Northeast Iowa School of Music

NISOM is a one-stop shop for all your music education needs, no matter what your age or ability level. Under one roof we offer private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and standard band and orchestra instruments, in addition to group classes in selected instruments, all with a highly qualified faculty and staff. In many cases families are able to coordinate schedules for multiple lessons, and parents can wait in our newly-remodeled lobby. NISOM also offers scholarships to those who qualify and credit lessons through several area colleges. We strive to provide our students with as many advantages as possible including recitals throughout the year. Students are also admitted to some NISOM special programs, such as mock All-State Auditions and mock Solo-Ensemble Contests, for free or at a reduced price. 2. How do I get started? Private lessons are usually scheduled once a week, and tuition is paid by the trimester or through automatic monthly withdrawals. When you register, we will set you up with a weekly lesson time with one of our instructors. (If necessary, you can switch your regular lesson time later if an alternate time is available.) For most instruments, we have multiple instructors with varying schedules, so your teacher will depend on both your preferences and schedule. Although billing is by the trimester, you can begin at any time, and we will pro-rate the tuition. We recommend new students register in person whenever possible, so that we can best accommodate your schedule and match you with a teacher, but registration can also be completed through the mail or in some cases over the phone. To reserve a time, we need a completed registration form as well as the tuition and registration fee payment. (If you are using automatic withdrawals, we will also need an ACH form and voided check.) In person registration usually only takes five to ten minutes, but to speed up the process you can call the office in advance to check lesson time availability as well as the prorated tuition amount when applicable. You can even download a registration form to fill out before you come in. You should also review our policies before registering. Hard copies of our handbook are available at our office. To register for a group class, simply complete a registration form and submit it with the tuition payment. 3. Will I be assigned to an instructor or do I choose? If you would like to select your own instructor, you can view our instructor list by instrument here and alphabetically with brief biographies here. Please keep in mind that some have limited availability, so it is best to have multiple options. If you have no preference, we will match you with the most appropriate teacher based on your skill level, etc. who has a time available that best accommodates your schedule. 4. Do I need my own instrument? Except for pianos provided in each studio, students are expected to bring their own instruments. We do have a limited number of guitars that can be used during group classes (in-class use only). Piano students can begin if you do not have a piano at home, however access to one will be necessary as lessons progress. It's advisable, but not necessary, to have at least a keyboard to start. Many stores have rental options in addition to selling instruments. Contact us for recommendations. 5. Are there any age or experience requirements? How young can children start? NISOM offers programs for all ages. We offer group classes for various age groups, from preschool children to senior citizens; no experience is required unless otherwise specified. Private lesson age restrictions vary by instrument. Young children: The age children are ready to begin private lessons depends in large part upon the student. For ages five and under, we usually recommend one of our general group classes that incorporate games and movement rather than lessons. We also offer a Suzuki cello program for students as young as three. More information about the Suzkui method can be found at www.suzukiassociation.org. Piano: Most students do not begin piano lessons before age six or seven. Mature children are sometimes ready to begin by age five. Voice: We take students as young as seven; however, many voice teachers caution against beginning serious training before the voice has matured, and some have minimum age requirements ranging from eleven to fifteen. For students under age ten, we usually recommend beginning with piano lessons to learn the basics and transitioning to voice later or signing up with an instructor who teaches both and incorporating a little voice into piano sessions. Guitar: Eight years old is an appropriate age to begin guitar lessons. We do take younger students with permission from the instructor, and in such cases a parent will likely be required to sit-in on all lessons and help the child practice at home. Other instruments: Most other instrument training usually begins around age ten (or older). Adults & Seniors: You're never too old to begin! Whether you've played for years, you want to brush up on your skills, or you've always wanted to learn, we have programs for you.