SIU School of Music Preparatory Programs and Suzuki School

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026, 01:39 PM

SIU School of Music Preparatory Programs and Suzuki School

SIU School of Music provides opportunities for pre-college and community musicians to study their instrument or voice with highly skilled instructors in individual and group settings. SIUEvents and Outreach handles registration for lessons and activities offered through School of Music Camps, Preparatory Program, and Suzuki School. Private lesson fees are variable, depending on instructor training and experience. Instructor categories include SIU School of Music faculty (may require an audition), Staff Instructor, and Apprentice Instructor Levels 1 & 2. Staff and Apprentice Instructors are selected by SIU School of Music faculty and vetted according to Illinois state law. Level One Apprentice Instructors have completed at least one year of mentored teaching experience and/or have completed coursework in pedagogy related to their primary instrument or voice.

Instrument Lessons

Cello Lessons

Cello Lessons With Apprentice Instructor

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by a School of Music Faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice.

Lesson Registration Fees

REGISTRATION FEES*
Lessons Instructor Level 1 Instructor Level 2
30-minutes $360 (or 4 installments of $90) $300 (or 4 installments of $75)
45-minutes $460 (or 4 installments of $115) $360 (or 4 installments of $90)
60-minutes $540 (or 4 installments of $135) n/a

Instructor Level 1 or  Level 2 Registration Form

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 1 or 2 do not require audition. School of Music approval is required to complete registration. 

Lesson location:  Altgeld 205

For questions contact:

Professor Bill Cernota
bactocello@gmail.com

Cello Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Professor William Cernota

Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lessons will be held in Altgeld 212

Registration Fees*:

  • 5 Lessons                                                   

30 minutes   -           $175

45 minutes   -           $262

60 minutes   -           $350

  • 15 Lessons

30 minutes   -           $525

45 minutes   -           $786

60 minutes   -           $1,050

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

Professor William Cernota
bactocello@gmail.com

Cello Lessons SIU Suzuki School


Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location:  Altgeld 222

Registration Fees*:

Private Tuition Chart

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form (Annual)

Registration Form (Pro-Rated)

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval.

For questions contact:

 618-536-8742

Clarinet Lessons

Clarinet Lessons With Apprentice Instructor Level 1

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by a School of Music Faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice.


Registration fees:*

60-minute lessons $540 (or 4 installments of $135)

45-minute lessons $460 (or 4 installments of $115)

30-minute lessons for $360 (or 4 installments of $90)

 *Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Lesson location: Altgeld 218

Registration Form

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 1 do not require audition, but School of Music approval is required to complete registration.  For questions or inquiries about instrument lessons:

 

Dr. Eric Mandat
(618) 453-5802
emandat@siu.edu

French Horn Lessons

French Horn Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Jennifer Presar, Senior Lecturer

Jennifer is an Instructor of Horn and Music Theory at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lessons will be held in Old Baptist Foundation 106

Registration Fees:*

  • 5 Lessons                                                   

30 minutes   -           $150

45 minutes   -           $230

60 minutes   -           $280

  • 15 Lessons

30 minutes   -           $420

45 minutes   -           $630

60 minutes   -           $780

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

Jennifer Presar, Senior Lecturer
618.536.8742
jpresar@siu.edu

Organ

Organ Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty

James Reisinger, Assistant Professor


Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lessons will be held in Altgeld 212

Registration Fees:*

30-minute lessons
5 lessons - $150

10 lessons - $300

15 lessons - $450

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

James Reisinger, Assistant Professor
618.536.8742
reifinger@siu.edu

Percussion/Drum-Set Lessons

Percussion/Drum-Set Lessons With Apprentice Instructor Level 2

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by a School of Music Faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice.

Registration fees:*

45-minute lessons $360 (or 4 installments of $90)

30-minute lessons for $300 (or 4 installments of $75)

 *Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Lesson location: Altgeld 009/012

Registration Form

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 2 do not require an audition. School of Music approval is required to complete registration. For questions or inquiries about instrument lessons:

Dr. Christopher Butler
(618) 453-5853
cbutler@siu.edu 

Percussion/Drum-Set Lessons with School of Music Faculty
Dr. Christopher Butler, Lecturer

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location: Altgeld 009/012

Registration Fees:*

  • 5 Lessons                                                   

30 minutes   -           $150

45 minutes   -           $230

60 minutes   -           $280

  • 15 Lessons

30 minutes   -           $420

45 minutes   -           $630

60 minutes   -           $780

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

Dr. Christopher Butler
(618) 453-5853
cbutler@siu.edu

Piano Lessons

Piano Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Sarah Patton Gray

Registration is based on two 16-week terms— one fall and one spring— for a total of 32 weeks from August to May. There is a student recital at the end of each semester. 

Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded.

Tuition may be paid in full at the start of September or broken into 8 equal monthly payments. (See tuition schedule for details). 

Lessons will be held in OBF 105. The instructor is Sarah Gray. 

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

Sarah Patton Gray

618-303-0304

sarah.patton@siu.edu

Trombone/Euphonium Lessons

Trombone/Euphonium Lessons With Apprentice Instructor Level 2

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by a School of Music Faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice

Registration fees:

30-minute lessons $300 (or 4 installments of $75)

45-minute lessons $360 (or 4 installments of $90)

Registration Form

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Lesson location: Altgeld 205

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 2 do not require an audition. School of Music approval is required to complete registration. 

Dr. Jessica Butler
(618) 453-8742
j.butler@siu.edu

 

Trombone/Euphonium Lessons with School of Music Faculty
Dr. Jessica Butler, Lecturer

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location: 

Registration Fees*:

  • 5 Lessons                                                   

30 minutes   -           $150

45 minutes   -           $230

60 minutes   -           $280

  • 15 Lessons

30 minutes   -           $420

45 minutes   -           $630

60 minutes   -           $780

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

Dr. Jessica Butler
(618) 453-8742
j.butler@siu.edu

Trumpet

Trumpet Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 1

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIUC holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice to the instructor will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by a School of Music Faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice.

Registration fees:*

60-minute lessons $540 (or 4 installments of $135)

45-minute lessons $460 (or 4 installments of $115)

30-minute lessons $360 (or 4 installments of $90)

 *Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lesson location: Old Baptist Foundation 214

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 1 do not require an audition. School of Music approval is required to complete registration. For questions or inquiries about trumpet lessons:

Jennifer Presar
618/536-8742
jpresar@siu.edu

Viola Lessons

Viola Lessons with Suzuki School Instructor 

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location: Altgeld 222

Registration Fees:*

Private Tuition Chart

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form (Annual)

Registration Form (Pro-Rated)

Lessons with the School of Music Faculty may require audition or instructor approval.

For questions or inquiries:
618.536.8742

Viola Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Dr. Rossana Cauti, Assistant Lecturer

Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location: Altgeld 021

Registration Fees:*

45 minutes lessons:

  • 5 lessons - $225
  • 10 lessons - $450
  • 15 lessons - $675

60 minutes lessons:

  • 5 lessons - $300
  • 10 lessons - $600
  • 15 lessons - $900

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval.

For questions or inquiries:

Dr. Rossana Cauti
618.536.8742
rossana.cauti@siu.edu        

Violin Lessons

Violin Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Michael Barta, Professor

Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location:  Altgeld 021

Registration Fees:*

60 minutes lessons:

  • 4 lessons - $280
  • 8 lessons - $560

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval.

For questions or inquiries:

Michael Barta
618.536.8742
barta@siu.edu

Violin Lessons SIU Suzuki School


Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location:  Altgeld 222

Registration Fees:*   Private Tuition Chart

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form (Annual)

Registration Form (Pro-Rated)

Lessons with the School of Music Faculty may require audition or instructor approval.

For questions or inquiries:
618.536.8742

Viola Lessons with SIU School of Music Faculty
Dr. Rossana Cauti, Assistant Lecturer

Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Lesson location:  Altgeld 021

Registration Fees:*

45 minutes lessons:

  • 5 lessons - $225
  • 10 lessons - $450
  • 15 lessons - $675

60 minutes lessons:

  • 5 lessons - $300
  • 10 lessons - $600
  • 15 lessons - $900

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval.

For questions or inquiries:

Dr. Rossana Cauti
618.536.8742
rossana.cauti@siu.edu         

Violin Lessons
Apprentice Instructor Level 1 or 2

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Regular weekly lessons are scheduled on a day and time that is mutually agreeable for students and instructors. A lesson that falls on a designated SIU-Carbondale holiday or administrative closure day will be rescheduled. Any lesson that is missed due to instructor cancellation will be available for rescheduling. A lesson that is missed due to cancellation by the registrant with less than 24 hours' notice will not be rescheduled or refunded. Two regular lessons will also include assessment consultation with the School of Music faculty. Each Apprentice Instructor is selected by the School of Music faculty specializing in the specific instrument or voice.

Violin lesson fees

30-minutes
Registration Fees*
Lessons Instructor Level 1 Instructor Level 2
30-minutes $360 (or 4 installments of $90) $300 (or 4 installments of $75)
45-minutes $460 (or 4 installments of $115) $360 (or 4 installments of $90)
60-minutes $540 (or 4 installments of $135) n/a

Instructor Level 1 Registration Form

Instructor Level 2 Registration Form

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Lessons with Apprentice Instructor Level 1 or 2 do not require audition. School of Music approval is required to complete registration. 

Lesson location:  Altgeld Hall

Questions and inquiries about lessons:

618.536.8742

Voice Lessons

Voice Lessons with School of Music Faculty

Registration is based on a 16-week term. Lesson start date and subsequent meetings will be established for day, time, and frequency to be mutually agreeable for student and instructor. Further details will be provided by the instructor, including attendance/cancellation policy, required materials, and performing opportunities.

Registration Fees*:

5 Lessons

30 minutes - $125
60 minutes - $250

15 Lessons

30 minutes - $350
60 minutes - $700

*Additional costs may also include instrument purchase or rental, associated maintenance, supplies, and materials (method books, etudes, music scores, metronome, etc.)

Registration Form

Lessons with SIU School of Music faculty require audition or instructor approval. For questions contact:

618/536-8742