About Us

The University of Iowa Pre-College Piano Conservatory (PCPC) is dedicated to creating the ideal environment for beginning to advanced students who want to learn piano, while providing teacher training for graduate students in the University of Iowa Piano Pedagogy and Performance programs.  Conservatory students will receive lessons from some the country's elite young piano pedagogues under the guidance of Dr. Alan Huckleberry.  Additionally, students will receive group lessons, covering topics such as sight-reading, ensemble playing, theory, and improvisation. 

We strive to not only teach our students piano, but we also believe that playing the piano also provides a tool to help develop confidence, concentration, stage presence, the ability to express oneself, integrity, responsibility, judgement, and respect.

Requirements and Plan of Study

All students will need a tuned acoustic piano for daily practice. The University supplies warm up rooms for students prior to individual lessons, but does not have daily practice facilities for PCPC students.

Each student will receive 15 individual 45-minute lessons and 15 group lessons of 50 minutes each over the course of the semester. Students should expect to arrive early for those lessons with all of their materials ready to play. Summer lessons are available in four and six week sessions at a prorated fee.

Students should expect to do daily practice. The amount of practice time will vary from student to student. It is very important, especially in the beginning that parents practice with their child. This will help establish good habits and reinforce the importance of music study. Students will receive weekly assignment sheets, and at the end of each semester parents will be given a report on the progress of their child.

Performance Opportunities

Each semester, students will participate in Conservatory Recital in addition to a master class with the renowned University of Iowa faculty. All PCPC teachers are members of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), providing students with the opportunity to take place in local festivals and competitions. Students are  also invited to attend University performances as audience members.

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians

Enriching the quality of life through the support of music education for children

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians is dedicated to providing access to quality music instruction for children - especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Currently, the Pre-College Piano Conservatory at the University of Iowa School of Music is a major recipient of funding by the Trust: providing the tuition for high-quality classical music instruction for young children, and at the same time providing hands-on teaching experience for university students under the direct supervision of the university's piano pedagogy faculty.

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization soliciting tax-deductable private contributions for the benefit of young musicians. Contributions to the Trust are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to determine the tax deductibility of your gift.