Music Frequently Asked Questions
- I am a vocalist and do not have a "work in progress" what should I do?
- What will I have to play for orchestra, wind ensemble or chamber music placement auditions?
- I read about the end-of-summer conservatory auditions. How will I prepare for this? Can this count as my regular School of Music Application audition?
- My child will be on campus this summer in a program other that music. May he/she sign up for private lessons? May he/she take a music elective? May he/she play in one of the ensembles?
- I do not own dance attire, where can I purchase these things-- "Voice majors are also required to wear leotards, tights, and dance belt (men) for dance class."
- Who is the private flute (or any instrument) teacher? Who are the classroom faculty?
- I am a local Pittsburgh student. Are there part-time options available?
- How many students are in the Music program?
- My child is 13 years old. Is there a way for this child to be involved in Pre-College Music?
- If you have further questions, please visit the School of Music Pre-College Info Web site,
I am a vocalist and do not have a "work in progress" what should I do?
"Work in progress" is most relevant for instrumentalists who might spend months working on a new piece. Vocalists should arrive with a polished song or two and expect to be given a number of new selections over the course of the Pre-College experience.
What will I have to play for orchestra, wind ensemble or chamber music placement auditions?
You should arrive with an example of your best playing to present to the directors of the different ensembles. We are asking for these auditions for placement purposes only. This is not a "get-admitted-into-the-conservatory" audition. The attitude is casual and relaxed. There are not any repertoire requirements for these auditions. Think, "example of my best playing." An excerpt of a movement or an etude would be good options.
I read about the end-of-summer conservatory auditions. How will I prepare for this? Can this count as my regular School of Music Application audition?
All music students participate in mandatory end-of-summer conservatory auditions. The audition experience is a valuable component of the summer, allowing the individual student the opportunity to go through the paces of a conservatory audition. At the end of the summer program, every student will receive evaluations for his/her audition, coursework and advice for future development in the profession. Your Pre-College Private Studio faculty will prepare you for the audition experience. The summer audition is just for practice and feedback. If you decide to apply for acceptance into one of the undergraduate programs in music, you will have to audition again during the regular audition season.
My child will be on campus this summer in a program other that music. May he/she sign up for private lessons? May he/she take a music elective? May he/she play in one of the ensembles?
Music Pre-College is happy to include students from other programs into our classes and ensembles.
- The first concern is scheduling. Most students from other programs do not have the room in their schedule to take other courses, so you should first compare the music schedule and your own program schedule.
- Private lessons and chamber music are scheduled individually, so they are realistic options for most non-music majors.
- Placement auditions would be required for orchestra, wind ensemble and chamber music.
- Elective fees will apply in all of these options. Please see the handbook for the Non-Music Major Elective Registration Form for further information and fee schedule.
- NOTE: Musical Theater students have preferred Private Singing Lesson options within the School of Drama Pre-College program.
I do not own dance attire, where can I purchase these things-- "Voice majors are also required to wear leotards, tights, and dance belt (men) for dance class."
If you are a Voice major, you will need to purchase the mentioned items before classes start. It is easiest if you can find a dancewear supplier in your hometown. If that is not possible, there are a number of on-line retailers who can help you order what you need. Lastly there is a store in Pittsburgh that we recommend if you are in a pinch, Tightspot Dancewear Center at 412.885.6440, 2524 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15210. It's 2.5 miles round trip from Carnegie Mellon. We do not consider this walking distance.
Who is the private flute (or any instrument) teacher? Who are the classroom faculty?
The School of Music Pre-College Faculty is made up of professors, conductors, instructors and staff from its world-class conservatory program. Additional friends and alumni are brought in to complete our summer faculty. For specific faculty information, please contact Stephen Neely, School of Music Pre-College Director at music-precollege@andrew.cmu.edu.
I am a local Pittsburgh student. Are there part-time options available?
Yes. Please visit http://music.web.cmu.edu/precollege/index.html and click on "Part-Time Commuter" for information.
How many students are in the Music program?
| 2012 | Applied | Admitted | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 103 | 64 | 51 |
My child is 13 years old. Is there a way for this child to be involved in Pre-College Music?
Possibly. This is considered on an individual basis. If he/she is playing his/her instrument at a high school level AND is living close enough to commute AND is mature enough to succeed in this environment, it is possible that he/she could be accepted as a Part-Time Commuter. It is not possible for him/her to attend as a resident student or as a Full-Time student. Please visit http://music.web.cmu.edu/precollege/index.html and click on "Part-Time Commuter" for information.
