Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Elective Classes

The Carnegie Mellon Music Preparatory School believes in a well-rounded student musician. Classes are offered in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Music Theory, Music History, Jazz & Improvisation, Music Technology, and Ensemble Performance. 

 

Beginner Eurhythmics
(children ages 5-7)
Eurhythmics helps students experience music throughout their bodies. Based on the principles of Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, Eurhythmics integrates movement, ear training, and improvisation. Classes are grouped by age. Contact the Music Preparatory Office 412.268.3667 for more information.
10:00 - 10:45
11:00 - 11:45
12:00 - 12:45

1:00 - 1:45

Advanced Eurhythmics
(children ages 8-12)
Students who have completed the Beginning Piano Curriculum or students in this age group who have not had prior Eurhythmics experience explore the elements of music through movement, ear training, and improvisation.
9:00am – 9:45am

Eurhythmics for Teens
(children ages 13+)
For students in this age group with any level of Eurhythmics experience to explore the elements of music through movement, ear training, and improvisation.
2:00 - 2:45

All Eurhythmics classes are held in Margaret Morrison Hall (MM) room 119

Music Fundamentals 1-semester course offered in Fall and Spring (students ages 6-8, no placement test required)

This course is an introduction to the language of music. Students will be guided through a series of listening, reading, and writing exercises that will help them develop strong aural skills and support a thorough understanding of the work they are doing in private lessons.

9:00 - 9:45

 

Accelerated Music Theory Review 
This course is offered in Fall and Spring (students ages 9+ and/or at least 3 years musical instrument study, no placement test required) 
This is an accelerated course of introductory music theory designed for students ages 9+ with at least 3 years of instrumental lessons without formal theory instructions. Students will learn through listening, reading, and writing exercises designed to develop strong aural skills, and establish their musical foundation for analysis of harmony and musical structure. This course will prepare students to enter our regular music theory classes upon completion.
3:00 - 3:45

Music Theory I – IV Sequence
This course is offered in Fall and continuing Spring (students ages 9+, placement test at the beginning of the Fall semester required)
All courses in the Music Theory Sequence are full year courses (Fall and Spring consecutively).  Students in this age group must take a placement test on the first day of classes in the Prep School to determine which level of Music Theory they are best suited for.


Music Theory I - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)

This course is the first of the four-year music theory sequence. Students will learn the elements of music through listening, reading, and writing exercises designed to develop strong aural skills and a thorough understanding of musical concepts. Students will practice sight singing and dictation to build ear training skills that can be applied to their instrument.


10:00 - 10:45


Music Theory II - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)

Taken upon completion of Music Theory I, this course continues the study of musical elements that becomes foundation for analysis of harmony and musical structure. Students will learn to compose with the rhythm, chords, and short musical structure they learn throughout the year. Students will also continue developing their aural skill.


11:00 - 11:45

Music Theory III - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)

Taken upon completion of Music Theory I, this course continues the study of musical elements that becomes foundation for analysis of harmony and musical structure. Students will learn to compose with the rhythm, chords, and short musical structure they learn throughout the year. Students will also continue developing their aural skill.


1:00pm - 1:45pm


Music Theory IV - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)

In addition to continuing the studies of eighteenth-century tonal procedures, this course explores some theory topics beyond common-practice European art music. Students will also learn larger forms and musical expression that create narrative through a piece of music and inform performance.


2:00 - 2:45pm

All Music Theory classes are held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room 102

Jazz Music Theory
(students ages 12+)
Jazz Theory is for students 12 and up with some background of study in music theory who are interested in exploring the basics of jazz theory in a non-performance setting.
11:00 – 11:45

Beginner Improvisation
(students ages 9 – 11)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies.
12:00 – 12:30

Advanced Improvisation
(students ages 12+)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. 
12:45 – 1:30

All Jazz & Improvisation classes are held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room M157.

Fall and Spring semesters only

Group String Classes (Fall and Spring Semesters only)

Group String Class I- 1:00-1:45 (students ages 5-9 and/or beginning string students)

Group String Class II- 12:00-12:45 (students ages 10-12) 


For students who are beginners on their string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) interested in learning to play with other strings, a fundamental component of any student’s proficiency and development as a string player.
 

Group String Class is held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room M160


 

Introduction to Sound & Recording (Fall and Spring Semesters Only)
(students ages 13+; enrollment max. of 12)
This class is a “crash course” for the world of sound and digital audio recording.  Students will be taught sound recording techniques through hands-on “lab” demonstrations of studio equipment and mock recording sessions in the CMU Vlahakis Recording Studio.  They will also be exposed to the basics of acoustics and the use of Pro Tools.

10:00 - 10:45

Introduction to Sound & Recording is held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room A-6

Music History (Fall and Spring Semesters only)

 

Music Then to Now: An Introduction into Music History (1 semester, offered in Fall and Spring)

(Students ages 8-11)

This course aims to outline how we, as musicians and a musical world, got from where we started to where we are now, how our musical language has developed over time into what we play, listen to, analyze, and aim to build upon today. To do this, we will be tracing the narrative of western music history, while also studying characteristics and developments of other musical traditions.

10:00 – 10:45, HOA 225