Faculty Families Can Get Discount to Enroll in Music Academy

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Family members of Northwestern University faculty and staff are reaping the benefits of the University's Music Academy, a community extension of the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, with a 25 percent discount on tuition.

With several faculty family members currently taking classes, the discount has proven effective in attracting children who might otherwise not be able to take advantage of classes at the academy.

Rachelle Brooks said her son, Conlin, has been enrolled in the Kindermusik classes since Brooks began working at Northwestern in 2006. Conlin, 5, is currently learning to read music for percussion instruments.

"I find the curriculum enriching and engaging, providing a place where the children not only learn about music, but enjoy it," said Brooks, who directs the Center for Data Collection and Analysis. "They sing, dance, play games and instruments, and read stories. Who wouldn't like it?"

The Music Academy offers music, piano, voice, and string instrument instruction on the Evanston campus. Over 400 students of all ages are currently enrolled, but young children make up the largest group.

"The Kindermusik classes for preschool children are among the most popular, closely followed by private piano and violin lessons," said Mary Beth Molenaar, director of the Music Academy.

Started in the 1930s, the Music Academy provides music lessons for children, adults and seniors in the community. Though many students of the Academy are from the Evanston area, some commute from other suburbs and towns as far away as Valparaiso, Ind.