Department of Music at Lewis University

General Information

Who We Are

The Community Music School (CMS) is a non-degree granting division of the Lewis University Music Department, established to provide private music lessons to the general public. Designed to enrich the quality of life through study, development of skills, and exposure to the musical arts, the CMS invites all ages and levels of ability to participate. The CMS also offers student concerts providing an opportunity for CMS Students to learn performing skills and a musical experience to the public. With lessons offered all year long, the CMS has an outstanding, dedicated faculty eager to share its knowledge and talent for the development of the students. Everyone is welcome to join, young and old, beginner and professional. There is only one requirement – a desire to learn about music!

Lessons

From voice to bass guitar, flute to violin, piano to percussion, and every instrument in between, CMS offers a diverse assortment of lessons to appeal to all different tastes and interests. Lessons are give in semester blocks (spring, summer, and fall), and range from a half hour to an hour, depending on the instructor. The CMS allows late entry into the semester with the permission of the instructor. For a full list of lessons and days they are offered, please contact the CMS office.

Tuition

Instructors’ rates vary, so please call for further information. Tuition is to be paid in full before the beginning of the semester or at the time of registration. Checks are accepted and should be made out to the Lewis University Community Music School. There is a No Refund policy once the lessons have begun.

Admission & Registration

All students regardless of age or ability are admitted to the CMS. Lewis University does not discriminate against any student because of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or ethnicity. Students may register by phone at (815) 836-5619.

Contact

The CMS is located on the second floor of the Oremus Fine Arts Building, on the main campus of Lewis University. Our official address is:

Lewis University

Community Music School Office

Lewis University Main Campus

Weather Policies

In case of severe weather or other emergencies, lessons may be canceled. In the event of Lewis University closes, lessons will be canceled. The following radio and television stations will carry university closure information—WCCQ, WJOL, WGN, WFLD-TV. Further information may be obtained by calling the University at (815) 838-0500. If the University is open and lessons are not canceled, but your personal situation poses significant safety concern due to inclement weather, you are excused from your lesson. It is your obligation to inform the CMS office and your instructor of your situation. Your lesson may be rescheduled depending on the instructor. The CMS reserves the right to cancel any course because of insufficient enrollment or as deemed necessary, and to make any schedule changes required, including change of hours, location, or instructor.

Withdrawals

In the event of prolonged illness or moving away from the area, students may withdraw and receive refunds prorated by the number of lessons received. Notification must be submitted in writing to the CMS office and the student’s private teacher explaining the case for withdrawal. Refunds will be prorated from the date the CMS office receives the letter. Failure to attend lessons or notify the teacher does not constitute withdrawal from the school. Inability to find time to practice, changing one’s mind, transportation difficulties, or unexpected changes in the student’s schedule are not acceptable reasons for a withdrawal request.

Dismissal

The CMS reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for poor attendance, non-payment of fees, lack of interest, or disruptive behavior. If a student is dismissed by the CMS office for non-payment of fees, the student must bring the balance owed to a current standing including all late fees.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend regularly scheduled lessons. Students who are late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed their full lesson time. Students are charged for all lessons for which they register, including those missed trough student absence. The student must notify the CMS office and the instructor 24 hours in advance when he/she will be absent from a private lesson as a courtesy to the instructor. No credit, refund, or makes-ups are given to a student who misses scheduled lessons. In the event it becomes necessary for the instructor to cancel lessons, a make-up lesson will be scheduled. If a student misses the make-up lesson, it will not be rescheduled.