Special Interests   

Many of us imagine retirement as a time to travel, enjoy loved ones, explore hobbies, and finally relax. While we often prepare financially, we rarely prepare for the emotional and identity shifts that come with this major life change.

Instead of feeling free and fulfilled, you may find yourself feeling isolated, uncertain, or even grieving the life you knew. You might even ask, Who am I now?

Change is never easy, but it is possible to move through this transition with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Whether you’re already retired or preparing for it soon, this masterclass will guide you in adjusting to this new chapter, so you can create the meaningful, joyful retirement you’ve always envisioned and so deserve.

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Ever wondered what happens behind the counter at a dispensary? This session takes you behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of a cannabis retail space. You’ll get an overview of customer check-in, inventory controls, compliance steps, and how dispensary staff are trained to serve customers. Perfect for those considering a career in cannabis or launching a retail business.

You’ll Learn:

• How dispensaries are staffed and operated

• Technology used to track inventory and sales

• Legal procedures for sales and age verification

• What it takes to thrive in a dispensary role

Ideal for aspiring dispensary employees, cannabis business students, and entrepreneurs.

Growing your own cannabis is legal in Illinois for registered medical cannabis patients—and this class shows you how to do it the right way. We’ll introduce the basic principles of home cultivation, including lighting, nutrients, grow cycles, and what kind of equipment you need to get started. You’ll also learn about common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

You’ll Learn:

• Equipment basics: lights, soil, nutrients, and airflow

• Plant lifecycle: seed to harvest explained

• Indoor grow room setup tips

• Legal limitations and patient-only rules

Ideal for curious medical cannabis patients or hobbyists interested in home growing.

If you're considering medical cannabis as part of your wellness or treatment plan, this session will walk you through how to get started in Illinois’s Medical Cannabis Patient Program. You’ll learn how to qualify, apply, and use cannabis responsibly within legal guidelines. We’ll also cover how to navigate discussions with your healthcare provider, what protections you have under the law, and what to expect at your first dispensary visit.

You’ll Learn:

• Which medical conditions qualify for cannabis use

• How to apply for a patient card (or caregiver card)

• Legal protections—and limitations—for patients

• Cannabis use in housing, employment, and transportation

• Tips for starting a safe and effective regimen

Ideal for:

• Patients with chronic conditions like pain, anxiety, or PTSD

• Caregivers supporting a qualifying individual

• Healthcare professionals who want to guide patients with confidence

• Anyone wanting to legally and safely integrate cannabis into their care

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Private Violin Lessons: One on One

Private violin lessons are individualized to each student and their skill level! Students will learn the fundamentals of proper string instrument technique, bowing, and musicality over the course of the semester. Lessons will take place in the professional studio space on the East Peoria campus of ICC. All levels and all ages are invited to study with our teachers, who teach in an environment that will foster creative and fulfilling music experiences for all.

Individual times to be arranged by the facilitator (weekday afternoons or evenings).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Maria Emmons, at maria.emmons@icc.edu. 

Private Voice Lessons: One on One

Private voice lessons are individualized to each student and their voice! Students will learn the fundamentals of proper voice technique and musicality over the course of 15 lessons. Lessons will take place in the professional studio space on the East Peoria campus of ICC. All levels and all ages are invited to study with our teachers who will teach in an environment that will foster creative and fulfilling music experiences for all.

Individual times to be arranged by the facilitator (weekday afternoons or evenings).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Tracy Koch, at tracy.koch@icc.edu.

Private Piano Lessons: One-on-One

Private lessons will be individualized for each student, while simultaneously adhering to a consistent music curriculum throughout the Academy. Taught by qualified and experienced educators in the field of piano, students will learn the fundamentals of technique, theory, application, and performance of playing the piano. Lessons will take place in the professional studio space on the East Peoria campus of ICC. Semester tuition includes 15 lessons, performances in the Recital Hall at the end of the semester for students to demonstrate their skills, as well as other performance and competitive opportunities to incentivize the passionate student. All levels and all ages are invited to study with our teachers, who teach in an environment that will foster creative and fulfilling music experiences for all.

Individual times to be arranged by the facilitator (weekday afternoons or evenings).

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennalynn Cisna at Jennalynn.Cisna@icc.edu.

The Community Ensemble: Concert Band is looking for wind and/or percussion players to join their ensemble.

This group meets Mondays on the East Peoria campus.

There is no audition required for this community ensemble.

Concert date is scheduled for Monday, December 7th.

Contact the instructor, Karli McCann, with any questions: karli.mccann@icc.edu.

Do you play guitar, piano, wind, or percussion instruments? Consider joining the Community Ensemble: Jazz Band.

This group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays on the East Peoria campus. 

Auditions are held the first day of class. 

Concert date is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm. 

Contact the instructor, Larry Harms, with any questions: lharms@icc.edu.

If you've ever been interested in singing in a choral orgainzation, our Community Ensemble: Concert Choir is looking for community members!

This group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays on the East Peoria campus. 

There is no audition required for this community ensemble.

Concert dates are scheduled for Sunday, November 15 at 2:30pm.

Contact instructor, Ron Kiesewetter, with any questions: rkiesew@icc.edu.

Students in Guitar Ensemble will enjoy enriching their guitar experience by learning ensemble music with other guitarists. Students are most successful if they can read music and already play guitar. For questions, contact instructor Michael Hull at michael.hull@icc.edu. 

Guitar Ensemble meets on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:50 in room 125B at the East Peoria campus.