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Judson University Community School of
Musical Arts (JUCSMA)
The Judson University Community School of Music Arts (JUCSMA) offers excellent music instruction to students of all ages in the context of a Christian community. Experienced instructors teach lessons on a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, music theory, and worship arts. Lessons are usually 30 minutes long and take place in Thompson Hall at Judson University.
Calendar
| Fall Semester |
| Monday, September 11 – Friday, December 8, 2023 (Recital: Sunday, December 10, 2023) |
| Spring Semester |
| Monday, January 15 – Friday, April 8, 2024 (Recital: Sunday, April 14, 2024) |
| Summer Session |
| Monday, April 22 – Friday, August 2, 2024 (No Recital) |
Interested in Lessons?
We offer a wide variety of musical instruction at different levels of expertise and commitment to fit your budget and level of interest. Young musicians can receive lessons from experienced professionals or from our very own Judson Music Performance students.
PRICING LEVELS
QUESTIONS
For registration, lesson scheduling, and other questions, contact our JUCSMA Coordinator.
Want lessons for an instrument not listed under an instructor? Don’t know how to get started?
Contact us to learn more.
JUCSMA Coordinator
Our Instructors
Stephen James Carter
Piano & Worship Arts
Beginner – Intermediate Students
- BA – Worship Arts, Judson University
- Professional Level I Rate
Stephen has been teaching music for over 9 years and leading worship for over 18 years. He now serves multiple ministries in the area with his teaching and worship-leading abilities. Stephen has written and produced two CD albums: You Long to Be Gracious (2007) and Better than Wine (2010). Stephen teaches Piano, Pop Vocal and Music & Worship training for students interested in learning the art of Worship (worship leading, song-writing, chord charting, and more.)
Jean Bishop
Flute
Beginner – Advanced Students
- BM , Roosevelt University
- Professional Level II Rate
Jean has taught at Judson University for many years, and is principal flute in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Gianna Capobianco
Flute
Beginner – Intermediate Students
- BM, Elmhurst College
- MM, Northern Illinois University
- Professional Level II Rate
Gianna has a deep passion for teaching and enjoys instructing students of all ages and levels. She strives to mentor her students and encourages them to be successful musicians and to achieve excellence in all areas of their lives. Gianna has a wide range of performing experience including orchestra, pit orchestra, band, chamber music, and solo work. She earned her BM (Elmhurst College) and MM (Northern Illinois University) in Music Performance and has a minor in dance education from Elmhurst College (magna cum laude) and enjoys teaching dance at a local studio.
Vicky Ostwald
piano
Beginner – Advanced Students
- BA – Piano Performance, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- Graduate Studies – Piano Pedagogy, University of Colorado-Boulder
- Professional Level I Rate
Vicky has many years of playing and teaching experience. She enjoys working with all levels of students, especially children but also adults, including students with special needs. Vicky has a firm grasp of music theory and incorporates this important element into her lessons. She will also add any special interest areas the student may have, such as learning to play by ear or learning how to accompany others. She teaches privately as well as group lessons.
Tara Hayes
Violin & Viola
Suzuki & Traditional: Beginner – Advanced Students
- BME – Music Education, Oberlin College Conservatory
- MM – Violin Performance & Pedagogy, Northwestern University
- Professional Level II Rate
Tara is an accomplished performer and instructor in both Violin and Viola. She can teach beginners using the Suzuki method as well as traditional methods – or a combination – depending on the parents’ desires. Tara also enjoys teaching advanced students. Tara is currently a member of the Rockford Symphony, and a former member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Robert Weber
Cello
Beginner – Advanced Students
- BME, University of Iowa
- MM, University of Iowa
- Professional Level II Rate
Cellist Robert Weber has been a member of the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra since 1988.
Sarah Mayer
Piano
Beginner – Advanced Students
- BA – Piano Performance, Judson University
- MM – Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Northern Illinois University
- Professional Level II Rate
Sarah was the accompanist for the Judson University Choir while studying at Judson as well as for her church, where she continues to serve as the church pianist. Sarah maintains a private piano studio and is active as an accompanist for several area choirs including community choirs, public school choirs, and a professional choir.
Dr. Sojung Lee Hong
Piano
Intermediate – Advanced (Age 15+) Students
- BA, Seoul National University, Korea
- MA, Seoul National University, Korea
- DMA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Professional Level II Rate
Sojung Lee Hong has enthusiastically combined her dual role as an educator and performer since her appointment to Judson University’s Music Faculty in 1998. Sojung has frequently been invited to speak and perform at events and conferences here in the United States as well as abroad. Dr. Hong holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Seoul National University, South Korea (magna cum laude) and a doctoral degree in Piano Performance and Literature from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
Dr. Josh Jones
Voice
Intermediate – Advanced (Age 15+) Students
- BA, Butler University
- MA, Boston University
- DMA, Northwestern University
- Professional Level II Rate
* Dr. Jones will be on Sabbatical 2021-2022
Dr. Robert Kania
Piano
Intermediate – Advanced (Age 15+) Students
- Diploma, The Academy of Music, Poznan Music College of Poland
- MM, University of Kansas
- DMA, University of Kansas
- Professional Level II Rate
Robert Kania has served at Judson University since 2000, teaching piano, music theory and ear training. Dr. Kania received his undergraduate training in his native Poland at the Poznan Music College, and his Masters and Doctorates at the University of Kansas. As a recitalist, Dr. Kania has performed on three continents and has given master classes at several colleges and universities. Dr. Kania is the Chair of the Music Department at Judson University.
Michael Folker
Percussion
Intermediate – Advanced Students
- BM, Milikin University
- MM, DePaul University
- Professional Level II Rate
Tim Shaffer
Bass
Beginner – Advanced Students
- Professional Level II Rate
Student Teachers
Various Instruments & Voice
- Current Judson University Students
- Student Rate
Our student teachers are skilled musicians on their primary instrument and are recommended for young students just beginning music lessons. Their availability each semester is dependent upon their academic workload and schedule.
Meet our DCWPA director
Dr. Warren Anderson
Dr. Anderson, a Judson alumnus (’86), serves as director of Judson’s Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts and Director of the University Choir. He holds responsibilities that include directing the Judson University Choir and teaching in the Worship Arts and Music departments.
A Judson “lifer,” Anderson also has served his alma mater as Dean of the Chapel, Dean of Men, Director of Housing, Director of Christian Ministries, Lecturer in Communication Arts, houseparent, admissions counselor, summer-ministry-team director, and assistant men’s basketball coach during his 30+ years as a Judson faculty/staff member.
Online Store
Judson artists, bands, and ensembles works compiled, produced, and recorded through the DCWPA’s Dark Room Studios and various live events are available for purchase as CDs through our online store or can be digitally streamed or purchased through Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms.