Groups & Ensembles
The Academy of Music groups and ensembles build music skills in a fun and interactive environment. In group lessons, students learn a new instrument and basic music theory in a setting that is both engaging and instructive. Ensembles give students the opportunity to grow in their technique, learn from their peers, and strengthen their collaborative skills. Each ensemble completes the semester with an exciting final performance.
| Groups & Ensembles | Session length | Weeks | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Guitar | 30 minutes | 12 per semester | $125 per semester |
| Class Piano | 45 minutes | 12 per semester | $200 per semester |
| Guitar Ensemble | 60 minutes | 6 per semester | $80 per semester |
| Musical Beginnings | 30 minutes | 12 per semester | $125 per semester |
| Vivace Voices Youth Choir | 60 minutes | 12 per semester | $170 per semester |
| Violin Group | 45 minutes | 12 per semester | $170 per semester |
| Worship Team | 60 minutes | 12 per semester | $120 per semester |
| Worship Instrumental Ensemble | 90 minutes | 12 per semester | $120 per semester |
Registration Steps:
- Create your account and register for the appropriate group or ensemble here.
- The office will confirm your registration.
- You will receive an enrollment notification and payment link via e-mail to access your portal.
- An email will be sent one week before the first rehearsal starts with important details.
There is a nonrefundable $20 registration fee per family per semester. Please see Payment Policies for additional information.
Discounts
Family discount: Families registering three or more students or registering for lessons on three or more instruments/groups/ensembles during the same transaction will receive a 10 percent discount off the family’s total tuition for the semester. The discount does not apply towards the registration fee or the monthly payment plan fee.
Would you like to learn to play the guitar? Learn the basics of how to play the guitar as a solo and an accompaniment instrument with no experience needed. Each half-hour session will consist of scales, chords, history, and music theory.
Instructor: Glen Larson
Eligibility
No previous experience or knowledge needed. Ages 5 & up. Adults welcome!
Schedule
- Thursdays, 6:30–7:00 p.m., Nazareth Hall N3326
- Fall 2024 classes: September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 7, 14, 21; December 5
- Spring 2025 classes: January 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, (no class 13th), 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17, 24
Requirements
- Acoustic guitar
A note from our guitar instructor on selecting a guitar:
We like to see students start on a classical guitar – that is, a nylon string acoustic guitar. There are a variety of brands, and every music store carries them. Just about anything you get will most likely be acceptable for a beginner. One thing we can suggest is that you pay attention to the size of your child. Depending on their size, you may want to get a guitar that is not full size such as a 3/4 size. An advantage of the classical guitar is that it allows students to get into a full size a bit sooner than if they were playing a normal style steel string guitar.
Tuition
- $125 per semester (12 weeks; 30-min. sessions)
Class Piano is a group session in which students of similar age and skill level learn to play the piano together. Students will learn to read music and play both solo and ensemble pieces in a variety of styles. The classes will include scales and chords with music theory, improvisation, and ear-training. This is a great course for beginners wanting to start piano in a group setting.
Students meet in a piano lab equipped with multiple digital pianos. Each student plays on a digital piano with weighted keys and uses headphones so that the instructor can listen to and communicate with each student individually. The instructor has the ability to listen to each student alone or combine two to five students so they can play songs together.
Instructor: Brittany Moreno
Advantages to Class Piano
- Students are given time to work on what they learn during the lesson and are taught how to practice.
- The class gives the instructor time to cover not only the students’ pieces, but also music theory, improvisation, music history, note drills, scales, chords and ear training.
- Students motivate each other and enjoy lessons because of the group setting. They feel the camaraderie of their peers, much like the band and orchestra experiences at school.
- Students develop rhythm and ensemble skills by playing duet and group pieces with other students.
Eligibility
Class Piano is available to beginners age 7 and up with no previous piano experience. Students must be able to read and work independently.
Schedule
Class Piano is offered on Mondays for 12 lessons with a recital on the final day of class.
- Mondays, 6:15–7:00 p.m., Totino Fine Arts Center F2229 (Piano Lab)
- Fall 2024 classes: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14 (No Class Oct. 21), 28; November 4, 11, 18 (no class week of Thanksgiving); December 2, 9
- Spring 2025 classes: February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, (no class 10th), 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28
Requirements
- Students must have a piano or keyboard to practice on during the week.
- Practice outside of class is expected.
Book Requirements:
- (3 Books) Succeeding at the Piano by Helen Marlais, Preparatory Level (Lesson & Technique Book, Recital Book, Theory & Activity Book)
Other:
- Pencil
- Dry marker
Fall Recital: December 9 at 6:15 p.m.
Tuition
- $200 per semester (12 weeks; 45-min. sessions)
Come join an ensemble where guitarists can further their skills and perform together! Collaborate with others at different ability levels while playing a variety of musical genres.
Instructor: Glen Larson
Eligibility
Guitarists with at least one semester of lesson experience and a working knowledge of first position, note reading, rhythm, and chords. Adults welcome!
Schedule
- Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Location N3326
- Meets for 6 rehearsals each semester
- Fall 2024 rehearsal dates: October 29; November 5, 12, 19; December 3, 10
- Spring 2025 rehearsal dates: March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Ensemble Performances
- Monday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m., Academy Ensemble Concert, Nazareth Chapel
Tuition
- $80 per semester (6 weeks, 60-min. rehearsals)
Eligibility
Students ages 3-6 develop a love for music and learning in a group class setting through exposure to a variety of musical instruments, rhythmic and pitch techniques, singing, playing musical games, learning about composers and a wide variety of music, while having lots and lots of fun!
This class is for students who may be too young for private instrument instruction or prefer learning more general musical knowledge before choosing and studying a specific instrument.
Instructor: Brittany Glenny-Moreno
Schedule – UNW
- Mondays, 9:30–10:00 a.m., Totino Fine Arts Center F2211 (Choir Room)
- Meets for 12 classes each semester
- Fall 2024 dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14, 28 (no class Oct. 21); November 4, 11, 18 (no class week of Thanksgiving); December 2, 9
- Spring 2025 dates: February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, (no class 10th), 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28
Tuition
- $125 per semester (12 weeks; 30-min classes)
ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR SPRING!
The Vivace Voices Choir repertoire spans a variety of styles and languages, secular and sacred. Vocal technique, theory, sight-singing, and ear-training skills will be incorporated in rehearsals. Music will be unison and/or two-to four-part singing for treble and/or mixed voices.
Instructor: Kara Peterson
Eligibility
Students ages 9–16 who love to sing and have had some previous musical experience.
Schedule
- Mondays, 6:00–7:00 p.m., Totino Fine Arts Center F2211 (Choir Room)
- Meets for 12 rehearsals each semester
- Spring 2025 dates: February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, (no class the 10th) 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28
Performances
- Eaglecrest: TBD, 10:30 a.m., (9:30 a.m. call time)
- Fall – Christmas at Northwestern Lobby Performance: TBD, 3:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m. call time)
- Fall – Ensemble Concert: December 9, 6:30 p.m., Nazareth Chapel
- Spring – May 5, 6:30 p.m., Nazareth Chapel
Auditions
All new students must schedule a 10-minute voice placement audition. Students should come prepared to sing a song a capella; the director will also have each student do some vocal exercises and sight reading.
Auditions will be held Saturday, February 3, prior to rehearsal. Please contact the Academy at 651-631-5108 or email [email protected] to schedule your audition.
Tuition
- $170 per semester (12 weeks; 60-min rehearsals)
Develop your technique, learn new pieces, and perform with others in a fun, collaborative environment. Violin Group is offered to beginning and advanced students currently enrolled in private violin lessons, whether with us or another private teacher.
Instructors: Kiana Welsch and Grace Abt; Brittany Quinn
Eligibility
Violin Group will be for late Suzuki Book 1 level or equivalent on up. As a new student, you may enroll in violin lessons and group class simultaneously. Minimum age: 6 years
Must be enrolled in private lessons to participate, ability to read music recommended.
Schedule
Violin Group: Tuesdays, 4:45–5:30 p.m., Nazareth Hall N3326
- Fall Dates: September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 (no class week of Thanksgiving); December 3
- Spring Dates: January 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4 (no class 11th), 18, (no class 25th); April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Performance
- Fall – December 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
- Spring – May 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Tuition
- $170 per semester (12 weeks; 45-min sessions)
The UNW Academy of Music Worship Team exists to provide opportunities for community singers and students to experience meaningful worship and lead others in glorifying God together through song.
The Worship Team meets to rehearse, fellowship, and present a worship night on the University of Northwestern campus.
Instructor: TBD
Eligibility
High school students through adults.
Schedule
- Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 p.m.
- Meets for 12 rehearsals each semester
- Fall dates: TBD
Performances
- TBD
Tuition
- $120 per semester (12 weeks; 90-min sessions)
Emphasis
The UNW Academy of Music Worship Instrumental Ensemble exists to provide opportunities for community musicians and students to experience heartfelt worship and pursue the glorification of God together through music.
The Worship Instrumental Ensemble meets to rehearse, fellowship and present multiple worship opportunities held on the University of Northwestern campus.
Instructor: TBD
Eligibility
High school students through adults.
Schedule
- Thursdays 6:30-8:00 p.m.
- Meets for 12 rehearsals each semester
- Fall dates: TBD
Performances
- TBD
Tuition
- $120 per semester (12 weeks; 90-min sessions)
