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Instructional Tracks

Youth Programs

Adult Education Programs



Suzuki Program
A comprehensive curriculum based on the philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki that music ability can be developed to a high level in any child, beginning at a young age. Students may first be enrolled in private lessons beginning at age 5 - however, those with approved early childhood music background may begin earlier. Initial emphasis is on rote learning while working toward excellent position, technique and tone. The parent attends all lessons and classes and supervises home practice. Tuition includes a weekly private lesson, a group class, and numerous performance opportunities. Instruction available in violin, viola, cello, flute and piano.

Introduction and Steps Into The Suzuki Program

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Preparatory Program
Traditional music instruction, with initial emphasis on music reading skills and excellent technique. Students age 6 and above may be enrolled. Parent involvement is encouraged, but not required. Tuition includes a weekly private lesson, a group class, and various performance opportunities. Instruction available in violin, cello, flute, voice and piano. Print Registration Form

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Suzuki/Preparatory Group Classes
Group classes, as supplemental to the private lesson, are an indispensable tool in providing a comprehensive musical experience for every student. The group class inspires motivation through student interaction and performances, strengthens basic concepts of musicianship, and provides a format for exploring areas of ear training, improvisation, theory, and music history.


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Special Needs

Private Piano Lessons
Children with mild to profound physical and cognitive challenges enjoy music instruction with individualized attention and activities tailored to meet students' needs.

Location: Wheaton College Campus
Ages: 7-12 years
Day/Time: 30 minute lesson, TBA

Print Special Needs Registration Form



Early Childhood Program

Art
Early artistic development, for children 3 to 7 years, with emphasis on self expression, training a perceptive eye, and improving fine motor skills. A "show me" approach is taken so chilren learn and experience through enjoyable hands-on visual art activities.

  • Pre-schoolers (3-4 years)
    Picasso Juniors
    Young ones' imaginations are inspired to creatively express themselves through guided activities using various mediums. Basic techniques of drawing and painting are introduces.

  • Young Children (5-7 years)
    Young Rembrandts
    Basic skills in composition and uses of texture, color and space are covered through imaginative and fun projects.

Music
Early music development for children from birth to 7 years, based on Kindermusik and Musikgarten curricula. Classes are designed to encourage creative learning, to lay groundwork for a genuine appreciation of music in the family, and to strengthen intellectual as well as musical aptitude. These classes are highly recommended by CSA faculty as a foundation for further instrument study.

  • Babies (Birth - 18 Months)
    Enjoy bonding with your infant during this 30-minute class. Musical activities such as singing, movement games and playing simple rhythm instruments will stimulate sensory and neural development. American Sign Language is incorporated into the curriculum.
  • Toddlers (18 Months - 3.5 Years)
    Participate with your child in musical activities that foster creative and holistic development through singing, listening, movement games and an exposure to a variety of instruments in this 30-minute class.
  • Pre-schoolers (3's and 4's)
    Imaginative self-expression through instrumental exploration, singing, chanting, creative movement and storytelling. Activities continue to lay the foundation for future instrument study in this 45-minute class. Parent/caregiver attends class.
  • Young Musicians (4 - 7 Years)
    Your child will enjoy ear training, instrumental ensemble playing and music literacy activities that build symbolic thinking and concentration. Music from around the world and instruments of the orchestra are introduced through developmentally appropriate curriculum and instrument readiness activities in these 60-75 minute classes. Parent/Caregiver joins for the last 15 minutes.

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    Print 2008-2009 Class Schedule


"Kindermusik classes at Wheaton College set
a high standard by which we tend to measure
all other children's programs" ~CSA Parent

Visual Arts

  • Foundations in Art (Gr. 1-5) 1 hr. class, Sept.-May
    Through the introduction of basic concepts such as perspective, value, color studies, and body proportions, as well as exposure to a variety of materials including paint, pastels, and charcoal pencil, students begin to develop essential skills through fun - yet challenging - assignments. Following successful completion of approximately 8 weeks of required projects, a student will progress to independent work, choosing their own projects and receiving individualized instruction. A supply list will be distributed the first week of class.
  • Foundations in Art/Open Studio (Gr. 6-12) 1 hr. class, Sept.-May
    Following completion of several required foundational assignments, students will begin choosing projects from multiple mediums and receiving individualized direction from the instructor in an open studio atmosphere. Ideas and sample projects will be available to encourage student imagination and creativity. Students purchase their own supplies.
  • Introductory Drawing (High School - Adult) 1 hr. class, Sept.-May
    Students will expand their understanding of value, shape, line, and composition through projects designed to develop their drawing ability, an essential skill which provides the basis for most visual art forms. A supply list will be distributed the first week of class.
  • Adult Open Studio 1 or 2 hr. class offered, Sept.-May
    To ensure growth in the understanding of art fundamentals, each semester will include one foundational project. Upon completion, students will progress into an open studio atmosphere, allowing them to work individually on projects of their own choosing, while receiving individualized guidance from the instructor. Ideas and sample projects will be available to inspire student creativity and originality. Students purchase their own supplies.

Print Registration Form

Print 2007-2008 Class Schedule

Home School Arts
Art and music curricula offered as supplemental courses for families who choose home schooling as their education option. Weekly Music Exploration and Art Discovery classes for grades K-8 are held in Elmhurst on Monday mornings at West Suburban Community Church. Print Registration Form.

  • Art Discovery
    Objectives for beginning classes are to introduce and develop basic skills in composition and uses of texture, color and space. Experiences include multiple mediums, with emphasis on self-expression.Still life technique, painting in the style of great artists. and sculpture are explored and students are exposed to art of other cultures through gueat speakers.
  • Music Exploration
    Objectives for beginning classes focus on developing aural and rhythmic skills through body movement, echo singing, improvisation and hand drumming using both Orff and Kodaly techniques. Basic notation and music reading are introduced in early level classes and upper level classes cover areas of music theory, ear training, solfege, style period comparison and form analysis.


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Performing Ensembles
Vivaldi Strings
CSA's select chamber ensemble, featuring 23 Suzuki performers, ranging in age from six to seventeen years old, has performed at Epcot Center, Disneyland, MacPhail Center for the Arts and locally, on ABC and NBC station affiliates, for Drury Lane and Paramount Theatre.

Children's Choirs
Senior and Junior Choir perform two combined concerts during the school year, featuring classical, sacred, folk and light contemporary repertoire.Advanced Choir, open to students of junior high and high school age, performs 2 concerts during the school year, and features folk, classical and Broadway selections. Print Registration Form.

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  • Junior Choir, grades 1-2, Saturdays Pierce Chapel, 201

  • Senior Choir, grades 3-6, Saturdays Pierce Chapel, 201

  • Advanced Choir, grades 7-12, Mondays, Pierce Chapel, 104

CSA Ringers/Handbell Ensemble
Playing on three octaves of Malmark bells, these ensembles have performed in Noyes' Fludde at Symphony Center, for Hinsdale Village Gardeners Christmas Tea and the Annual Wheaton College Service Awards banquet.


Summer Arts Encounter (grades 2-12)
Formatted as a weeklong day camp, June 25-29, Summer Arts Encounter provides students with an exciting, educational and integrative experience in the creative arts. Stimulating courses of study are offered in chamber music, visual arts, dance and drama. Participation in the program not only enriches appreciation for the arts, but also fosters new interests as students are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities. Please call the CSA office at (630)752-5567 to obtain a brochure. Registration deadline is June 1.

Summer Arts Junior (18 months to grade 1)
Morning camp the week of June 11-15, featuring music, art and creative movement activities for young children that engage the imagination, enhance self-expression and spark curiosity. Separate brochure available in April. Please call the CSA office at (630)752-5567 to obtain a brochure. Registration deadline is June 1.


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Outreach Opportunities
Music-a-thon
The annual Music-a-thon is an opportunity for students to use their musical gifts in service of others. Each year, the funds raised are donated to help needy children in other parts of the world. National Conservatory of Music in Bethlehem, Israel and Kinyago-Dandora School in Nairobi, Africa have been recipient schools in the recent years. Lessons and instruments have been provided for students at these schools through this effort.

Community Service Day
250 Suzuki string students annualy perform at ten area retirement centers in surrounding suburbs on a Saturday morning in October. the concerts provide an enjoyable morning of music for residents as well as an opportunity for CSA students to serve others with their musical gifts.



Adult Education


Arts In The Morning
Interactive seminars exploring culture, history and the creative arts, fostering discovery, enthusiasm and delight. Enjoy hands on, enlightening experiences through various idioms of music, visual arts, drama, architectural design, photography and sculpture. Programs are held in Barrows Auditorium, located in the east wing of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College and feature professional presenters, a continental breakfast, handicapped accessible facilities and free parking for all attendees. Click here for brochure.


Piano For Pleasure
Class piano for adult beginners held in the Macintosh computerized piano lab. The course is an enjoyable approach to music reading, rhythm, piano technic, theory and creativity in a group setting. No prior experience is necessary. Students must have access to a piano or digital keyboard for outside practice. Classes meet once a week.


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Suzuki Teacher Training
Registered SAA (Suzuki Association of the Americas) teacher trainers offer pedagogical instruction in piano and strings under the current guidelines of the SAA. Instruction includes 15 hours of repertory study and 8 hours of lesson observation for each semester unit. Classroom interaction takes place in an atmosphere of learning and mutual support, while respecting various teaching styles and approaches. SAA documentation certificates are awarded upon completion. Print Registration Form.


Master Teacher Lessons
Instruction in violin, voice, piano, harp, trumpet by audition with Wheaton College Conservatory faculty. Print Registration Form.