Photos and video

Chamber Music

Defined as one player per part, the genre of Chamber Music can range from as small as a duo to as large as an octet. Its intimate form develops teamwork as players collaborate both musically and socially. Students learn such life skills as problem solving in this democratic process of making music together. The enjoyment of playing chamber music lasts a life time!

The facets of the Preucil Chamber Music Program include: Winter Chamber Program, Velay Certificate Chamber Program, Established Ensembles and Summer Chamber Fest. Additional chamber opportunities are offered at the String Retreat weekend, Cello Chamber Days, and special events such as the Haydn Slam and guest chamber music master classes.

The various chamber offerings are partially funded by a grant from the Amateur Chamber Music Players and its Clinton B. Ford Foundation of its ACMP Foundation.

Calendar/chamber events

Click to link to Calendar homepage.

Additional information

Photos and video

Summer Chamber Fest

Winter Chamber Program

Established Ensembles Program

Calendar/events


Registration policies and forms

Thank you for your interest in the Preucil School of Music. If you have trouble downloading the forms, please install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To put your child or an adult student on our waiting list for lessons:

1. Please read the Enrollment Process carefully:
Enrollment Process for lessons
2. If your child is under 5 years old, please read:
Pretwinkle Partner Lesson Information
3. For information about lesson tuition and fees:
Fee Structure 2008-2009
4. Print and complete the Placement Form:
Lesson Placement Form
5. Print and complete the Observation Form:
Observation Form
6. Send the completed forms and the $35 placement fee to:

Preucil School of Music - Main Campus
524 N. Johnson St.
Iowa City, IA 52245-2840

Financial aid is available.

Registration Policies

The Preucil School of Music is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution and attempts to keep its fees as low as possible. Your cooperation with the following policies will insure efficient business procedures at minimum cost.

1. Enrollment must be made for the academic year. Tuition is based on the full academic year of 37 weeks. Students registering after the term has begun will be charged from the date of their first lesson. Tuition is divided into 9 equal payments, with the first & May payment due at registration. For each succeeding month tuition is due by the 10th, with a $10 late fee added after that date. A $15 service charge will be assessed for each returned check. There are no monthly statements sent by the School. Please note when payment is due and mail accordingly or pay in person at the office.

We believe in the importance of excellent musical training in a child’s total development, and need the parents’ commitment & encouragement at those times when interest lags in any regular discipline. Following through with projects begun is also an important lesson for the child. Thus we ask parents to observe the method in action before enrolling, and then fully intend to remain in the program for the entire academic year, unless the teacher determines that the child is not yet ready. The School reserves the right to discontinue any student who does not exhibit sufficient interest to progress.

2. Summer session enrollment may be for all or part of the weeks offered, with tuition due in full when registering.

3. If you have any questions or reservations about your training, we encourage you to discuss them with your teacher. If you would prefer to discuss them in confidence with the Director, please call the office for an appointment.

4. Procedure for discontinuing lessons:

a) Pick up discontinuance form in the office.

b) Fill out, sign and ask teacher to sign.

c) Turn into office and pay any remaining fees before the 1st of the next month to avoid being charged for that month.

d) The May deposit payment will not be refunded. For students graduating or moving during the year, the deposit will be used for the last month’s attendance, if six weeks notice is given.

5. Tuition entitles a student to school membership and scheduled weekly lessons. The full monthly fee is paid whether or not the student attends all lessons and no credits or refunds will be given for student absences. Notification of inability to attend a lesson is appreciated, but does not excuse payment for contracted lessons. No refunds, credits or make-ups will be given for group class fees once the classes have begun.

6. All faculty Lesson Schedules are posted in the inner lobby of the School. To avoid losing a lesson which cannot be attended, please check these Lesson Schedules and arrange to trade lessons with another student, notifying the teacher of any changes. Students who miss a lesson due to illness and give the office 24 hour notice may request a make-up lesson (scheduled at the convenience of the faculty member). This make-up is offered once a semester within two weeks of the absence.

7. Group classes will not meet on days when the Iowa City School District cancels or dismisses classes early due to inclement weather. Individual lessons may be held depending on the ability of the teacher and the student to reach the School. Call the School to be sure your teacher is available or to cancel your lesson if you cannot arrive safely. If you have properly notified your teacher, every attempt will be made to make up individual lessons missed due to weather. Classes will not be made up.

8. If a faculty member is absent, the lesson will be made up.

9. The annual Hancher String Concert and Clapp Piano Festival are part of the curriculum for all students. The activity fee is charged whether or not a student participates in the events.

10. Limited Scholarship funds are available for continuing students in need of financial assistance. Application forms may be obtained at the office in April for the following year and will be due by April 30 for consideration. Notification of scholarship awards will occur before fall registration.


The continuance of the Preucil School is made possible through the generosity of the many parents and patrons who contribute to the ENDOWMENT FUNDS and ANNUAL

Summer Chamber Fest

The Preucil School Summer Chamber Fest is a week long program consisting of daily chamber coachings, dalcroze eurhythmics, voice exploration, music theory/history, and masterclasses with guest clinicians. String students also participate in a chamber orchestra and piano students take an early keyboard class. Violinists may also take the “Viola for Violinists Class,” where they may explore playing the viola. A final concert caps off the week.

High school piano and string students, who wish to focus on chamber music, may elect the partial day program which includes chamber coachings, masterclass performance, and the final performance. High school violin students may also enroll in the “Viola for Violinists Class.”

Winter chamber music

The Winter Chamber Program runs for 10 weeks starting second semester, January through mid-March.  Students in grades 3-12, who have completed Book 3 and two reading books, may enroll.   Adults, who play at a minimum of an Intermediate Level, may also apply.  High school students who have met advanced playing requirements have the opportunity to participate in an extended 14 week Chamber Program from January through mid-April.  Each group receives one coaching per week, 30 minutes (duets) or 45 minutes (trios/quartets/quintets).  The Chamber Program is made possible through the generosity of Amateur Chamber Music Players and the Clinton B. Ford Fund of its ACMP Foundation.

Established quartets

Quartet playing has become a very desirable endeavor pursued by our advanced players. At the Preucil School of Music, any quartet meeting on a regular basis with a coach is referred to as an “Established Quartet.” Those Established Quartets that hire out into the community and act as the school’s ambassadors are “Outreach Quartets.” Only Established Quartets are eligible for our outreach program.

The School’s program for established quartets provides advanced players with the opportunity to study and perform Chamber Music on a long-term basis with a regular coach. Each quartet member pays one-fourth of the hourly tuition fee.

Groups or individuals wishing to have quartet music for meetings, weddings, or special events are invited to call the school to check on availability.