About Us!
The Conservatory of Central Illinois is a not-for-profit community music school organized to provide opportunities for quality music education and experiences in Central Illinois. The Conservatory promotes a lifelong appreciation of and interest in music in the community, welcoming everyone regardless of ability, age, race, ethnic origin, religion or financial circumstances. The Conservatory serves as a resource for music education in downstate Illinois.
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A major realization of its mission is the Conservatory Financial Aid program that awards over $10,000 annually in direct financial aid to students. Students and faculty members at The Conservatory are frequently called upon to provide music for programs for local service clubs, area senior citizen homes and community events. The Conservatory provides free concerts, recitals and special presentations to the community each year.
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Located at 100 N Chestnut St in downtown Champaign, The Conservatory opened its doors for instruction in 1986. Since its founding, The Conservatory has taken its place as a leading cultural institution contributing to the quality of life in Champaign-Urbana. The Conservatory of Central Illinois serves a 7 county area in East Central Illinois with program participants coming from within a 60 mile radius of Champaign County. Program participants at The Conservatory represent a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, financial circumstances, musical abilities, and range from preschool to senior citizens.
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The Conservatory of Central Illinois offers instruction in piano, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, jazz specialists, orchestra and chamber music. Adaptive learning instruction can be arranged for a variety of instruments. Special instructional offerings have included the annual Chamber Ensemble Festival, East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra, Sinfonietta, and special interest programs. The Conservatory outreach programs have included area day care centers, public and private schools, senior centers and service organizations. The Conservatory is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, 40 North/88 West and Champaign Center Partnership.
Mission:
A Vision for the Future
The Conservatory of Central Illinois envisions a community of individuals enriched and educated through the arts and inspired by lifelong musical opportunities. Music as a universal language will unite individuals across cultures, time, and space and provide a bridge between schools and the community.
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The Conservatory of Central Illinois will provide a quality foundation for students of all levels and abilities to reach their greatest musical potential and to nurture the creative spirit for personal growth and satisfaction. We will offer a broad spectrum of music education and enrichment opportunities enabling families to learn more ways of exploring the world together through music. We will provide intergenerational relationships through musical participation and opportunities to share the joy of music with friends, and peers in groups large and small.
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The Conservatory of Central Illinois will serve our students and the community at large representing the arts in the community and serving as a resource for information about community-wide music activities.