Lessons in the Community Music Program provide students with approximately ten individual lessons each semester. Strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, piano, and voice are all available. DePauw faculty and music students serve as instructors for applied lessons. Fees vary depending upon the experience and credentials of the instructor selected. Classes in Kindermusik and Dance are offered in a group setting, with dance requiring a placement audition.
Community Music Program Handbook
Lesson Structure
One-on-One Music Lessons
Music instruction is available in strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, and voice. Students completing a CMP Registration Form and submitting the $35 First Lesson/Registration fee through the CMP Payment Portal will be assigned an instructor and receive approximately 10 lessons each semester. Students must complete the registration process each semester of study. Pricing is based on length of lesson.
Dance
15-week classes in Ballet, Pointe, and Adult Tap are available through the Community Music Program. Pricing is based on length of class and are as follows:
- ½ hour classes at $8.00/class x 15 classes = $120
- 1 hour classes at $11.00 = $165
- 1 ½ hour classes at $17.00 = $255
Payment for classes is made directly to the instructor. The Registration Fee of $35 must be paid through the Community Music Program Payment Portal prior to the start of instruction.
Kindermusik
Kindermusik fosters children’s musical growth and develops the whole child. Classes offered include:
- Village: an 8-week class for children birth – 18 months of age
Tuition is $60, plus $40 in materials = $100 - Our Time: a 15-week class for children 18 months – 3 years of age
Tuition is $125, plus $60 in materials = $185 - Imagine That: a 15-week class for children 3 – 5 years of age
Tuition is $125, plus $70 materials = $195
Payment for classes is made directly to the instructor. The Registration Fee of $35 must be paid through the Community Music Program Payment Portal prior to the start of instruction.
If paying Registration by check, please make the check payable to DePauw University and either drop it off during regular business hours in the Main Office of the School of Music (Green Center for Performing Arts) or mail to:
Mark Rabideau
DePauw School of Music
Green Center for the Performing Arts
600 S. Locust Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
Note: The name of the student taking lessons should be found on the subject line of the check.
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Lessons for College of Liberal Arts Students
DePauw students should register to take lessons as a class at the University. In rare circumstances, a College of Liberal Arts student may take lessons in the Community Music Program after receiving the approval of the Dean of the School of Music.
Lessons for School of Music Majors
Music majors are not permitted to take lessons in the community music program. Music majors must register to take lessons as a class at the University.
Attendance and Cancellations
While regular attendance for lessons is important, we also understand that life happens. Should extenuating circumstances prevent you from making a lesson, please let your instructor know as soon as possible. Make-up lessons may be arranged at the discretion of the instructor.
A few guidelines to follow:
Please stay home if you are sick to prevent the spread of illness.
Please inform your instructor of any vacation plans in advance.
Lesson Termination Policy
Each student is enrolled in the Community Music Program for the entire semester. Please inform the instructor as soon as possible if you must end lessons. Again, registration fees are non-refundable.
Performances
Organized by the CMP Faculty, Studio Recitals and Dance Class performances take place at the conclusion of each semester as an opportunity for students to display their new skills and to share their artistic voice.
Studio Rules
As a student, I promise to:
- Attend all lessons and classes regularly.
- Behave respectfully towards teachers, studio equipment, and instruments.
- Arrive on time for lessons and classes.
- Have my own practice instrument and practice location off campus.
- Bring all the music and materials needed for the lesson.
- Practice on a regular basis.
- Refrain from bringing food, drink, or gum into the studio.
- Request permission from faculty and accompanists before using audiovisual equipment and instruments in the studios.
- Speak quietly while at Music on the Square and to be respectful of people in other classes and lessons.
- Have fun!
Expectations for Instructors
Before teaching in the Community Music Program, you must:
- File a Student Nomination Form with CMP Director, Dr. Mark Rabideau (markrabideau@depauw.edu). This form requires the endorsement of your studio professor.
- Familiarize yourself with the Community Music Program Handbook.
- Complete and submit a CMP Instructor Interest Form.
- No teaching should begin before your students have completed a CMP Registration Form and paid the $35 First Lesson/Registration fee through the CMP Payment Portal.
During your first semester of teaching within the CMP, you must:
- Attend one CMP “Business Acumen” Workshop.
- Attend one CMP “Sound Pedagogy” Workshop.
All Student-Instructors teaching within the CMP are required to host an End-of-Semester Recital that features their students performing music learned during the course of the semester. This is meant to provide your students with the critical experience of performing on-stage and helps builds community among your students and their families.
Our pedagogical goals for Student-Instructors teaching within the CMP include:
- Formulating short term and long-term goals for their students.
- Sequencing learning toward these goals.
- Listening to and assessing student playing, including identifying technical problems and offering solutions.
- Tracking and documenting student progress.
- Teaching students strategies for successful practice sessions.
- Preparing students for public and private performances.
All Student-Instructors must be in good academic standing while teaching in the Community Music Program.
Expectations for Students and Guardians
The student understands that he or she must prepare for lessons and classes by practicing consistently, by listening to and cooperating with the instructor, and by bringing all necessary music and materials to the lesson.
The legal guardian promises to supply financial and emotional support for the lessons and classes, and encouragement for the student in his or her studies.
The amount of time needed for warm-ups and practice depends on each student’s level and number of pieces. As a general guideline, the youngest student needs to practice their art at least 15-minutes every day, while more advanced students need a full hour daily.
Photography Policy
Community Music Program reserves the right to take photographs and video of faculty, staff, and students engaged in teaching, rehearsals, performances, and other activities. These photographs and video are intended for use in University publications such as catalogs, concert calendars, posters, fliers, media advertising, admissions recruitment, and development brochures, as well as the on the website.
The instructor will grant permission for photographers to record classes and individual instruction. Performances and rehearsals will only be photographed with the permission of the conductor or director in charge of the event.