Community Music School

Welcome to the UNI Community Music School!

The Community Music School, an outreach program of the UNI School of Music, believes that "Music Should Last a Lifetime!' and offers a variety of musical opportunities for members of the Cedar Valley community.  

Classes, ensembles, and lessons are offered year-round for students of all ages and abilities. Music lessons are available on a variety of instruments, including bassoon, clarinet, euphonium, flute, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, and voice, as well as, group piano classes for adult beginners, Music for Little Mozarts piano class, the Children’s Choir, the New Horizons Band, and Camp Musicmania.  


Through Community Outreach Programs at 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. 

Instructors and directors of Community Outreach Programs have undergone criminal background checks and are supervised by the University of Northern Iowa School of Music and their respective program directors. Payment for Community Outreach Programs should be registered and paid for through their respective program. This is the only way to ensure that you are taking lessons with a qualified instructor who has been approved by the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. Please note that teaching privately within UNI School of Music facilities, outside a UNI Community Outreach Program violates university policy. 

If you have questions about program policies or procedures, please contact the School of Music at 319-273-2311.
 

Benefits of Music Making

  • Encourages Creativity: Music affects our creativity through enhanced brain activity. This can inspire innovative solutions and evoke memories, emotions, and experiences—all powerful catalysts for ideation.
  • Elevates Moods: Playing music can alter emotions through the release of serotonin and dopamine, “feel-good” neurotransmitters that provide the brain with positive emotions. It’s a safe and natural mood booster! 
  • Calms the Mind: People who make music, experience less anxiety, loneliness, and depression. It is great for mental health and clarity.
  • Fosters Community: Music can bring together families and friends, and strengthen communities.

Keep in touch with the UNI Community Music School!

The best way to stay in touch with us is by joining our mailing list.  We send emails a few times a year to let you know about upcoming events.

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Curious when a certain class starts?  Are you looking for a Children's Choir or New Horizons Band Concert?  You have come to the right place for all CMS activities!