Preparatory Department

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.

Office:  556-3337 - Room 264B

Instructors

Erin Mulliken
Director, Adjunct Instructor
556-3441 - Room 30

Joy Doran
Adjunct Instructor
556-1049 - Room 152

Elaine Vogt
Adjunct Instructor
556-3713 - Room 152

Sara Hoffee
Adjunct Instructor
556-3895 - Room 159

Piano Preparatory Department 2008-2009 Calendar (PDF)

String Preparatory Department

The String Preparatory Department offers private instruction to students at all levels, in violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Chamber music and studio classes are offered to dedicated students at the intermediate and advanced levels.

For information about registration or questions, please call (309) 556-3547.

Instructors

Lisa Nelson
Coordinator,
Violin and Viola Adjunct Instructor
Room 213-- 556-3547, lnelson@iwu.edu

Michael Hall, Violin and Viola
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Room 38-- 556-3188, mhall1@iwu.edu

Jan Matthews, Violin and Viola

Rachel Sompong, Violin and Viola

Ann Zettervall, Cello

String Preparatory Registration Information (pdf)

String Preparatory Program Registration form (pdf)

String Preparatory Program 2008-09 Calendar of Events (pdf)

Preparatory Program Chamber Music (pdf)