CSA programs range from Early Childhood Music classes (Musikgarten) to Suzuki and Traditional Private Instruction (piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar).
Community School of the Arts (CSA)
CSA at Wheaton College provides excellence in music education through degreed instructors and proven teaching methods. CSA offers a variety of comprehensive music programs for all ages and ability levels.
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CSA is currently on Christmas Break.
Classes resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The CSA office is also closed during break,
and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026
We wish you and your family a blessed Christmas!
Make an Online Payment
We are now able to accept payments for Community School of the Arts via an online payment portal. Click the link below and you're on your way!
2026 Suzuki Cello Workshop
Suzuki cellists are invited to participate in CSA's Suzuki Cello Workshop on March 13 & 14, 2026.
Save the date! More details to come in January!
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2026 Suzuki Piano Workshop
Suzuki pianists are invited to participate in CSA's Suzuki Piano Workshop on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Save the date! More details to come in January!
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Register Now for Spring 2026 Music Lessons & Classes!
Spring Semester begins on Friday, January 16, 2026
- Early Childhood Music Classes
- Music Makers at the Keyboard Classes
- Suzuki Little Stars Class (Violin/Viola, Guitar, or Piano)
- Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, and Piano Lessons (Suzuki or Preparatory/Traditional)
- Piano Lessons (Beethoven's Buddies)
- Beethoven's Buddies Chimes Class
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Support the CSA Annual Campaign Now!
The Annual Campaign helps support the work of CSA and makes lessons and classes accessible to families and students in need.
Please join in by donating to support a strong tradition.
Explore Our Programs
CSA offers complete music education. CSA's programs include Early Childhood Music, Suzuki and Traditional Instrument Lessons, Beethoven's Buddies, and CODA. Learn more below.
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Suzuki Lessons
CSA’s extensive Suzuki program is nationally recognized, with 15 instructors and over 300 students. CSA offers Suzuki instruction on piano, violin, viola, cello and guitar. Student begin lessons between the ages of 4-6.
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Preparatory (Traditional) Lessons
CSA’s Preparatory program provides music lessons with a traditional approach to over 100 students. CSA offers Preparatory instruction on piano, violin, cello and guitar. Student may begin at age 6-adult.
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Early Childhood & Music Makers at the Keyboard
CSA's multi-age Early Childhood Music program develops aural skills, motor coordination and self control while instilling a lifelong love of music.
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Beethoven's Buddies
Beethoven’s Buddies (BB) is an innovative music program which facilitates cognitive and emotional growth for students with developmental delays.
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CODA
One of the primary ways in which Community School of the Arts (CSA) serves the local community is through our Community Outreach for Developing Artists (CODA) program.
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Parent and Student Resources
CSA parent and student access portal for concert and event information.
Our Mission
The Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College exists to honor and glorify God through teaching and inspiring students in the performing arts, guiding them toward their full potential while encouraging them, in turn, to enrich the lives of others.
Conservatory Connections
At CSA, you will find a college campus environment with first-rate performance venues, teaching studios with Conservatory-quality instruments. CSA students have regular opportunities for interaction with college undergrads who serve as interns, accompanists, and teaching assistants. A CSA Family Pass provides free admission to selected Wheaton College Conservatory events.
Performance & Enrichment
CSA music students participate in annual large-scale concerts and festivals. Numerous enrichment opportunities are available to students, including a chamber program, workshops and summer programs.
Community Engagement
Serving each other, as well as the community, is a vital element of CSA's mission. Instructors are passionate about imparting the value of service, understanding it results in character development for the student, as well as benefit to the community at large.
Why Choose CSA?
Our teachers hold advanced degrees and have extensive experience working with students of all levels and abilities.
At the Community School of the Arts, our instructors are our greatest asset. CSA instructors are at the top of their field, with significant education and experience behind them. More than 65% of our instructors hold at least a Master’s degree in their respective instrument or field.
All of them have been professionally trained and are experienced in working with students of all ages, nurturing their students as they strive to help them learn artistic expression while at the same time applying the discipline and joy of study in the arts to their everyday lives. CSA instructors are dedicated to their students and have wonderful relationships with students and parents alike.
Wheaton College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Music Teachers National Association, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Our greatest asset is our highly educated, experienced and long-standing instructors. These 30 instructors hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, have years of experience, and are dedicated to shaping the artistic journeys of their students.
Banner photos © Michael Hudson Photography
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Connect with the CSA
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Armerding Center for Music and the Arts
501 College Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187
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630.752.5567
csa@wheaton.edu