Preparatory Programs
A limited number of pre-college students are accepted in piano and stringed instruments for instruction in music performance and musicianship skills. The work is normally carried on in a combination of group and private lessons.
Our teaching process is tailored to the needs of the individual student. Since no two students are alike, we plan the instruction precisely and thoroughly to develop and enhance the unique qualities of each student. Above all, we nurture in our students a lifelong appreciation and love for music.
The calendar of the department coincides with the academic year. Additional information concerning opportunities and fees may be obtained by writing or calling the preparatory department.
Piano Preparatory Department
The Piano Preparatory Department, with its one hundred and fifty years of service to Bloomington-Normal and its surrounding communities, shares in the reputation of excellence enjoyed by Illinois Wesleyan University's academic traditions. Presser Hall is home to School of Music undergraduates as well as to our preparatory students; this gives our young scholars access to superior facilities in an atmosphere of vibrant and inspiring academic and musical activity.
Our Piano Preparatory Department prides itself on its high standards of teaching. We strive to develop in students not only pianistic skills but also a broad knowledge and appreciation for the world's great musical traditions. To these ends, we offer:
- highly qualified, experienced, and committed piano teachers;
- 45-minute private lessons focused on classical repertoire for the piano, piano technique, music theory, and the development of critical listening skills;
- opportunities to perform in student recitals throughout the year;
- skills testing, and evaluations of student progress each semester; and
- opportunities to attend free recitals presented by the IWU's School of Music professors, students, and guest artists.
Join with IWU's Piano Preparatory Department faculty as we look forward to developing new and better ways to serve our community's young musicians.
Ilia Radoslavov, Interim Director: 309-556-3123- Room 205
Tammi Tomsha -Music Office, Administrative Specialist: 309-556-3062 - Room 108
Piano Preparatory Program 2024-2025 Schedule
The IWU Piano Preparatory Program is partially funded by the Pratt Foundation.
Instructors
String Preparatory Department
The String Preparatory Department at Illinois Wesleyan University is currently enrolling students for private lessons on violin, viola, cello, double bass, and guitar. Fall semester lessons begin on August 26, 2024. The IWU String Prep Program offers weekly private lessons to students of all ages, chamber music, and recitals. For registration information, please contact Lisa Nelson at (309) 556-3062 or ttomsha@iwu.edu.
Philosophy: In the IWU String Preparatory Program, each student is treated as a unique individual with unlimited potential; lessons conform to the age, abilities, musical experience, and goals of each student, aiming to challenge, discipline, stimulate critical and creative thinking, and most importantly, nurture an appreciation and enjoyment of music.
Lessons: Students have the options of 30-, 45-, or 60-minute private lessons, which are given weekly at Presser Hall, IWU. All teachers have significant teaching experience and have degrees in performance and/or music education.
Recitals: All students are expected to perform in at least one of the many solo recitals held throughout the year (please see calendar for recital dates). Students and their families are highly encouraged to attend concerts and recitals at IWU and in the community. We will post announcements of faculty recitals during the year. There is a series of free concerts at IWU each summer-- concert times are listed at www.ilchambermusicfestival.com
Chamber Music: The String Prep Dept. offers a chamber music program for strings, winds, and piano in the fall semester. Students are placed in groups according to their age, level, and experience and are coached by IWU and Prep faculty once a week. The chamber groups present a final concert in December and have additional opportunities to perform in the community.
Theory Classes: Theory classes are offered every other spring semester.
Summer Activities: Summer lessons are coordinated directly with your teacher. IWU holds a Chamber Music Festival and Camp for high school students— please visit https://www.iwu.edu/music/k12/ and http://www.ilchambermusicfestival.com for more information.
Information: The calendar and updated recital information will be posted on the bulletin board outside Room 214 throughout the year, as well as on our Facebook page, “IWU String Preparatory Program.”
For information about registration or questions, please call (309) 556-3062.
2024-2025 String Preparatory Program Calendar
Woodwind Preparatory Program
The Preparatory Program at Illinois Wesleyan University is offering a limited number of full-tuition scholarships for weekly private lessons. Flute, clarinet, oboe, and French horn players in the Bloomington-Normal area, grades 4-12, are eligible. Recipients will be selected by musical potential and financial need.
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend lessons held weekly at Illinois Wesleyan University and perform twice a year in Prep Program recitals. Students must practice and be prepared for every lesson.
Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the link below or can be sent to you by e-mail or mail. Contact Lisa Nelson at ttomsha@iwu.edu or (309) 556-3062.
Please return completed applications by August 23, 2024 via e-mail (ttomsha@iwu.edu) or by mail to the following address:
IWU Preparatory Program
Attn: Tammi Tomsha
P.O. Box 2900
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Instructors
Lisa Nelson
Director of String Preparatory Program; Associate Professor Head of Strings Area
Presser 154
lnelson@iwu.edu
Ralla Klepak Community Music Scholars at the Preparatory Programs
The Ralla Klepak Community Music Scholars provides access to preparatory music lessons and other programming to students who have been traditionally underserved throughout the Bloomington-Normal community. Students receive individualized instruction with IWU instructors. Instruments and lesson materials are free to those qualifying to the program and are fully funded by the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts. The calendar of the program coincides with the academic calendar. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in several performance opportunities throughout the year at Illinois Wesleyan University's campus.
The Klepak music faculty are professionally trained and passionate about music education and serving our community.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Acceptance to the program is based on financial need (i.e. free and reduced lunch). Lessons are held at Bloomington Junior High School, Illinois Wesleyan University and other locations. Read our press release to learn more about the start of this program.
For more information: klepak@iwu.edu
Or to apply online: Klepak Application
Contacts:
Dr. Ingrid Kammin, Director of The Ralla Klepak Community Music Scholars
ikammin@iwu.edu
For further Information about the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, please visit: https://rallaklepakfoundation.org/