The Artist Musician Program provides a rich environment for musical growth for high-achieving piano students.
Both junior and senior divisions are tailored to fit highly ambitious students who thrive on challenge and inspiration to reach their highest potential.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for the Junior Artist Musician Program, students must be studying late elementary classical literature or beyond. To be considered for the Senior Artist Musician Program, students must be studying intermediate classical literature or beyond. Entrance to either division is not based on age or grade. To enter this program, students must have the endorsement of their private teacher.
Tuition
The annual cost of participation in the Artist Musician Program is $240 (in addition to the student’s private lesson tuition). This non-refundable fee covers eight monthly studio classes, class materials and the cost of the Artist Musician Program recital at the end of the academic year. This tuition amount will be deducted in one lump sum through the MakeMusic payment system at the time of enrollment.
2026-2027 Artist Musician program policies and calendar (PDF)
When there are concert attendance opportunities during the year, the ticket cost will be in addition to the yearly tuition amount of $240. Class participants will be notified as these opportunities arise and may choose to participate but are not required to do so.
Piano Literature and Technical Skills
The repertoire will emphasize classical literature. As part of their study, students will learn and play music from all eras of keyboard literature. Students will use listening and writing exercises to augment their literature development. The student will also achieve technical proficiency by mastering a series of skills (scales, chords, arpeggios, etudes, etc.) as outlined by the teacher during lessons.
Practice Requirements
Students must be committed to a practice routine that enables significant progress in technical work and repertoire, with daily work that is at least as long as the private lesson. Thus, a student who takes a 45-minute weekly lesson would be expected to practice no less than 45 minutes daily.
Guest Clinician Studio Classes
In addition to private lessons, these students will attend one-hour studio classes at The Music Clubhouse on the first Sunday of each month from September through May, with the exception of January
The Artist Musician Program brings in a different master teacher each month to coach our students in a group setting. Our students gain valuable insight into a variety of piano literature by hearing other students play and by being coached by a broad range of experts in the field. Our guest clinicians come from universities all around the Kansas City/Lawrence/Topeka area. We’ve even had guest clinicians come from as far away as Emporia State University and the University of Oklahoma.
The purpose of studio class is to provide extra performance opportunities, to inspire and learn from each other, and to foster a sense of community and friendship. It is designed for students who aspire to push the boundaries of their own abilities.
Artist Musician Recital
Each year in the spring, The Music Clubhouse will hold an Artist Musician recital featuring only the students in this program. Students will perform from memory in most cases. This event will be publicized in the community.
Artist Musicians also play on the regular Music Clubhouse recitals so that all Music Clubhouse students can benefit from hearing advanced performances. Other performances open to students are Lawrence Accredited Music Teacher Association recitals, special master classes, and other arranged community performances.
Auditions and Competitions
Because of their enhanced study, we encourage students to enter special auditions and competitions, such as the Kansas Music Teachers Association district and state auditions. More advanced students might enter concerto competitions offered by the Kansas City Music Teachers Association and the Midwest Chamber Orchestra. Artist Musician Program students are required to participate in the association’s Music Progressions (performance critique and theory, and listening tests). The instructor will announce these opportunities to students as appropriate. Most require an entry fee separate from the Artist Musician Program fee.
Concert Excursions
To inspire and teach students, The Music Clubhouse occasionally organizes concert excursions so that students see and hear some of the best pianists to visit the region. The cost of these excursions will be in addition to the tuition cost of the Artist Musician Program. Excursion costs may vary according to the event but will likely range from $30-$40 per event. The intent is for students and teachers to have shared experiences that are both fun and stimulating, experiences that enhance the teaching/learning process, and celebrate the joy of making music. Chaperones will be recruited and compensated for transportation to and from these events.
Need more information? Please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have and/or send you additional details about our programs.
