Courtesy of Darius Soodmand
Do you like playing music? Do you want to try something new? Maybe you just want access to a private practice room that just so happens to have a piano. If so, Conn’s music lessons might be for you. Conn offers free music lessons for all levels and a variety of instruments. You don’t even have to be a music major.
These music lessons are provided courtesy of the Jack Niblack ‘98 Museum Scholarship and Internship Fund. This was created by John and Heidi Niblack after their son Jack died in a car accident in 1997. For over 18 years, this fund has allowed students to take lessons with highly skilled professors at no additional cost to their tuition. For many students, this opportunity was their primary draw to Conn.
Conn offers two different types of music lessons: 25-minute lessons that earn one credit and 50-minute lessons that earn two credits and satisfy the Mode of Inquiry A. These courses are pass/fail and occur once a week. The times are scheduled as what works best for the student and the teacher. Students have the opportunity to perform in a recital during the semester. They perform pieces that they have been working on during the semester. There are two recitals this semester on April 25th and May 2nd. Both are at 4:30 P.M.
I have taken piano lessons since fifth grade. However, taking music lessons at Conn felt like a reset. Before Conn, I had just been taught the basics of notes, chords, scales, and fingering. However, my piano teacher here delves into elements of music theory such as scale degrees and solfege (Do-Re-Mi). This has led me to deconstruct some things I learned about piano. As someone who came into Conn’s music lessons knowing almost nothing about theory, I feel like I have somewhat started back at square one. Although it can be challenging, I personally enjoy the new approach to music, as it has changed my perspective. I feel like looking at music theory has given me a deeper understanding of the music that I am playing.
I spoke to my friend Allison Quinn ‘26, about music lessons at Conn. She took violin lessons here after having taken them since she was 7. She felt that the lessons were helpful for her. Her favorite part about music lessons was the recitals at the end of the semester. Allison described the experience of performing as “rewarding.” After the fall of 2023, she transferred and continues to take violin lessons at her current school. However, she says that the lessons were better at Conn, as her professor was “invested in [her] personal growth,” and that at Conn, she “felt much more seen.”
Studies have shown that playing an instrument is extremely beneficial for the brain and engages every part of the central nervous system. It requires the use of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain and challenges the brain’s executive function by requiring you to play while anticipating the part that is coming next. The act of playing music provides total sensory input and is a full brain workout. Playing music is also a beautiful way to express emotions.
So, if you like playing music, are looking to try something new, or just want access to a private room, take Conn’s free music lessons. They are open to students of all majors and levels. It’ll be fun, I promise!
