Violin Lessons

2025 Fall Recitals

This Sunday, November 2nd at 2:30pm at the Strauss Performing Arts Center, come see concerto competition winner Madeline Bean perform Symphonie Espagnole at the Youth Symphony Fall Concert!

Doors will open for concert seating at 2:15pm. Seating for all OAYO concerts is open and first-come-first-served. This event, like many of the UNO School of Music concerts, will be Choose Your Own Ticket Price from $0 and up.

Madeline Bean is a dedicated violinist currently studying with Melissa Pruss and Ahra Cho. She attends Duchesne Academy, where she plays in the Strings Club directed by Katrina Margraf. Madeline is also a proud member of Anne Nagosky’s Wild Primrose Fiddle Band.

For the past ten years, Madeline has been an active member of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra (OAYO). She was previously recognized as an honorable mention and first runner-up in the concerto competition and is honored to be this year’s concerto competition winner. Madeline is also a two-time Cherokee Symphony Young Artist concerto competition winner.

This fall, Madeline had the privilege of playing with the Omaha Symphony as part of the Celebrate Creativity concert series at the Joslyn Art Museum. She has also appeared at the Holland Performing Arts Center alongside The Piano Guys and in the Omaha Symphony’s Celtic Journey concert.

Madeline extends her heartfelt thanks to Dr. Matthew Brooks, Aviva Segall, Sophia Potter, Patty Ritchie, and the entire OAYO staff for creating such a positive, inspiring, and educational environment that has helped shape her love of music and performance.

Steve Pruss
Violin & Viola teacher
Bachelor of Music from The University of Nebraska Omaha
Aspen Music Festival
cell 402-480-3586
[email protected]
Violin & Viola Lessons
Private lessons are offered at your home, at 5028 Corby St. Omaha, NE 68104 or online.
Steve Pruss has enjoyed a career as a concert violinist and chamber musician. He was a soloist with the Omaha Symphony, Hastings Symphony, University of Nebraska Omaha Orchestra, Orchestra Omaha, Cherokee Symphony, and the winner of the OAYO (Omaha Area Youth Orchestras) concerto competition. Steve Pruss earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Nebraska Omaha where he graduated in 2024. He attended the Aspen Summer Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, the Summer String Institute in Bloomington, Indiana, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory, Rocky Ridge Music Center, and the National Music Festival. Steve's teachers include Naoko Tanaka, Manuel Ramos, Ahra Cho, Anne Nagosky, Erin Aldridge, Caroline Chin, Jessica Mathaes, Yang Liu, Karen Strittmatter Galvin, Dr. Mary Perkinson and Olga Smola. Recently, he performs with the Lincoln Symphony and Sioux City Symphony.

Omaha Talent Education

2025-2026 Schedule

It is alright to start in the middle of the semester.

The fall semester includes 19 private lessons and 9 group activities August 12th-December 22nd



Group Lessons Musical Sunrise Ensemble is from 10:30-11:15 for younger students and Musical Starlight Ensemble is from 11:15-12:00 for advanced students. Rehearsals taught by Melissa Pruss take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St. in the Choir Practice Room. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that others can get in. Go up the stairs inside and to the left. The Choir Practice Room in located behind the altar of the new church.



Group Lesson Dates: August 23 & 30

September 6, 13, 20, & 27

October 4 & (18 wear Halloween costumes)



Private Lessons are offered at your home, 5028 Corby St. or online.



Thanksgiving Break Thursday, November 27th no lessons



Thursday Students will only have 18 private lessons and will have a lower price in November than listed below.



Solo Recital Saturday, October 25th

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. room 201

Dress formal for performers

Rehearsals room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble

(Advanced)9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble (Younger)9:45-10:30

Solo piano rehearsals will be all morning in

Room 208



Winter Break December 22nd-January 3rd no lessons



The Spring Semester includes 20 private lessons and 10 group activities January 4th – May 25th



Group Lessons: January 24, 31

February 7, 14, & 21

March 7, 21, & 28

April 11





Solo Recitals Saturday, May 9

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. Omaha, NE 68131 room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45-10:30

Solo Piano rehearsals all morning in room

208



Easter Break Sunday, April 5th no lessons



The Summer Semester will start on May 26th



Semester Payment

Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be five payments in the fall semester (August-December) and five equal payments in the spring semester (January-May).

The monthly fall tuition for August is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $41.25

*for 30 minute lessons: $82.5

*for 45 minute lessons: $123.75

*for 60 minute lessons: $165


The monthly tuition (September-December)&(January-May) is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $55

*for 30 minute lessons: $110

*for 45 minute lessons: $165

*for 60 minute lessons: $220





All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. I can also give two lessons per week or two-hour lessons to students who are interested in them. Venmo, checks payable to Steven Pruss or cash are accepted.



Annual Studio Fee

Payment for the Studio fee is due the first week of September. Every student, even if they have siblings taking lessons must pay the studio fee. It is not an optional fee.



* $115



Studio Policies

Illness and Vacation

There will be no make up lessons or refunds for lessons missed due to illness, inclement weather, or vacations. In the event of extended illness or injury I will make reasonable arrangements on a case by case basis. When a lesson is forgotten or if other activities conflict with the lesson, it will not be refunded or rescheduled. I do keep track of missed lessons and offer you times of other students who have cancelled in advance.

When I have schedule conflicts because of the symphony schedule, you can request a make up lesson if there is time for one. The monthly fee will be lowered when I cannot teach the student.

Attendance at group lessons is essential. There will be no make up lessons for missed rehearsals. Students inspire each other and become friends at group lessons. Playing for each other and with each other helps prepare students for recitals.

Omaha Talent Education

2025-2026 Schedule



The fall semester includes 19 private lessons and 9 group activities August 12th-December 22nd

Students can start at any time.

Group Lessons Musical Sunrise Ensemble is from 10:30-11:15 for younger students and Musical Starlight Ensemble is from 11:15-12:00 for advanced students. Rehearsals take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St. in the Choir Practice Room. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that others can get in. Go up the stairs inside and to the left. The Choir Practice Room in located behind the altar of the new church.



Group Lesson Dates: August 23 & 30

September 6, 13, 20, & 27

October 4 & (18 wear Halloween costumes)



Private Lessons are offered at your home or online.



Thanksgiving Break Thursday, November 27th no lessons



Thursday Students will only have 18 private lessons and will have a lower price in November than listed below.



Solo Recital Saturday, October 25th

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. room 201

Dress formal for performers

Rehearsals room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble

(Advanced)9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble (Younger)9:45-10:30

Solo piano rehearsals will be all morning in Room 208



Winter Break December 22nd-January 3rd no lessons



The Spring Semester includes 20 private lessons and 10 group activities January 4th – May 25th



Group Lessons:
January 24, 31

February 7, 14, & 21

March 7, 21, & 28

April 11





Solo Recitals Saturday, May 9

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. Omaha, NE 68131 room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45-10:30

Solo Piano rehearsals all morning in room 208



Easter Break Sunday, April 5th no lessons



The Summer Semester will start on May 26th



Semester Payment

Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be five payments in the fall semester (August-December) and five equal payments in the spring semester (January-May).

The monthly fall tuition for August is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $41.25

*for 30 minute lessons: $82.5

*for 45 minute lessons: $123.75

*for 60 minute lessons: $165


The monthly tuition (September-December)&(January-May) is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $55

*for 30 minute lessons: $110

*for 45 minute lessons: $165

*for 60 minute lessons: $220





All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. I can also give two lessons per week or two-hour lessons to students who are interested in them. Venmo, cash, or check to Steven Pruss are accepted.



Annual Studio Fee

Payment for the Studio fee is due the first week of September. Every student, even if they have siblings taking lessons must pay the studio fee. It is not an optional fee.



* $115



Studio Policies

Illness and Vacation

There will be no make up lessons or refunds for lessons missed due to illness, inclement weather, or vacations. In the event of extended illness or injury I will make reasonable arrangements on a case by case basis. When a lesson is forgotten or if other activities conflict with the lesson, it will not be refunded or rescheduled. I do keep track of missed lessons and offer you times of other students who have cancelled in advance.



When I have schedule conflicts because of the Symphony schedules, you can request a make up lesson if there is time for one. The monthly fee will be lowered when I cannot teach the student.


Attendance at group lessons is essential. There will be no make up lessons for missed rehearsals. Students inspire each other and become friends at group lessons. Playing for each other and with each other helps prepare students for recitals.

Steve Pruss

Mobile 402-480-3586

[email protected]

Violin Lessons Melissa Pruss offers private violin and viola lessons at St. Wenceslaus, in Benson, and online.

Omaha Talent Education

2025-2026 Schedule



The fall semester includes 19 private lessons and 9 group activities August 12th-December 22nd



Group Lessons Musical Sunrise Ensemble is from 10:30-11:15 for younger students and Musical Starlight Ensemble is from 11:15-12:00 for advanced students. Rehearsals take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St. in the Choir Practice Room. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that others can get in. Go up the stairs inside and to the left. The Choir Practice Room in located behind the altar of the new church.



Group Lesson Dates: August 23 & 30

September 6, 13, 20, & 27

October 4 & (18 wear Halloween costumes)



Private Lessons are offered at St. Wenceslaus in Cain Hall during and after school, 5028 Corby St., and online on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. St. Wenceslaus students can miss non-core classes & recess to have their private lessons as long as they get approval from their teacher.



Thanksgiving Break Thursday, November 27th no lessons



Thursday Students will only have 18 private lessons and will have a lower price in November than listed below.



Solo Recital Saturday, October 25th

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. room 201

Dress formal for performers

Rehearsals room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble

(Advanced)9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble (Younger)9:45-10:30

Solo piano rehearsals will be all morning in room 208



Winter Break December 22nd-January 3rd no lessons



The Spring Semester includes 20 private lessons and 10 group activities January 4th – May 25th



Group Lessons: January 24, 31

February 7, 14, & 21

March 7, 21, & 28

April 11





Solo Recitals Saturday, May 9

11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center

701 N. 40th St. Omaha, NE 68131 room 201

Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00-9:45

Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45-10:30

Solo Piano rehearsals all morning in room 208



Easter Break Sunday, April 5th no lessons



The Summer Semester will start on May 26th



Semester Payment

Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be five payments in the fall semester (August-December) and five equal payments in the spring semester (January-May).

The monthly fall tuition for August is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $41.25

*for 30 minute lessons: $82.5

*for 45 minute lessons: $123.75

*for 60 minute lessons: $165



Students who took lessons during the 2025 summer semester and are continuing into the fall semester will have two separate semester payments in August.





The monthly tuition (September-December)&(January-May) is:



*for 15 minute lessons: $55

*for 30 minute lessons: $110

*for 45 minute lessons: $165

*for 60 minute lessons: $220





All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. I can also give two lessons per week or two-hour lessons to students who are interested in them. Checks payable to Melissa Pruss or cash are accepted.



Annual Studio Fee

Payment for the Studio fee is due the first week of September. Every student, even if they have siblings taking lessons must pay the studio fee. It is not an optional fee.



* $115



Studio Policies

Illness and Vacation

There will be no make up lessons or refunds for lessons missed due to illness, inclement weather, or vacations. In the event of extended illness or injury I will make reasonable arrangements on a case by case basis. When a lesson is forgotten or if other activities conflict with the lesson, it will not be refunded or rescheduled. I do keep track of missed lessons and offer you times of other students who have cancelled in advance.



When I have schedule conflicts because of the Omaha Symphony schedule, you can request a make up lesson if there is time for one. The monthly fee will be lowered when I cannot teach the student.



Students with lesson times after 6:15 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday/Sunday afternoons will get an email bill at the end of each month that includes the next month’s lesson days and cost. When you do not get an email, that means that there are lessons every single week the next month and to pay the normal amount listed above. The studio policies apply to you even though you have irregular lessons.



Attendance at group lessons is essential. There will be no make up lessons for missed rehearsals. Students inspire each other and become friends at group lessons. Playing for each other and with each other helps prepare students for recitals.



All of these policies apply to students who take lessons during the school day at St. Wenceslaus. I will need your teacher’s email address to find you a time during the school day. This time will be during a non-core class or recess. In early August we will have to schedule lessons by appointment until we know what lesson time and day your school teacher wants you to have.



Melissa Pruss

5028 Corby St.

Omaha, NE 68104

Mobile 402-983-2174

Home 402-346-1128

[email protected]

Summer violin & viola lessons for all ages! Melissa Pruss offers lessons at St. Wenceslaus, in Benson, and online for your convenience.

Omaha Talent Education

2025 Summer Policies & Schedule

The Summer Semester includes 12 private lessons and 6 group activities, May 20th-August 11th 2025.

Musical Sunrise Ensemble (pre-twinkle-book 1) 10:30-11:15 and Musical Starlight Ensemble (book two and up) 11:15-12:00 rehearse on the Saturday mornings listed below and take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St in Cain Hall. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that other students can get in.

Private Lessons are offered at St. Wenceslaus in Cain Hall, 5028 Corby St., and online Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Rehearsal Dates: June 7 & 28

July 19 & 26

August 2


Solo Recitals Saturday, August 9th 11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center 701 N. 40th St Omaha, NE 68131 room 201

Dress is formal for performers

Rehearsals August 9th Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00 AM-9:45 & Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45 AM-10:30

Studio Policies

I can make up lessons due to camps, illness, or vacations if you give me 24-hour notice. I have spare time in the summer to do this, but I will not make up, make up lessons. Lessons will have to be rescheduled on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday during the summer semester. There will be no make-up lessons for missed groups.



Semester Payment

Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be three payments in the summer semester (June, July, & August). The fall semester will start on August 12th this year. There will be two payments in August for students continuing lessons in the fall, summer & fall semester August payments.

The monthly tuition is:



for 15 minute lessons: 55

for 30 minute lessons: 110

for 45 minute lessons: 165

for 60 minute lessons: 220

All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. Checks payable to Melissa Pruss or cash are accepted.

Summer violin and viola lessons for all ages! Steve Pruss gives lessons at your home or online for your convenience.
402-480-3586 [email protected]

Omaha Talent Education

2025 Summer Policies & Schedule

The Summer Semester includes 12 private lessons and 6 group activities, May 20th-August 11th 2025.

Musical Sunrise Ensemble (pre-twinkle-book 1) 10:30-11:15 and Musical Starlight Ensemble (book two and up) 11:15-12:00 rehearse on the Saturday mornings listed below with Melissa Pruss and take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St in Cain Hall. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that other students can get in.

Private Lessons are offered by Steve Pruss at your home or online for your convenience.

Rehearsal Dates: June 7 & 28

July 19 & 26

August 2

Solo Recitals Saturday, August 9th 11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center 701 N. 40th St Omaha, NE 68131 room 201

Dress is formal for performers

Rehearsals August 9th Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00 AM-9:45 & Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45 AM-10:30

Studio Policies

I can make up lessons due to camps, illness, or vacations if you give me 24-hour notice. I have spare time in the summer to do this, but I will not make up, make up lessons. Lessons will have to be rescheduled during the summer semester. There will be no make-up lessons for missed groups.

Semester Payment

Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be three payments in the summer semester (June, July, & August). The fall semester will start on August 12th this year. There will be two payments in August for students continuing lessons in the fall, summer & fall semester August payments.

The monthly tuition is:

for 15 minute lessons: 55

for 30 minute lessons: 110

for 45 minute lessons: 165

for 60 minute lessons: 220

All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. Venmo to Steven Pruss or cash are accepted.

Violin Lessons Melissa Pruss offers private violin and viola lessons at St. Wenceslaus, in Benson, and online.

Violin & Viola lessons for all ages given at your home
Steve Pruss 402-480-3586 [email protected]
Omaha Talent Education

Violin Lessons Melissa Pruss offers private violin and viola lessons at St. Wenceslaus, in Benson, and online.

Omaha Talent Education
Violin & Viola Lessons
2025 Schedule
The Spring Semester includes 20 private lessons and 10 group activities January 2nd – May 19th
Group Lessons Musical Sunrise Ensemble is from 10:30-11:15 for younger students and Musical Starlight Ensemble is from 11:15-12:00 for advanced students. Rehearsals take place at St. Wenceslaus 15353 Pacific St. in Cain Hall. There are a thin set of stairs up to a door marked private entrance. Always leave this door open so that others can get in. Go up the stairs inside and to the left.
Private Lessons are given at your home.
Group Lessons:
March 8, 15, & 29
April 12 & 26
Solo Recitals Saturday, May 3
11:00 Younger and 12:30 Advanced
St. Cecilia Institute of Sacred Liturgy
Music and the Arts on the
Cathedral Campus 3900 Webster Street
Omaha,NE 68131 room 201
Rehearsals room 208
Musical Starlight Ensemble 9:00-9:45
Musical Sunrise Ensemble 9:45-10:30
Solo Piano rehearsals all morning in room
207
Easter Break Sunday, April 20 no lessons (Sunday students pay less in March)
The 2025 summer semester will start on May 20th
Semester Payment
Payment for the semester is due at the first lesson of each month. There will be five payments in the fall semester (August-December) and five equal payments in the spring semester (January-May).
Students who took lessons during the 2024 summer semester and are continuing into the fall semester will have two separate semester payments in August.
The monthly tuition (September-December)&(January-May) is:
*for 15 minute lessons: $55
*for 30 minute lessons: $110
*for 45 minute lessons: $165
*for 60 minute lessons: $220
All lessons from the beginning of Book 3 and up will be at least 45 minutes in length. I highly recommend one-hour lessons for advanced students. I need this time to cover the necessary material. I can also give two lessons per week or two-hour lessons to students who are interested in them. Venmo or cash are accepted.
Annual Studio Fee
Payment for the Studio fee is due the first week of September. Every student, even if they have siblings taking lessons must pay the studio fee. It is not an optional fee.
* $115
Studio Policies
Illness and Vacation
There will be no make up lessons or refunds for lessons missed due to illness, inclement weather, or vacations. In the event of extended illness or injury I will make reasonable arrangements on a case by case basis. When a lesson is forgotten or if other activities conflict with the lesson, it will not be refunded or rescheduled. I do keep track of missed lessons and offer you times of other students who have cancelled in advance.
Attendance at group lessons is essential. There will be no make up lessons for missed rehearsals. Students inspire each other and become friends at group lessons. Playing for each other and with each other helps prepare students for recitals.
Steve Pruss
Cell 402-480-3586
[email protected]
Steve Pruss has enjoyed a career as a concert violinist and chamber musician. He was a soloist with the Omaha Symphony, Hastings Symphony, University of Nebraska Omaha Orchestra, Orchestra Omaha, Cherokee Symphony, and the winner of the OAYO (Omaha Area Youth Orchestras) concerto competition. Steve Pruss earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Nebraska Omaha where he graduated in 2024. He attended the Aspen Summer Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, the Summer String Institute in Bloomington, Indiana, Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory, Rocky Ridge Music Center, and the National Music Festival. Steve's teachers include Naoko Tanaka, Manuel Ramos, Ahra Cho, Anne Nagosky, Erin Aldridge, Caroline Chin, Jessica Mathaes, Yang Liu, Karen Strittmatter Galvin, Dr. Mary Perkinson and Olga Smola. Recently, he performs with the Lincoln Symphony, Omaha Symphony, and Sioux City Symphony.