Applied Lessons
The Applied Music program offers individual lessons in piano, voice, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments. Instructors include School of Music faculty members, Preparatory faculty, and upper-level students. Students may choose 30-minute, 45-minute or one hour lessons. Lessons are offered in both fall and spring semesters, with many instructors also available for summer lessons. Students have the opportunity to perform in recitals held monthly in Millikin’s Kaeuper Hall or Pilling Chapel.
View the recommended learning outcomes/guidelines for each instrument area.
To make an online payment, click here.
At this time, we are not accepting any new students for Summer Lessons. We will begin to accept new students in mid-August. Please check back then. Thanks!
Millikin University School of Music
Preparatory Department
1184 W. Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522
217.425.4698
preparatory@millikin.edu
Applied Lessons Frequently Asked Questions
What are Applied Lessons?
Applied Lessons are private, one on one lessons with a qualified instructor in Voice, Piano, or Instrumental.
Who teaches Applied Lessons?
We have three categories of instructors teaching Applied Lessons at Millikin; however, not all categories are available in every given discipline. We have advanced Millikin Student Instructors, who have been selected by the faculty to teach lessons. We also have Preparatory Instructors who have a college music degree; but, are not currently teaching collegiate classes at Millikin. These folks are oftentimes K-12 music teachers in and around the Decatur Area. Finally, we offer applied lessons with our extremely talented faculty.
How old does my child need to be?
Oftentimes this depends on the readiness, discipline, and desire of the student and the policies of our instructors. Generally, piano lessons and some string lessons start in early elementary school while other instrumental lessons would begin around age 9/10 and beyond. We only offer applied lessons to vocalists that are in High School. For younger vocalists, we strongly recommend the Millikin Children’s Choir program.
How much does it cost?
The cost for lessons depends on the category of instructor and the duration of the lessons. A breakdown of the cost is below.
|
Prep 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
|
$35 per lesson
|
$50 per lesson
|
|
Prep Faculty Has a college degree; does not teach university level courses in the School of Music at Millikin University |
$20 per lesson
|
$29 per lesson
|
$40 per lesson
|
|
MU Student Teacher Current MU student who has been recommended by University faculty. |
$15 per lesson
|
$22 per lesson
|
$30 per lesson
|
When are payments due?
Unpaid fees will be turned over to Collections. Under no circumstances, may a student begin lessons for the next term until the prior term is paid in full. Lessons will cease when no payments have been made on an account.
|
Payment Schedule |
½ total tuition fee due |
Remaining ½ tuition fee due |
|
Fall 2017 |
September 15, 2017 |
October 13, 2017 |
|
Spring 2018 |
January 26, 2018 |
February 23, 2018 |
|
Summer 2018 |
FULL BALANCE PAID by JUNE 1, 2018 |
|
How do I sign up?
All new and returning students must complete an Applied Lessons contract. These can be found on our website. This contract is to be returned to the Preparatory Department.
I’ve 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) 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 Preparatory Department: preparatory@millikin.edu or 425-4698
Who do I contact if I have a question or concern?
Please contact the Preparatory Department: preparatory@millikin.edu or 425-4698