as 4 years old and students as young as 5 years old can enroll in our Keyboard Kids piano curriculum. In addition to private lessons, both programs include required weekly group classes. Visit our Suzuki and Keyboard Kids pages for more information about these programs. Private lessons are open to students of all ages so high school students, college students, adults, and seniors are most welcome to register for private lessons on any instrument.
      
Students may register for 30 minute, 45 minute, or 1-hour lessons.  Students will receive one lesson each week throughout our Fall and Spring semesters. Fees vary according to lesson length.  Students will receive 28 private lessons throughout the 2009/2010 year. While late registration may be possible for some instruments, registration deadlines are enforced for our Keyboard Kids and Suzuki violin programs.. Please note registration deadlines so you don't miss out!

Once your registration form and payment is received, each student will be assigned a private teacher who will consult directly with the student to schedule the weekly lesson time at the start of each semester. Students for each teacher are scheduled by seniority.  If you are a new student, please be patient as your teacher scedules their returning students first. Next semester, you will be one of those "returning" students with seniority for choosing a lesson time. Although CMS faculty make every effort to schedule lessons at mutually convenient times, lesson times cannot be guaranteed. CMS has both a No-Refund and No Make-Up Policy. Please be sure your family is not overscheduled and that you have sufficient time for weekly lessons and daily practice in your schedule before registering. For additional requirements and information, please visit our Policies for All Students page and continue reading for ways to ensure you get the most out of your investment in private lessons at the Community Music School.

CMS also offers a Summer Session of lessons. Our Summer session is much more flexible and varies in length. Additional information can be found on our Summer Session page.

Community Music School students have access to the state-of-the art Music and Performing Arts Buildings at the University of Georgia. Students also have access to professional quality performance spaces including Ramsey Hall and Edge Hall, where solo recitals and ensemble concerts are performed throughout the year. Please check out our Upcoming Events page for a list of CMS performances you won't want to miss!

CULTIVATING A LONG-TERM, SUCCESSFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR MUSIC STUDY:
In the current economy, nobody has extra cash lying around to waste! Here at the Community Music School we strongly encourage you to create a comprehensive musical environment in your home so your child's music study is supported by other, related, musical activities. Students receive the most out of their music lessons when the whole family is committed to making music practice part of their daily schedule. Simply dropping the student off at the lesson each week and practicing once or twice in between lessons is not sufficient for cultivating an atmostphere for success over the long term.

Most kids participate in some sort of sport throughout their childhood. In addition to going to games, practices, and practicing skills at home, families usually watch sporting events on TV, the internet, and go to professional games. These activities create a support network behind the child's participation in sports. They serve as motivation for the child to continue to work hard and get better at their skills. The same type of support network needs to be cultivated for students taking music lessons. How can we expect them to be motivated to do something that nobody else in the family does, watches, follows, or even seems interested in except to say "It's time for you to practice"?

When parent's take the responsibility to create a supportive atmosphere for the child's lessons, they are more motivated to practice over the long-term. Attending concerts, listening to classical music, listening to the CD that comes with their music (if applicable), and setting aside time each day to practice in an unhurried positive way, are all ways to begin cultivating a long-term, successful learning environment. Practicing in a quiet room without distractions from computers, cell phones, siblings, and pets are equally important. For more suggestions on ways you can help your child in this area, please don't hesitate to talk with your teacher or contact the CMS Director.

Please visit the following pages for additional information before registering for Private lessons in the Community Music School:

Policies for All Students
Fees
Keyboard Kids
Suzuki