What are lessons like?
The cello is a beautiful instrument, which can speak with deep expression and play many styles of music. The study of cello is rewarding for all ages, and develops skills like self-expression, critical and analytical thinking, creativity, language, problem-solving, physical dexterity, and self-discipline.
Ms Kuna enjoys learning about each student’s strengths and passions, and integrating those into cello playing. Are you an athlete? Like to create visual art? Interested in math and science? Love story-telling? Enthusiastic about video gaming or cooking? All these things can weave into your enjoyment of learning the cello.
Lessons include the development of expressive playing, technical advancement, music theory, improvisation, composition, traditional cello repertoire and popular music. Ms. Kuna enjoys working with all ages and levels of students, including adult beginners. The program of study is designed to meet the particular needs and goals of each student, whether that be supporting school orchestra playing, a professional career in music, or simply the lifelong enjoyment of playing cello.
Typical schedule
In fall and spring, lessons meet weekly. You may choose between a 45-minute or 60-minute lesson length.
During the school year, most lessons are scheduled for afternoon and evening, Monday through Thursday. Morning times are available if desired.
Calendar - the lesson calendar takes into consideration the scheduled breaks in the local school district calendars (Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Naperville). Fall semester generally begins the last week of August and ends the third week of December. Spring semester generally begins the first full week of January and concludes by the first week of June.
Summer session - Summer allows for flexibility; lesson days and times may differ from week to week, taking into consideration vacations and camps. Students are asked to take at least six 45-minute lessons or four 60-minute lessons during June, July, and August.
Online lessons are available – Zoom, Skype, Facetime
Location
Lessons are held at Ms. Kuna’s teaching studio in northwest Wheaton.
Tuition
Students may choose to pay in full for each semester for a small discount, or divide the semester fee into monthly payments. The semester fee is calculated according to the current fee per weekly lesson: $48 for 45 minutes, and $63 for an hour (subject to change). Contact Ms. Kuna for the current semester fee.
Recitals
Recitals are an excellent opportunity for students to work toward goals and celebrate their accomplishments. We typically have three recitals per year – late fall, late winter, and final recital in May. The fall and winter recitals give students a chance to perform solo pieces, and the May recital features graduating seniors playing honors solos, and all other students playing in the always-fun cello trios and quartets.
