Private Lessons


Ready to learn to play music in a private setting? Our students are provided our best-fit Lesson Plan!

article-private-lessons-UNWAoM-86

Best-fit Lesson Plan

The Academy of Music offers the Best-fit Lesson Plan, a unique opportunity to select not only the length and number of lessons but also the level of instruction. Families can make decisions based on instructor experience, student skill level, interests, expectations, financial consideration, scheduling or any other criteria important to the student. The availability of instructors may vary depending on the instrument.

Teacher request is on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lessons are offered for the following instruments: 

  • Banjo
  • Bass Guitar
  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Conducting
  • Double bass
  • Drum Set
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • French Horn
  • Guitar/Acoustic
  • Guitar/Electric
  • Harp
  • Mandolin
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Saxophone
  • Songwriting
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Ukulele
  • Viola
  • Violin 
  • Voice

Instructor Levels

Dual Faculty Instructors: Highly experienced instructors on faculty within the university department music program and the Academy of Music. Dual faculty have advanced degrees in music and include exceptional performers and pedagogues.

Faculty Instructors: Experienced instructors with music degrees ranging from bachelors through doctorates. Faculty instructors are accomplished teachers who actively perform in the community and are continually involved in teacher development.

Student Instructors: Exceptional students in the music program at University of Northwestern who are teaching to gain experience and apply newly learned teaching techniques. Student instructors are under the supervision of university faculty members and the Academy of Music director.

Lesson Observation

How do you know if an instructor will be a good fit? You are welcome to observe a lesson of the instructor you are interested in working with a current student. Observations are completely free and help the family get a feel for what it would be like to join a specific instructor’s studio. Contact the Academy at [email protected] to set up your observation.

Find Your Teacher

The Academy of Music offers private lessons during the fall, spring, and summer terms. Here are the registration open dates:

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: May 1

Lesson Lengths

  • 30 minutes
  • 45 minutes
  • 60 minutes

Lesson Packages

  • Full Fall: 13 lessons during a 15-week term
  • Full Spring: 15 lessons during a 17-week term
  • Prorated: choose the number of lessons that will fit your schedule; fall (1-12 lessons), spring (1-14 lessons), and summer (1-12 lessons)

Additional prorated lessons may be added at the end of each term as arranged by the instructor and student.

There will be a $20 late registration fee applied if a student begins lessons before registering and completing tuition payment.

New Students:

  1. Create your account and register here.
  2. The office will match you with the best-fit instructor based on your preferences and complete the registration.
  3. You will receive an enrollment notification and payment link via e-mail to access your portal.
  4. Your new instructor will contact you to confirm the scheduled lessons, location, and any required materials.
  5. Attend your lessons!

Current Students:

  1. Confirm lesson day and time with your instructor.
  2. Sign in to your portal and register for your lesson time on the calendar tab.
  3. The office will complete your registration.
  4. You will receive an enrollment notification and payment link via e-mail to access your portal.