University Community Music School
The University Community Music School (UCMS) grew from a desire to create meaningful relationships in our community by teaching music. The UCMS will provide music instruction to all types of students in a variety of ways, including private music instruction, group lessons, ensembles, and academic music courses. Through music education, the UCMS will develop a lifelong appreciation for music among the Knoxville community.
All lessons and rehearsals will take place at the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center on campus at The University of Tennessee.
1741 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN, 37916
Private Lessons
Private Lessons are open for registration for the Spring 2025 semester! Please use the interest form below to express your interest in lessons so that we can do our best to serve you and your music education well!
Below, you will find our available teachers and their semester tuition rate. If you are interested in pursuing lessons for an instrument that is not currently listed, we want to do our best to pair you with an educator. Use the same form in either scenario to provide us with the information we need.
| Teacher | Area | Tuition |
| Anna Hutchinson | Clarinet | $560 |
| Alex Singleton | Clarinet | $700 |
| Torben Mucchetti | Guitar | $560 |
| Ashley Victoria Jones | Voice | $700 |
| Tanner Smith | Voice | $700 |
| Phing Zher Soe | Piano | $700 |
| Bing Xue | Piano | $700 |
Non-Auditioned Ensembles
In the Spring 2025 semester, we have two available ensembles that require no audition. Each of these groups uses music as a means for building community and expanding our world view.
Balinese Gamelan – Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m
A hands-on introduction to the gamelan (orchestra) music of Bali, Indonesia, its performance and culture. Through performance and discussion, this course introduces students to gamelan instruments, techniques of performance, and the cultural importance of the music within Bali and the world. No previous knowledge of Bali or gamelan expected.
Gospel Choir – Thursdays from 7:15-8:30 p.m.
A mixed-voice ensemble rehearsing and performing selections from gospel traditions. This course introduces students to techniques of performance of choral literature from this genre. Students will develop skills specifically germane to vocal gospel music production. No previous knowledge of the gospel genre expected.
Appalachian String Band Ensemble
Ensemble performance of bluegrass, old-time, early country, and Americana musics. Students will perform on their own string instrument (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle/violin, dobro, upright bass, viola, cello, electric bass, or other), or on voice. Audition required.
Rhythm and Blues Ensemble
Performance and study of repertoire and aesthetic styles from a variety of influential R&B artists from different historical periods, such as Louis Jordan, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, and D’Angelo.
*Each ensemble requires a $25 registration fee.
Auditioned Ensembles
The Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble (THPE) provides advanced high school and middle school percussionists with an exceptional opportunity to develop and refine their ensemble skills across a wide variety of instruments. Under the expert guidance of Professor Andrew Bliss, students will explore published percussion ensemble repertoire and even have the chance to compose their own works.
TPHE – Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
*This ensemble requires a $25 audition fee, $75 instrument usage fee, and $300 semester tuition. The total cost for a semester is $400 per participant.
Interested?
If you would like more information, please join our CMS Newsletter.