Registration now open for Luther College Community Music School

The Luther College Community Music School (LCMMS) is gearing up for its second year. LCCMS was designed to help students of all ages and levels of experience to expand their musical skills while, at the same time, creating practical teaching experiences for college music education and music majors. Claire Thompson, area music educator and Luther alumnus, serves as coordinator of the program. Luther College music and education students offer group classes, individual lessons and a youth choir called Song and Dance Club, better known as SoDa Club. 

LCCMS is the result of a 2018 summer research project by Catyelyn Janda, a Luther senior from Batavia, IL. LCCMS served approximately 80 young students and more than 25 Luther students in its inaugural year. When sharing about their experience a parent said, "The lessons my girls received last year through the Luther Community Music School inspired an entire summer of music exploration! They are all looking forward to continuing next semester and even trying new instruments. The college students gave quality instruction with just the right amount of fun mixed in which made the experience both effective and enjoyable."

This year, group classes will be held Wednesdays from 8:00-8:50 a.m. at Decorah Lutheran Church. Classes are led by LCCMS teachers. The fall Session runs from Sept. 24-Nov. 20. Tuition is $40 for eight weeks.

SoDa Club is a community choir that focuses on vocal production, music literacy, movement and artistic music making. The choir is led by Luther professors Linda Marin, Jill Wilson and Claire Thompson. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 5:30-6:30 at Decorah Lutheran Church. The fall Session runs from Sept. 23-Nov. 18. Tuition is $60 for 8 weeks.

Private lessons consist of 12, 30-minute weekly lessons with an LCCMS teacher. Lessons are offered Saturday mornings in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music at Luther College or on Wednesday mornings at Decorah Lutheran Church. Students will be invited to participate in a recital on the Luther College campus at the end of the semester. Tuition is $150 for 12 lessons, recital participation and an accompanist for the student recital.

Registration is available online at https://lccms.luther.edu or by contacting Claire Thompson at lccms@luther.edu or (563) 387-1301. Need-based scholarships are available for all offerings.

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