Community Music School

Instrumental Lessons


 Private Lessons

Photo Credit: Dale Preston '83

The Community Music School offers private instruction in a variety of instruments for students age 4 through adult. For fall, 2024, lessons will be given at the historic Burrell-King House (the Community Music School) located at 315 E. College St. in Oberlin, Ohio. A one-on-one relationship with the teacher and consistent practice helps students become proficient in their instrument. A variety of performance opportunities are available to enhance students' musical education.

Lessons are available in the following instrument and vocal areas:

  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Double Bass
  • Flute
  • Guitar
  • Oboe
  • Piano
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice
Details

Includes: Private weekly instruction with a teacher. 

Instructor: One of our highly qualified musicians and teachers. Visit our faculty listing.

Dates: Semesters are based on 16 weeks. Lessons are arranged at a time that works for both the teacher and the student.

  • Fall 2024:  Lessons run from Monday, August 26, 2024, through Sunday, January 12, 2025. Thanksgiving Break: Tuesday, November 26 through Sunday, December 1 (except for a few select classes that will have a session this week). Winter Break: Monday, December 16 through Sunday, January 5, 2025. Makeup week: Monday, January 6 through Sunday, January 12.  Please note: There will be no private lessons on Labor Day - Monday, September 2. These lessons will be made up on Monday, November 25.  There will be no lessons on MLK Day - Monday, January 20. Visit the calendar for details.
  • Spring 2025: Lessons run from Monday, January 13, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025. Spring Break is Monday, March 24 through Sunday, March 30. Makeup week is Monday, May 12 through Sunday, May 18. Please note: Visit the calendar for details.

Location: Community Music School - 315 E. College St., Oberlin

Tuition: Based on a 16-week semester.

  • 15-minute weekly lessons - $350
  • 30-minute weekly lessons - $586
  • 45-minute weekly lessons - $788
  • 60-minute weekly lessons - $992

Suzuki Lessons

Offered for piano, violin, or cello. In addition to the weekly private lesson, children and parents will attend a group class where they will play games to reinforce musical and technical issues with the instrument. The group class will help create a strong incentive to practice. No prior musical experience is needed on the part of the parent or the child.

New to Suzuki? Read about our Suzuki Program.


Suzuki Parent Information Class

For those new to Suzuki, parents will begin the program with a series of orientation classes. Standard Suzuki lessons will continue throughout the remainder of the semester.

Details

Includes: Three-week series of orientation classes.  For parents only.

Instructor: Katie Cross and Louise Zeitlin

Dates:

  • Fall 2024: August 24, September 7 and 14 (no class Labor Day weekend August 31)
  • Spring 2025: January 25, February 1 and February 8

Time: 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Location: Oberlin community Music School - 315 E. College St.

Tuition: Fees for the Suzuki parent class are built into the semester tuition. The parent class will take the place of the first three student lessons. No additional fees will be charged for this class.


Suzuki Piano Beginnings

This three-year piano sequence will be an introduction to technique and musicianship on the piano. It will also emphasize the building of good pitch and rhythm with the use of games and other enjoyable activities. Students will begin in groups of two to six children depending on age and time availability. After one to two years in a small group, students will graduate to a private lesson with a larger Suzuki group class on selected dates.

Beginner’s Suzuki Piano Details

Includes: Weekly small group lessons.

Instructor: Katie Cross

Dates: Lessons are arranged at a time that works for both the teacher and the student.

Location: Community Music School - 315 E. College St., Oberlin

Tuition: Based on a 16-week semester.

  • 15-minute weekly lessons - $330
  • 30-minute weekly lessons - $640
Suzuki Piano Books 1–3 Details

Includes: Eight 45-minute group lessons and weekly private lessons.

Instructor: Katie Cross

Dates: Sessions are held on either Thursday evenings, Friday evenings, or Sunday afternoon - depending on placement.  Visit the calendar for details.

Location: Community Music School - 315 E. College St., Oberlin

Tuition: Based on a 16-week semester.

  • 30-minute weekly lessons - $640
  • 45-minute weekly lessons - $834
  • 60-minute weekly lessons - $1030

Suzuki String Beginnings 

Suzuki instruction for string players (violin and cello) will emphasize learning to hold the instrument in a balanced and relaxed manner. Lessons will teach the student to play with a good tone and rhythm and will work to develop a strong sense of pitch. Young string players will begin lessons in either small groups or individually.

Suzuki Violin Details

Includes: Twelve 30-minute group lessons and weekly private lessons.

Instructor: Abbie Foster

Times: 

               Pretwinkle/twinkle - 4:00-4:30pm (new class beginning Fall 2023)
               Book 1 - 4:30-5:00pm
               Book 2 - 5:00-5:30pm
               Book 3 - 5:30-6:00pm

Dates:

  • Fall 2023:  September 14 through December 7 (No class 11/23 for Thanksgiving; Makeup class 12/14, if teacher misses). Visit the calendar for details.
  • Spring 2024: TBD  Visit the calendar for details.

Location: Community Music School - 315 E. College St., Oberlin

Tuition: Based on a 16-week semester.

  • 30-minute weekly lessons - $656
  • 45-minute weekly lessons - $858
  • 60-minute weekly lessons - $1062
Suzuki Cello Details

Includes: Twelve 30-minute group lessons and weekly private lessons.

Instructor: TBD

Dates:

  • Fall 2023: Thursdays, 5:30-6:00pm , September 14 through December 7 (No class 11/23 for Thanksgiving; Makeup class 12/14, if teacher misses).. Visit the calendar for details.
  • Spring 2024: TBD  Visit the calendar for details.

Location: Community Music School - 315 E. College St., Oberlin

Tuition: Based on a 16-week semester.

  • 30-minute weekly lessons - $656
  • 45-minute weekly lessons - $858
  • 60-minute weekly lessons - $1062