The Millikin Community Arts Academy (formerly known as University Preparatory Department) is once again offering in-person lessons in cases where the teacher and student are interested and agree to adhere to campus masking and distancing requirements. Online lessons available per instructors availability. Contact the Millikin Community Arts Academy at mcaa@millikin.edu or (217) 425-4698 to inquire about registering for lessons.
Private Lessons
The Private Lessons program offers private lessons for ages 6 though adult in piano, voice, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments as well as group instruction in beginning guitar and ukulele. Instructors include School of Music faculty members, Preparatory faculty, and upper-level Millikin student instructors. Private lessons allow students to choose either 30-minute, 45-minute or one hour lessons. Lessons are offered monthly as well as on a semester basis in the fall, spring and summer. Students have the opportunity to perform in recitals held in Kaeuper Recital Hall at Millikin.
NEW STUDENTS:
Step 1: Please fill out the Registration Form below.
Step 2: Our Millikin Community Arts Academy (MCAA) Director or Assistant Director will be in contact with you to set up your initial lesson.
Step 3: After your initial lesson is complete, speak with the instructor to determine your weekly lesson length and number of lessons and confirm your lesson length and number of lessons with MCAA director, mjtaylor@millikin.edu.
Step 4: Confirm billing and payment by paying online HERE, dropping payment off in MCAA Drop Box by the Front Office, PMC 102 or contact our front office staff in person or via phone 217-425-4698.
If you have questions, please contact the MCAA directors at mcaa@millikin.edu.
Online Payment Registration Form
View the recommended learning outcomes/guidelines for each instrument area.
Millikin University School of Music
Preparatory Department
1184 W. Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522
217.425.4698
mcaa@millikin.edu
MCAA Policies and Waiver
Please review our MCAA Policies and Waiver. Signed forms will be collected prior to the beginning of lessons or programs.
MCAA Frequently Asked Questions
What are Applied Lessons?
Applied Lessons are private, one on one lessons with a qualified instructor in voice, piano, or an instrumental area.
How old do I need to be?
Currently we offer age appropriate private lessons for ages 6 to adult. Often this depends on the readiness, discipline, and desire of the student as well as our instructors' policies.
We also offer group programs for various ages as young as preschool.
Some of MCAA's programs include Millikin Children's Choir, Millikin Community Cello Choir, Rock University, Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra, beginning guitar and ukulele classes, Mat Pilates starting January 2022, and upcoming 2022 Summer Camps.
What do private lessons cost?
The cost for private lessons depends on the category of instructor and the duration of the lessons. Current tuition rates are listed below:
|
MCAA Tuition Rates Spring or Fall (based on 15 week term) |
30 Minute Lessons |
45 Minute Lessons |
60 Minute Lessons |
|
MU Faculty Current or retired Millikin School of Music Faculty
|
$25 per lesson
|
$37.50 per lesson
|
$50 per lesson
|
|
MCAA/Preparatory Faculty Has a college degree; does not teach university level courses in the School of Music at Millikin University |
$20 per lesson
|
$30 per lesson
|
$40 per lesson
|
|
MU Student Instructor Current MU student who has been recommended by University faculty. |
$15 per lesson
|
$22.50 per lesson
|
$30 per lesson
|
I signed up but haven’t heard from anyone yet, what should I do?
At the beginning of every semester, it is oftentimes frustrating that we do not have a quick turn-around of placing students with teachers. This is because most of our students and faculty are not settled in their schedules until the end of the first week of classes. We do our best to start the process; however, it is sometimes late August or early September (or early February in the Spring term) before students are officially placed with an instructor. If you fear your contract or name might have fallen off the list or want to check on the status, please contact the MCAA at mcaa@millikin.edu or (217) 425-4698.
Who do I contact if I have a question or concern?
Please contact the MCAA at mcaa@millikin.edu or 217-425-4698.