Concordia University Chicago Offers Youth Summer Piano Camp

Submitted by Concordia University Chicago

Area piano students are invited to participate in the “Popular Music for Piano” summer camp at Concordia University Chicago from June 15 through 19. Both morning and afternoon half-day sessions are available during this week long camp.

The camp is part of the University’s long-standing and successful Preparatory and Community Piano Program (PCPP). The PCPP stands out among hundreds of piano instruction programs in Chicagoland by offering a comprehensive approach to learning. Students receive equal instruction of repertoire, reading, theory and technique.

“Students will learn the basic techniques and skills used in composing music and writing popular songs and learn to play current radio hits,” says PCPP camp instructor Billie Howard. “We are offering this unique opportunity for attendees to write and record their original songs, and make a CD to take home at the end of the week.”

Attendees will have access to a 10-keyboard piano lab, soundproof practice rooms, computer lab and private piano studios equipped with both Steinway grand pianos and Yamaha upright pianos.

Registration is currently being accepted for the summer camp sessions. Tuition is $275 if paid before the May 19 early registration deadline. After May 19, tuition will be $299. Registrants will receive a workbook for the week and a CD recording of the song the student will write. The camp is open to students who will be entering grades five through ten this fall. All attendees must be able to play piano proficiently, including basic chords, with three years of previous study recommended.

Howard, a full-time faculty member for the PCPP, holds a Master of Music degree in piano and piano pedagogy from Northwestern University. An active session musician, she performs with several Chicago area groups and has been featured on studio recordings by American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, Grammy-nominated children’s artist Justin Roberts and many other recording artists. She is a member of Music Teachers National Association, Illinois State Music Teachers Association and Chicago Area Music Teachers Association.

Co-teacher Alex Rowney is a professional recording engineer and holds a Master of Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and a bachelor’s in piano performance from Northwestern University. In addition to his work as a piano instructor and performer, Alex is also a professional musician and recording engineer with experience recording everything from classical piano to electronic music to rock.

For more information about the summer camps, visit www.cuchicago.edu/community-pianoor contact Billie Howard at 708-209-3141 or billie.howard@cuchicago.edu.

ALSO ON PATCH