Photos and video

Group, Orchestra & Instrument events

Annual Events

Annual PSSO Fall Concert: November 1, 2010
Multiple Piano Concerts: December 11, 2010
Group Class Holiday Play-In - Old Capital Town Center: December 17
Annual String Concert: February 27, 2011
Orchestra Festival: TBA
Winter Chamber Concert: TBA
Certificate Program Chamber Concert: TBA
Piano Concerto Festival: April 9, 2011

Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Mary Ann at (319) 337-4156.

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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

Performance opportunities

Recitals, Concerts, & Master Classes

School Recitals: Each student performs annually in a formal recital held in the School's Auditorium. Parents can accustom their children to the recital procedure and demonstrate the importance of these events by attending several recitals throughout the year. Motivation is increased as children find role models through attending special recitals by advanced students or graduates. Each recital is followed by a reception in Bogen Assembly Hall, where parents of performers provide cookies and punch and two parents serve as hosts.

Optional Graduation Recitals: An optional graduation recital, celebrating the completion of a Suzuki book, can be a landmark in a child's musical development. As students finish each piece in the Suzuki books, review continues as the next pieces are learned. Upon completion of a book, students can perform the entire book at a recital for family and friends, either in our auditorium or at their home. Parents serve refreshments and a graduation certificate is presented.

Solo Recitals: Advanced students may be invited by their teacher to present solo recitals in our auditorium. Parents assume the responsibility of publicity and hospitality.

String concert: The Annual Hancher Concert gives all string students the special experience of taking part in an inspiring and motivating performance.

Piano Festival: Piano students have an annual Piano Festival, held in Clapp Recital Hall. The type of event alternates annually between solo recitals and piano ensembles of up to five grand pianos.

Performances by Preucil students: The String Orchestras perform annually at the School or in locations such as Clapp Hall, the Art Museum, and Hancher lobby. Concerts are also given in other Iowa communities. Groups of children or soloists also take part in community outreach performances throughout the year.

Master Classes: Occasionally, visiting performing artists teach master classes. Children not chosen to perform are encouraged to attend. Much can be learned from observing at such close range.

Concerts: Usually free, concerts are scheduled at the Preucil School by visiting performers, alumni, and faculty. All students are encouraged to attend.

Adult study

As a Suzuki Method School, “The Preucil School of Music is dedicated to the development of ability in all children” (PSM Mission Statement). While maintaining programs of the highest order for children is our first priority, we also offer programs to adults who seek to enrich their life experiences with music. Program offerings reflect the differing needs of children and adult students.

Lessons: Weekly private lessons at all levels of advancement are offered for all instruments.

String Classes: Adults may join with younger students in the weekly Thursday or Friday afternoon string classes which provide further study of the beginning and intermediate repertoire and its performance. Adult students may also play in the Hancher concert (must attend required rehearsals).

Piano Play-ins: Adult students may take part in the piano play-ins, which are held several times a year.

Orchestras: To give additional reading experience, adult students may join in on rehearsals of Opus I and Opus II, sitting in the rear of the section. (Concert and PSSO Orchestras are open to school age students only).

Chamber Music: The Ten-week Chamber Program in Spring and the Summer Chamber Fest are offered to adult string players who have finished Book 4 or the equivalent on their instrument. Preucil School adult piano students are recommended and placed by their teachers. Chamber Music is recommended for adults to develop playing skills, experience the repertoire, and develop musical friendships. Adult chamber music lovers from the community are encouraged to enroll.

Recitals: Adult students can perform in one adult recital each year.

Musical Achievement: Adult students are mixed with school-age students in this informal performance opportunity each year. Feedback is provided by a faculty panel via written comments.

Adult musicians are encouraged to join the Amateur Chamber Music Players, Inc. for international networking and opportunities to make new friends through music. Brochures are available in the office.