Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Music Education & Preschool Programs in Iowa City
Preucil School of Music was founded in 1975 in Iowa City, Iowa, and has since gained international recognition for its excellence in music instruction. Our programs are rooted in the Suzuki Method, emphasizing listening, repetition, and parental involvement to cultivate musical and personal growth. We offer comprehensive training in violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, and harp, alongside group classes, orchestras, chamber music, and performance opportunities.Our faculty includes registered Suzuki teacher trainers and accomplished musicians with decades of experience. The school also operates a Reggio-inspired fine arts preschool and community music programs like Music Together. With a 50-year legacy, we remain committed to nurturing creativity, technical skill, and a lifelong love of music through education grounded in trust, discipline, and artistic excellence.
Services
Violin Lessons
Piano Lessons
Cello Lessons
Preschool Programs
Chamber Music
Orchestras
Flute Lessons
Music Together Classes
Adult Music Study
Teacher Training
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of excellence in Suzuki music education since 1975
- Faculty includes registered Suzuki teacher trainers and professional musicians
- Comprehensive curriculum with performance ensembles and international tours
- Reggio-inspired fine arts preschool for ages 3-5
- Community programs like Music Together for newborns to age 4
Associations and certifications
- Suzuki Association of the Americas
- National Guild for Community Arts Education
Services
Violin Lessons
Our violin program teaches students from beginner to advanced levels using the Suzuki Method. Lessons focus on technical development, repertoire mastery, and musical interpretation. Students participate in weekly private instruction and group classes, with opportunities to perform in recitals and orchestras. The curriculum emphasizes listening skills, memorization, and collaborative playing.
Preschool Programs
The Preucil Preschool offers a play-based fine arts curriculum for ages 3-5 inspired by the Reggio Approach. Children engage in music, movement, and creative exploration while developing social and cognitive skills. Mixed-age classrooms promote peer learning, with options for morning-only or full-day sessions during the academic year and summer.
Chamber Music
Students participate in coached chamber groups ranging from duets to quintets. The Winter Chamber Program and Summer Chamber Fest provide intensive training in collaborative performance. Participants develop listening skills, rhythmic precision, and interpretive communication while exploring classical and contemporary repertoire.
Orchestras
Six levels of string orchestras accommodate students from beginner to advanced. Programs include Prelude, Crescendo, Vivace, Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia, and Sinfonietta. The Preucil School String Orchestra (PSSO) tours internationally every four years, offering students cultural immersion and performance opportunities abroad.
Teacher Training
Certified Suzuki teacher training is available for violin, viola, and cello through faculty registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Courses cover pedagogy, repertoire, and child development principles. Training includes mentorship opportunities and access to national Suzuki institutes and workshops.
People
Doris Preucil
Director Emerita
Founder of Preucil School of Music and former violinist with the National Symphony. Author of the Suzuki Viola School and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Eastman School of Music.
Sonja Berven Zeithamel
Director
Co-founder and director since 1997. Registered Suzuki Teacher Trainer with extensive experience in violin pedagogy and orchestra conducting. Active clinician at national Suzuki institutes.
Laura Shaw
Cello Faculty
Registered Suzuki Cello Teacher Trainer and Associate Principal of the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra. Holds a DMA from the University of Iowa and has taught for over 15 years.
Lisa Guttenberg
Violin Faculty
Cleveland Institute of Music graduate with expertise in Suzuki pedagogy. Former Assistant Concertmaster of the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony and international performer.
Amy Redhage
Violin Faculty
Columbia University graduate with experience directing school orchestra programs. Has performed with orchestras across the Midwest and taught in multiple states.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for newborns through adults. Music Together classes serve children birth to age 4, preschool for ages 3-5, instrumental lessons for ages 3.5+ and adults, and senior-level performance ensembles.
What instruments are taught using the Suzuki Method?
We provide Suzuki instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, and harp. Our faculty specializes in adapting Dr. Suzuki's philosophy across all these instruments.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual recitals, Hancher Auditorium concerts, chamber music programs, and six levels of string orchestras including international touring ensembles.
Do you offer financial assistance?
While not explicitly stated in our materials, we encourage interested families to contact our offices about payment plans and community sponsorship opportunities through our nonprofit status.
What makes your preschool unique?
Our Reggio-inspired fine arts preschool integrates music, creative play, and exploration for ages 3-5. Mixed-age classrooms and extended day options support diverse learning styles and family schedules.
Can adults join music programs?
Absolutely! Adults participate in private lessons, chamber ensembles, orchestras, and master classes. Our community includes amateur musicians and professionals seeking continuing education.
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