Community Music Academy
The North Park University Community Music Academy specializes in high-quality, literacy-based music education for students ages 5–18 in Albany Park and the surrounding communities. Music encourages community, out-of-the-box creative thinking, and problem-solving, offering students and the larger community a profound aesthetic experience.
Instruction is based on Shinichi Suzuki’s and Paul Rolland’s methods and philosophies—and traditional teaching methods—including opportunities for solo performance and introduction to music theory.
Group violin and cello lessons
Enrolled students participate in Saturday group violin and cello lessons, offered as a 15-week fall and spring semester. The last day of each semester will be a demo day that families can attend.
Classes occur at North Park University’s Hanson Hall, 5159 North Spaulding Avenue. View the campus map for directions.
Register
The following are the 2026–27 semester schedules, excluding holidays.
- Fall term: September 19–November 21, 2026
- Winter term: January 9–March 13, 2027
- Spring term: April 3–June 12, 2027
Classes are held on Saturday mornings and are available for beginners and all levels of experience.
- $25 one-time, nonrefundable registration fee per family
- $300 tuition per term
- Optional fees
- $225 violin rental for three terms
- $450 cello rental for three terms
- If families do not use this rental option, they must provide a size-appropriate instrument and ensure it is properly maintained. Renting is best for growing children up to and including a high school playing level.
Parents are critical in the early years of study; they attend all lessons and support daily practice. Students should practice at least five times per week between classes.
Community Orchestra (18+)
The North Park Community Orchestra brings together North Park students, alumni, amateur musicians, and members of the wider Chicago community in a collaborative and welcoming ensemble experience. The orchestra creates opportunities for lifelong music-making through weekly rehearsals and occasional performances. Open to musicians at various experience levels.
Schedule
Rehearsals take place Thursdays from 4:20–6:10 p.m. in Hanson Hall, 5159 North Spaulding Avenue. View the campus map for directions.
Fall classes: August 27–December 3, 2026 (No class on Thursday, November 26)
Spring classes: January 14–April 30, 2027
Fee is $95 per semester (fall or spring) and will be collected on the first day of rehearsals. The community orchestra is free for NPU employees.
Director of Community Music Academy
Instructor Jennifer Dunne’s expertise in musical education allows students to attain concentration skills, develop a sense of high self-esteem, and experience joy in music. She has guided the string education of hundreds of aspiring musicians in violin, viola, chamber music, and string pedagogy.
Cello Instructor
Francisco Malespin is a cellist and dedicated educator whose musical journey began in his native Brazil, a place that inspired his lifelong commitment to cello performance and musicianship. Alongside his performance career, Malespin is a dedicated and experienced teacher. He maintains a private cello studio, where he provides personalized, student-centered instruction to students of all ages and backgrounds.