THE LEO KUCINSKI ACADEMY AT MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE

Since 2004, the Leo Kucinski Academy of Music (LKAM) at Morningside College has served as Siouxland's premier music school welcoming and nurturing students of all ages, all levels of skill, and all backgrounds, regardless of financial means. Each year, more than 200 students attend the Kucinski Academy. They enjoy an exceptional faculty, individualized programs, unique ensemble and performance opportunities and a reasonable fee schedule with financial assistance options.

LKAM provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide a well-rounded musical education, including weekly lessons, regular evaluation, frequent performance and ensemble opportunities and much more. Taking part in all aspects of the curriculum will not only introduce students to the delights of music, but also help them perform more easily, broaden their musical skills beyond their instrument, and make new musical friends.

Individual lessons enable students to learn technique and repertoire that is suited to their particular needs, and are an integral part of a young musician's education. Lessons are offered Monday through Saturday at times mutually agreed upon by the student and instructor. LKAM's Program Coordinators will help you decide on a lesson length (30, 45, or 60 minute lessons) and will match the best teacher to your child's needs. Our faculty, which includes many Morningside College instructors, is made up of outstanding performers and experienced teachers who hold advanced degrees in their fields.

In addition to private study, the Academy also offers an Early String Program (for first-time string players ages 4 and up), Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools Strings Program, and the Youth Orchestras Program.  Students may audition for membership in one of three ensembles that rehearse weekly on the Morningside College campus. 

Leo Kucinski, a young Polish violinist, came to Morningside College in the early 1920s. A graduate of the Juilliard School, he built a musical community from the bottom up. He recognized that one had to teach young students, support existing musicians, attract new professional musicians to the community, and create opportunities for these individuals to work and play together in order to build a successful and flourishing music community. Through the cooperation of Morningside College, where he taught, the Sioux City Community Schools, and private teachers, he was successful in creating the Sioux City Symphony, now a crown jewel of the Siouxland musical community.

The need for excellence in music education is as great now as it was during Maestro Kucinski’s life. This is why the Leo Kucinski Academy of Music has been established. The academy exists to complement and support the education and performance efforts of Sioux City’s public and private schools and the home school community, as well as the surrounding school systems and other cultural organizations.