Music Course Descriptions
Acceptance into each course is contingent on demonstrated performance level either by the audition recording or on submitted compositions.
Major Studios
Instrumental Performance
Students majoring in a particular instrument participate in classes and music experiences designed to develop them into well-rounded musicians. Instrumental majors receive a private studio lesson each week, participate in the summer orchestra, wind ensemble and chamber music ensembles, and have multiple opportunities to attend masterclasses through the summer.
Vocal Performance
The vocal performance major has a rich curriculum of performance and music support opportunities. Voice majors receive a one-hour private studio lesson (with professional accompanist) and an additional half-hour private vocal coaching session each week through the summer where they work on technique and the preparation and presentation of classical repertoire. Voice majors also take dance, acting and vocal performance classes and perform with the summer Concert Choir and the Music Theatre Workshop.
Composition
Composition majors receive a private studio lesson each week and explore several areas of music composition including theory, orchestration and electronic music, both in classes and in individual instruction. Students are encouraged to create music for performance at one of the Pre-College concerts.
Applicants may major in:
- Bagpipe
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Composition
- Double Bass
- Euphonium
- Flute
- Guitar
- Harp
- Horn
- Oboe
- Percussion
- Piano
- Organ
- Saxophone
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Violin
- Voice
Program Requirements of All Students
- Private Studio
- Music Theory
- Solfège (Sight-Singing)
- Eurhythmics
- Concert Choir
- Attendance at weekly performances by professional musicians
Minor Studios
Minor Studio allows students to take introductory or advanced lessons on any of the instruments listed above. Prior experience is not required.
Music Technology Program
- Advanced Music Technology
- Intro to Music Technology
- Recording Techniques
Jazz Studies
- Jazz Ensemble
- Jazz Improvisation
- Jazz Choir
- Jazz Chamber Music
Additional Requirements for Voice Majors
- Acting
- Dance
- Music Theatre Workshop
- Vocal Performance Class
Additional Requirements for Instrumental Performance Majors
- Carnegie Mellon Summer Orchestra
- Carnegie Mellon Summer Wind Ensemble
- Chamber Music
Instrument Specific Courses
- Composers Forum
- French Horn Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Piano Performance Class
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Trombone Ensemble
- Trumpet Ensemble
Music Elective Courses
Available to all students
- Music Technology
- Jazz Choir
- Jazz Improvisation
- Recording Techniques