Meet the UNI Community Music School
Music Should Last a Lifetime!
The UNI Community Music School (CMS) offers year-round opportunities to study music for Cedar Valley students of all ages and abilities.
The Community Music School first began offering private music lessons in the spring of 2006 with two teachers on staff and 30 students. The first of the CMS recital weekends was hosted that spring – followed by a reception to celebrate with cookies and punch!
Today, CMS has over 20 teachers on staff and offers lessons and a variety of music programs for over 300 Cedar Valley children and adults annually. Private lessons are available on a variety of woodwind, brass, keyboard, voice, and percussion instruments throughout the entire year, as well as group piano lessons for children and adults, the Children’s Choir, the New Horizons Band, and Camp Musicmania.
- CMS activities are held at Russell Hall and the Gallagher Bluedorn on UNI's campus
- 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
The CMS staff includes professional music educators, performers and UNI School of Music students. Classes and lessons are offered year-round for students of all ages and abilities. All CMS events are held on the UNI campus in the UNI School of Music facilities, virtually, or at other appropriate area community sites in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA.
Mission Statement
To offer innovative music education experiences for area youth and adults.
To provide mentored teaching opportunities and experiences for UNI School of Music students.
To establish community-based partnerships to promote and utilize the many resources and facets of cultural diversity at UNI and in the Cedar Valley.
Community Music School Leadership
- Heather Hamilton, Director of the Community Music School (2016 - Present)
- Cindi Mason, Director of the Community Music School (2006-2016)
- Ryan Occeña, Director of the UNI Children's Choir (2022 - Present)
- Amy Kotsonis, Director of the UNI Children's Choir (2021 - 2022)
- Michelle Swanson, Director of the UNI Children's Choir (2003 - 2020)
- Diana Blake, Director of the New Horizons Band (2004 - Present)
- Bill Shepherd, Director of the New Horizons Band (1999 - 2004)
Location and Parking Information
Campus Maps
The UNI Community Music School classes, rehearsals, and lessons are held on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Russell Hall and the Gallagher Bluedorm Performing Arts Center, virtually, or at other approved sites. Please consult your instructor and/or director for the location of your event.
Parking Permits
Limited UNI metered parking is available in the Russell Hall Lot - A and Latham Field Lot (a short 1 block walk from Russell), or at the Gallagher Performing Arts Center Visitor’s Lot.
Parking permits are available for purchase to park in Latham Field Lot prior to 4:00 PM, or the Russell Lot after 4:00 PM. Permits are also available to purchase for New Horizons Band members to park outside the Gallagher Bluedorn for rehearsals.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Fill out the Contact Us form and you will receive a response within three business days.
Additional Contact Information
UNI Community Music School
115 Russell Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0246
Phone:(319) 273-2142
Fax: (319) 273-7320
E-mail: unicommunitymusic@uni.edu
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Regular Building Hours for Russell Hall:
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Regular Building Hours for the GBPAC:
Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Contact Us
Employment Opportunities
Teach Individual and Group Lessons
The Community Music School is hiring the following professional musicians and educators to teach the following instruments and/or classes. If you are interested in applying, please send a CV to Heather Hamilton at heather.hamilton.edu.
Teach Individual and Group Lessons
- Piano Teacher
- Clarinet Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
- Horn Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
- Trombone Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
If you are a UNI student interested in teaching at the UNI Community Music School, complete the online application.
At Camp Music Mania, campers (1st-8th grade) spend five amazing days engaging in fun activities exploring music, drama, and art. A willingness to learn, be creative, and general silliness is encouraged.
Positions Available
- Group Leaders (multiple positions)
- Group leaders are in charge of a group of kids (usually between 15-20)
- Groups are divided by grade, rising 1st-8th graders
- Group leaders are responsible for taking their group to each activity every day, participating, and "in general" assisting the teachers and making sure the kids are behaving responsibly.
- Ideal candidates include music and education majors.
- Teachers
- Piano
- Art
- Ideal candidates will have teaching experience with students in elementary and middle school.
- Plan age appropriate activities for students in grades 1-8.
Professional educators, send a letter of interest to heather.hamilton@uni.edu
Teach Individual and Group Lessons
The Community Music School is hiring the following professional musicians and educators to teach the following instruments and/or classes. If you are interested in applying, please send a CV to Heather Hamilton at heather.hamilton.edu.
Teach Individual and Group Lessons
- Piano Teacher
- Clarinet Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
- Horn Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
- Trombone Teacher (New Horizons Group Lessons)
If you are a UNI student interested in teaching at the UNI Community Music School, complete the online application.
At Camp Music Mania, campers (1st-8th grade) spend five amazing days engaging in fun activities exploring music, drama, and art. A willingness to learn, be creative, and general silliness is encouraged.
Positions Available
- Group Leaders (multiple positions)
- Group leaders are in charge of a group of kids (usually between 15-20)
- Groups are divided by grade, rising 1st-8th graders
- Group leaders are responsible for taking their group to each activity every day, participating, and "in general" assisting the teachers and making sure the kids are behaving responsibly.
- Ideal candidates include music and education majors.
- Teachers
- Piano
- Art
- Ideal candidates will have teaching experience with students in elementary and middle school.
- Plan age appropriate activities for students in grades 1-8.
Professional educators, send a letter of interest to heather.hamilton@uni.edu