Community School of the Arts (CSA)
CSA at Wheaton College provides excellence in music education through degreed instructors and proven teaching methods. CSA offers a variety of comprehensive music programs for all ages and ability levels.
Easter Weekend
Friday, April 18 & Saturday, April 19, 2025
CSA will be closed in observance of Easter. Lessons and classes will not meet.
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2025 Suzuki All-Strings Spring Festival
Saturday, May 3, 2025
9:00am and 10:45am
Edman Chapel
Wheaton College
Access Day of concert live stream
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CSA summer classes for 2025 are open for registration!
Click the link below to explore the options.
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The Annual Campaign helps support the work of CSA and makes CSA accessible to families and students in need.
Please join in by donating to support a strong tradition.
Explore Our Programs
CSA offers complete music education. CSA's programs include Early Childhood Music, Suzuki and Traditional Instrument Lessons, Beethoven's Buddies, and CODA. Learn more below.
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Suzuki Lessons
CSA’s extensive Suzuki program is nationally recognized, with 15 instructors and over 300 students. CSA offers Suzuki instruction on piano, violin, viola, cello and guitar. Student begin lessons between the ages of 4-6.
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Preparatory (traditional) Lessons
CSA’s Preparatory program provides music lessons with a traditional approach to over 100 students. CSA offers Preparatory instruction on piano, violin, cello and guitar. Student may begin at age 6-adult.
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Early Childhood & Music Makers at the Keyboard
CSA's multi-age Early Childhood Music program develops aural skills, motor coordination and self control while instilling a lifelong love of music.
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Beethoven's Buddies
Beethoven’s Buddies (BB) is an innovative music program which facilitates cognitive and emotional growth for students with developmental delays.
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CODA
One of the primary ways in which Community School of the Arts (CSA) serves the local community is through our Community Outreach for Developing Artists (CODA) program.
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Parent and Student Resources
CSA parent and student access portal for concert and event information.
Register for Music Lessons & Classes
Music Lessons (Suzuki & Traditional)
Early Childhood Music classes
Our Mission
The Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College exists to honor and glorify God through teaching and inspiring students in the performing arts, guiding them toward their full potential while encouraging them, in turn, to enrich the lives of others.
Conservatory Connections
At CSA, you will find a college campus environment with first-rate performance venues, teaching studios with Conservatory-quality instruments. CSA students have regular opportunities for interaction with college undergrads who serve as interns, accompanists, and teaching assistants. A CSA Family Pass provides free admission to selected Wheaton College Conservatory events.
Performance & Enrichment
Community Engagement
Serving each other, as well as the community, is a vital element of CSA's mission. Instructors are passionate about imparting the value of service, understanding it results in character development for the student, as well as benefit to the community at large.
Why Choose CSA?
CSA programs range from Early Childhood Music classes (Musikgarten) to Suzuki and Traditional Private Instruction (piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar).
Our teachers hold advanced degrees and have extensive experience working with students of all levels and abilities.
At the Community School of the Arts, our instructors are our greatest asset. CSA instructors are at the top of their field, with significant education and experience behind them. More than 65% of our instructors hold at least a Master’s degree in their respective instrument or field.
All of them have been professionally trained and are experienced in working with students of all ages, nurturing their students as they strive to help them learn artistic expression while at the same time applying the discipline and joy of study in the arts to their everyday lives. CSA instructors are dedicated to their students and have wonderful relationships with students and parents alike.
Wheaton College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Music Teachers National Association, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Our greatest asset is our highly educated, experienced and long-standing instructors. These 30 instructors hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, have years of experience, and are dedicated to shaping the artistic journeys of their students.
Banner photos © Michael Hudson Photography
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Connect with the CSA
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Armerding Center for Music and the Arts
501 College Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187
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630.752.5567
csa@wheaton.edu
Weather Notification
Friday 1/12/2024
CSA cello group classes are cancelled.
Young Musicians at the Keyboard classes are pivoting to virtual.
Friday private lessons - check with your teacher for more information about cancellation or pivot to virtual lessons
Saturday 1/13/2024
CSA group classes will run as scheduled
Saturday private lessons - please confirm with your teacher whether in-person or virtual lessons
Please exercise extra care while on campus sidewalks and parking lots.
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Friday, December 13, 2024 | 6:00pm
Edman Chapel, Room 102 | Wheaton College campus
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How Great Our Joy
A Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 10:00am
CSA lessons and classes will run as scheduled on President's Day
Monday, February 17, 2025
Suzuki Cello Workshop
Suzuki cellists are invited to participate in CSA's Suzuki Cello Workshop on March 2-3, 2018. Our outstanding guest faculty will provide a motivating experience, with a cello play-in including cello ensembles.
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2024 Suzuki Concerto Concert
Featuring works by Addinsell, Arnold, Boccherini, Kabalevsky, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 7:30pm
Armerding Concert Hall, Wheaton College
Free Admission
CSA Thanksgiving break begins Sunday, November 23, 2025
Classes resume on Monday, December 1, 2025
CSA offices will be closed during the holiday break
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Telling HIS Story
A Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 10:00am
Edman Chapel • Wheaton College
Live calligraphy creations by Timothy R. Botts
Day of concert live stream available here: www.wheaton.edu/streaming