FAQs

CSA Administrative Office

The CSA office is located inside the Main Office Suite (#150) in Armerding Center for Music and the Arts on the Wheaton College campus. The glass door to the office is on the southeast side of the main Armerding lobby, near the grand piano.

CSA administrative staff have workspaces toward the back of the office suite and are happy to meet with you anytime! Feel free to stop by during regular business hours and ask for a member of CSA staff, email csa@wheaton.edu to set up an appointment time (Director appointments can be made for evenings or weekends as well), or call:

630.752.5567 for Maling Chou, Registration & Data Specialist 
630.752.5814 for Deborah Klemme, Director

CSA Faculty

CSA faculty are typically busy teaching when they are in the building. You should not stop by a teacher's studio unannounced to speak to them, as that would be taking time away from another student's lesson. Faculty are happy to speak with you, but please coordinate with them ahead of time to set up an in-person or phone meeting.

If your student is a current CSA student and you would like to speak with their teacher about any concerns, it is usually best to set up a separate time to call or meet with them so as to not use up valuable lesson time.

If you are looking for a teacher's contact information, please email or call the office (csa@wheaton.edu, 630.752.5567) or consult our CSA Faculty Directory.

All CSA classes and lessons have two 15-week semesters: Fall (September to mid-January), and Spring (mid-January to May). Consult the CSA Academic Calendar for start/end dates and holiday breaks.

During the summer we offer various enrichment courses in Early Childhood Music and Suzuki Samplers. Most individual lesson students continue to take private lessons during the summer but with a more flexible schedule, agreed upon with each private teacher and billed accordingly. Group classes do not take place during the summer months. 

Monthly billing statements are sent via email from the CSA office to the email address provided on your registration form. We bill by semester, so the total amount is what is due for that semester. Accounts with a zero balance will not receive a statement.

You may pay your bill all at once or choose to make multiple payments, as long as the entire semester bill is paid by December 10 (fall semester), April 10 (spring semester), and August 10 (summer). A 7% late fee is applied to outstanding balances after the final day of each semester.

There are multiple ways to pay your bill:

• Pay online via our online payment portal.
• Mail cash or a check (written to "CSA"): Community School of the Arts, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187.
• Bring cash or a check (written to "CSA") in person to Maling Chou at Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, Main Office Suite #150, during regular business hours.
• Drop off cash or check (written to "CSA") in an envelope with your student's name and ID and place in our secure CSA Dropbox, located in Armerding Center for Music and the Arts (as you enter the main lobby and walk towards the main staircase to the left, turn left before the stairs going down. It is a beige metal box on the wall of the left side alcove and says "CSA" on the side.) The CSA Dropbox is checked every business day.

If you have any questions, problems, or concerns regarding your bill, give us a call! Maling Chou, our Registration and Data Specialist, would be very happy to speak with you: 630.752.5567.

Our CSA faculty are professional musicians, with all holding bachelor's degrees in music and the majority also possessing advanced degrees in music. Institutions our instructors have degrees from include leading conservatories and universities like Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, Northwestern University, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Indiana University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and University of Michigan. Biographical information is available for each faculty member.

All of our Suzuki private lesson instructors are required to hold Suzuki Certification from the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and all of our Early Childhood and Music Makers at the Keyboard teachers are certified in Musikgarten. CSA faculty are encouraged and supported in their pursuit of continued education each year.

Many Wheaton College Conservatory of Music undergraduate students work as TAs (Teacher Assistants) and Student Teachers in CSA classes and lessons, but always under the close supervision and guidance of a CSA faculty member.

There are numerous annual large-scale performance opportunities for CSA students as well as studio recitals, community outreach, and various public performances every semester. See the CSA Calendar for a list of this year's events.

Tuition is charged by the semester. There are no refunds for missed classes or lessons except in cases of serious illness, relocation, or unavoidable teacher absence (which is very rare). Our teachers have very full schedules and your tuition payment guarantees your student's place in their studio for the semester. For additional details, please refer to CSA Policies.

Thanks to the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign, need-based scholarships are available for those students with demonstrated need. Aid is awarded based on household income, family size, and financial obligations, and is limited by the availability of funds and subject to facility and program capacity. We do not want financial concerns to hold anyone back from continuing on their musical journey and are so grateful for the support that continues to allow us to offer these scholarships.

In order to apply, a student must have completed a minimum of one semester of a music class (Early Childhood Music, Little Stars, Music Makers at the Keyboard, or Beethoven's Buddies Chimes), or individual lessons in our Suzuki, Prep, or Beethoven's Buddies program. 

The application form must be filled out completely and submitted along with the previous year's 1040 tax return and a $20 (per family) application fee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Click here for more information and to download the application.

Scholarship application deadlines:

• July 1 (Typically awarded for the year; families need not re-apply for spring semester)
• November 1 (Spring semester only)

Mail completed application packets to: CSA, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 or drop off in person at Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, Main Office Suite #150 by the deadline above.

Visitor Parking on Wheaton College Campus

Parking is available to visitors in a number of locations, including:

• Behind Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College Library, and next to Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, accessible from Washington St. and Kenilworth Ave.
• Behind the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, next to the Tennis Courts, accessible by taking Centennial Drive to Kenilworth Ave.

For more information about campus and parking, view this map.

CSA Parking

CSA families should display a CSA-issued parking pass inside their vehicle (passes will be distributed at the beginning of each semester as as needed throughout the year) to avoid any parking problems on campus. Families with a CSA pass may park in any campus lot marked "W"; there are two lots adjacent to Armerding Center for Music and the Arts that are very convenient and usually have plenty of space. Occasionally, special events on campus lead to congestion, and it is always a good idea to plan to arrive for classes and lessons a bit early. In the very rare instance that the lots are full, there is plenty of street parking within a short walk of Armerding.

Wheaton College Parking Map (Armerding Center for Music and the Arts is just left of center and labeled "ARM" on this map)

Normally we are able to place students soon after registration is complete unless there is an exceptional demand for the requested instrument. In May, we place students who would like to start in the summer.

When you submit your registration, your child’s name is put on a placement list for the instrument requested. The placement coordinator will call you to discuss your situation/schedule and will process your placement as soon as there is a compatible opening for your child. We generally process placements on a rolling basis. The more availability you have, the more likely you will be placed quickly.

CSA Private Lesson Placement Coordinators:

• Eurydice Choi, Prep and Suzuki Piano (including Beethoven's Buddies private piano lessons)
• Jeanne Johannesen, Prep and Suzuki Strings

A beginning student comes once a week for a 30-minute lesson with a private teacher and is also assigned to a group class, often on a separate day, with students of the same level. Suzuki group classes meet weekly for 30 minutes. Preparatory Program group classes meet on alternating weeks for 40-50 minutes. Tuition for the semester includes the cost of both the private lesson and the group class. 

If your children are registering for the same instrument, you may request to have the lessons back-to-back and we will do our best to arrange that. We will try, but very likely will not be able, to accommodate requests for students enrolling on different instruments. Thank you for your understanding, as scheduling is extremely difficult to coordinate across studios.

After you have registered, the program coordinator will work with you to arrange for a teacher and a mutually agreeable time for the private lesson and the group class. 

CSA Private Lesson Placement Coordinators:

• Eurydice Choi, Prep and Suzuki Piano (including Beethoven's Buddies private piano lessons)
• Jeanne Johannesen, Prep and Suzuki Strings

See our full list of CSA Instructors here.

You may indicate a request for a specific teacher on the initial registration form, with the understanding that it may result in a longer wait to get into the program as we cannot guarantee when that teacher will have openings.

You are welcome to express any specific concerns you might want to be considered in the placement process. This may be done on the registration form or verbally to the program coordinator when you are called for placement.

See our full list of CSA Instructors here.

The group class setting is where essential elements of musical training like aural and rhythmic skills, musical symbols and terms, performance in and in front of small groups, ensemble playing, and music theory concepts are taught. This allows private lesson time to be devoted to one-on-one instrument study and provides a truly well-rounded and integrated musical experience for each student. Additionally, the community aspect of group classes -- playing music with others and getting to know other families in the program, is an invaluable part of what our program offers a student in their development as a musician. 

Students up through Grade 8 are required to be enrolled in a group class. There is no tuition adjustment for a student who does not attend class. Group classes for high school (Grade 9+) students are not required but highly recommended.

In addition to the weekly required Suzuki Group Class, when starting note reading, Suzuki string students may choose to enroll in an additional (elective) sequential curriculum of reading orchestras which includes theory and improvisation with the Creative Ability Development (or CAD) method. After completing the reading orchestra sequence, students graduate to the Chamber Program, culminating with advanced Chamber Ensembles repertoire.

This can possibly be arranged during the summer or as a teacher has a short-term opening in their studio, but in general, we view enrollment in private lessons as a long-term commitment.

Call Maling in the CSA office if you'd like to discuss your situation to determine feasibility: 630.752.5567.

The following is adapted from the Suzuki Association of the Americas website:

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998), founder of the Suzuki Method, was a concert violinist, philosopher, educator, and leader. Dr. Suzuki believed that all children are capable of developing talent, and a guiding principle of his was “character first, ability second.” His revolutionary contribution to music education focused on the concept that because every child is capable of developing language skills, they are also capable of learning the language of music. He also held that the skills gained from learning music would apply well beyond their music classes, and carry into their lives outside the classroom. Now among the most recognized names and brands in the music education field, his legacy continues to offer the gift of music to many across the world. 

The Suzuki Method has several core components that guide every Suzuki-certified teacher's work:

• We believe that all children are capable and deserving of music education! Those of us who practice the Suzuki Method know that talent is learned. With the right support, any child can be successful.
• We teach music based on how young people learn language – we start with the ear and communication styles, and we build from there. We also encourage students to listen to music!
• We love having families involved in their student’s learning! Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, guardian, or an adult who is regularly involved in a student’s life, we believe finding an adult that can support a student in their learning – in addition to their teacher – is a wonderful way to support student success.
• We lead with a positive environment and encouragement in our music lessons.

• Students begin at a young age (typically age 4-6)
• Parents play an active role in the learning process and act as the "at-home teacher"
• Listening and auditory learning are emphasized first; note reading develops as the child grows (similar to language development: speaking comes first, followed by reading)
• Technique is taught in the context of each piece
• Pieces are refined through regular review
• Students perform frequently, which leads to comfort in front of peers and audiences

Beginning Suzuki students should be able to:

• Students typically begin between the ages of 4-6, though older students may also join our Suzuki program.
• Parent or guardian takes an initial Suzuki Parent Education course, attends all lessons/classes with the student, and is an active participant in home practice.
• Initial emphasis is on auditory learning, position, technique, and tone, prior to introducing note-reading.
• Tuition includes a weekly 30-minute private lesson, along with a required group class (for students through grade 8; group class is encouraged through grade 12, but not required.)  Group classes motivate students through friendships formed with peers and strengthen musicianship through performances, ear-training, music theory, and sight-reading.
• Students participate regularly in concerts, festivals, and recitals held in world-class Wheaton College Conservatory of Music performance venues including Edman Chapel, Armerding Concert Hall, and Armerding Recital Hall.

After submitting registration materials, you will be contacted for placement with a teacher.

1. Observe two lessons (either online or in person)
   Call our office (630) 752-5567 to arrange a time to observe in person, or watch at least two below:
   Suzuki Early Cello Lesson >> 
   Suzuki Early Piano Lesson >>
   Suzuki Early Violin Lesson >>
   Suzuki Intermediate Piano Lesson >>
   Suzuki Advanced Piano Lesson >>
   Suzuki Intermediate/Advanced Strings Lesson >>
   
   
2. Register 
   Complete the online registration form and submit a $35 registration fee online or via cash or check (mail or in person).
   
   
3. Prepare to purchase/rent an instrument  
   For piano students, a non-electric home piano is required. String and guitar students will be measured by their teacher at an early lesson and should not purchase or rent an instrument without teacher guidance. 
   
   
4. Purchase the following:
   - Suzuki Volume 1 Book (select Volume 1 Book for your chosen instrument)
   - Suzuki Volume 1 CD or audio downloads (select Volume 1 CD or audio downloads for your chosen instrument)
   - Nurtured by Love by S. Suzuki
   - To Learn with Love by W. Starr 
   A few notes:
   -The books and music listed above are available through many online retailers; feel free to purchase from your outlet of choice.
   -Some retailers "bundle" the Volume 1 book and CD together, others do not. Be sure you are purchasing both a book of physical music and a CD or digital downloads.
   
   
5. Take the required Parent Education Course 
   Cost: $40 (includes materials). Registration in Suzuki lessons will automatically enroll a parent into the Parent Education Course.  A Suzuki Parent Education binder will be distributed at the first lesson, which includes the Fall semester date for the course (typically in the evening in September or October).

We know this can be overwhelming! Call us at 630.752.5567 or email csa@wheaton.edu with any questions.

Thanks to the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign, need-based scholarships are available for those students with demonstrated need. Aid is awarded based on household income, family size, and financial obligations, and is limited by the availability of funds and subject to facility and program capacity. We do not want financial concerns to hold anyone back from continuing on their musical journey and are so grateful for the support that continues to allow us to offer these scholarships.

In order to apply, a student must have completed a minimum of one semester of a music class (Early Childhood Music, Little Stars, Music Makers at the Keyboard, or Beethoven's Buddies Chimes), or individual lessons in our Suzuki, Prep, or Beethoven's Buddies program. 

The application form must be filled out completely and submitted along with the previous year's 1040 tax return and a $20 (per family) application fee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Click here for more information and to download the application.

Scholarship application deadlines:

• July 1 (Typically awarded for the year; families need not re-apply for spring semester)
• November 1 (Spring semester only)

Mail completed application packets to: CSA, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187 or drop off in person at Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, Main Office Suite #150 by the deadline above.

CSA executes a rigorous application process for tuition assistance and has developed a consistent accountability system for those who receive scholarship funds. 

Current or new* students should complete and submit their application according to the due dates below.  Late applications will not be accepted.  Award at the July 1st application timing are usually made for the entire academic year (no need to apply again for the spring semester).

New and existing scholarships families must apply each year by July 1st to be considered for scholarships for the next academic year.

• July 1—Fall semester
• November 1—Spring Semester

* A new student may only apply for a private lesson scholarship after successfully completing a minimum of one semester of a music class (Early Childhood Music, Little Stars or Music Makers at the Keyboard)

Thanks to the generosity of donors to our Annual Campaign, need-based scholarships are available for those students with demonstrated need. Aid is awarded based on household income, family size, and financial obligations, and is limited by the availability of funds and subject to facility and program capacity. We do not want financial concerns to hold anyone back from continuing on their musical journey and are so grateful for the support that continues to allow us to offer these scholarships.

In order to apply, a student must have completed a minimum of one semester of a music class (Early Childhood Music, Little Stars, Music Makers at the Keyboard, or Beethoven's Buddies Chimes), or individual lessons in our Suzuki, Prep, or Beethoven's Buddies program. 

The application form must be filled out completely and submitted along with the previous year's 1040 tax return and a $20 (per family) application fee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Click here for more information and to download the application.

Scholarship application deadlines:

• July 1 (Typically awarded for the year; families need not re-apply for spring semester)
• November 1 (Spring semester only)

Mail completed application packets to:

CSA
501 College Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187

or drop off in person at Armerding Center for Music and the Arts, Main Office Suite #150 by the deadline above.