Pre–College Program
The pre-college program is designed to provide a well-rounded music education for students ages 5 to 18, which includes weekly individual lessons, group classes, ensemble experiences and frequent performance opportunities. Individual instruction forms the core of the curriculum. This one-to-one relationship with a caring, professional instructor combined with a commitment to regular practice enables students to engage in the process of acquiring the technical and musical skills necessary for mastery of their chosen instrument.
All students are encouraged to supplement the individual instruction experience with musicianship and ensemble classes to broaden their total musical understanding.
To ensure a successful beginning musical experience through parental support, all students age 8 years or younger wishing to study an instrument are enrolled in Suzuki instruction. Parents desiring class instruction for their child before beginning instrumental study should register for early childhood classes.
School sponsored events give students the opportunity to perform with orchestra and chamber groups, participate in play-ins, and receive additional instruction from visiting clinicians. Faculty members will also prepare selected students for regional, state and national competitions and festivals.
Early Childhood Classes
Early childhood classes in music and movement for children newborn to 5 years are based on the Kindermusik® curriculum.These classes lay the groundwork for a child's musical development and enrich family life with active-music-making. The wide variety of activities in each class session is designed to promote music and language skills, listening, symbolic thinking, physical coordination, and social interaction while encouraging a child's imagination, curiosity, and self-expression.
Adult Program
Whether you are a serious musician, enthusiastic beginner, or avid listener, the Community Music Division Adult Program invites you to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities available for developing your musical skills and interests. Individual instruction, classes, and ensembles are offered for beginning through advanced levels. Performance opportunities are provided through adult recitals and the Annual Performathon. Individual lessons can be arranged at the convenience of the instructor and student. Classes are offered in the evening to allow flexibility with work schedules.
Performance Opportunities and Concerts
Performance is an integral part of music study for students at any level. As part of the educational process, it is essential for students to be involved in a variety of performance experiences as both participants and listeners in a supportive environment. The Community Music Division presents a regular schedule of over 60 recitals and concerts each year on the DePaul Lincoln Park Campus. In addition, community music students can take advantage of the more than 300 events presented by students and faculty of the DePaul School of Music.
Student Recitals
Student recitals, held at the end of every quarterly session, give students the opportunity to present polished performances for family and friends in a semi-formal setting. Consistent participation in recitals develops confident stage presence and encourages ease in performance while broadening a student’s exposure to different instruments and styles. Accompanists are provided for instrumentalists and vocalists.
Adult Recitals
Held at the end of every quarter, these recitals offer students in the Adult Division a chance to perform for each other and become acquainted with other adult instrumentalists and vocalists in the program. Beginners as well as advanced students are encouraged to participate. Accompanists are provided for these recitals.
Studio Recitals
Many CMD faculty members arrange studio recitals once or twice a year giving students the opportunity to play for other members of the studio.
Suzuki Group Classes
All Suzuki students are involved in weekly or bi-weekly performance experiences through their required group classes.
Concerto Festival For Young Performers
Each year, traditional and Suzuki students in piano, violin, viola, cello and flute have the opportunity to audition for the Annual Concerto Festival held during Winter quarter. Winners perform a movement of a concerto with the Oistrach Symphony Orchestra.
The Annual Performathon
In May of every year, more than 300 students participate in a 10–hour marathon recital of continuous solo and ensemble performances to raise funds for the Financial Aid Program and Community Outreach projects. Students enlist sponsors to contribute pledges for their performances.
Faculty Recitals
Throughout the school year, faculty members present solo or chamber music recitals. Students are encouraged to attend all faculty events.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
The DePaul Community Music Division is committed to providing music education to the community through alliances with area schools, community organizations and public agencies in the Chicago area. Collaborative programs are offered in partnership with the Chicago Children’s Choir, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ Project SOAR, Oscar Mayer Chicago Public School, Immaculate Conception School and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square.
