Community Music School

Music Should Last a Lifetime!

Welcome to the Cedar Valley's Most Comprehensive Community Music Education Experience.

At the Community Music School, we strive to support musicians in the Cedar Valley community.

We offer a wide range of year-round musical opportunities in the Cedar Valley—lessons, ensembles, classes, and camps for every age and ability level. Our programs include private lessons on woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, voice, and more; group piano; the Children’s Choir; CommUNI·Horn (Community Horn Choir); the New Horizons Band; and Camp Musicmania.

Whether you’re brand new to music, continuing your musical development, or returning to your instrument after years away, at the Community Music School, we are here to support every stage of your musical journey.

We believe in empowering musicians of all ages to learn, grow, and connect through music.

Our teachers, directors, and volunteers include UNI students, faculty, staff, alumni, and professional musicians and teachers in the community. Community Music School teachers benefit from having the opportunity to work in a variety of teaching environments and enjoyinteracting with and instructing members of differing populations in the Cedar Valley.

Two girls and one boy each sitting at keyboards in a piano lab, wearing headphones, and playing the piano.

Learn about Music Lessons

Learn about Music Ensembles

Learn about Classes & Camps

The Community Music School offers high-quality, local music instruction, with experienced teachers - affordable, personal, and connected to our community.

Who Is the Community Music School For?

The UNI Community Music School serves:

Children discovering music for the first time
Teens continuing to build musical skills
Adults learning music for enjoyment or personal growth
Adults returning to music after time away
Community members who want to make music together
You do not need to be a UNI student to participate — our programs are open to the community.

Let's Find Your Musical Path!

Search the Community Music School

Where We Learn, Create, and Perform

CMS activities are held at Russell Hall and the Gallagher Bluedorn on UNI's campus

from the back, viewing audience members watching a pianist perform

CMS lessons take place in one of the 4 CMS studios and 7 classrooms in Russell Hall, as well as classroom and practice rooms in the Gallagher Bluedorn

CMS studios and classrooms have professionally maintained pianos for student and teacher use

Rehearsals are held in Davis and Jebe Halls at the Gallagher Bluedorn

Performance spaces are located at Russell Hall in the Bengtson Auditorium and Graham Chamber Music Hall, as well as the Great Hall in the Gallagher Bluedorn

Steinway Grand Pianos are available to students for performances

Through Community Outreach Programs at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), the UNI School of Music is proud to continually aim for a greater commitment and connection to the surrounding community. Community Outreach Program staff include professional music educators, performers, and UNI School of Music students. All events are held on the UNI campus, virtually, or at other appropriate community sites in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA.

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