Carnegie Mellon University
School of Music

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School of Music  ›  Preparatory School and Summer Pre-College  ›  Preparatory School  ›  Elective Classes

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, Choir, Ensemble Performance and much more. 

 

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 at 412.268.3667 for more information.
10:00 - 10:45
11:00 - 11:45
12:00 - 12:45

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.
9:00 am – 9:45 am

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.
1:00 - 1:45

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

Opportunity continuing from Summer! 

Children's Choir: Unlock the Power of Your Voice

Ages 8+
Join us for an enriching experience in our Choir Elective, where students discover the magic of creating beautiful music together. Here's what they can look forward to:

  • Harness Your Voice: Learn how to use your voice effectively to contribute to a collective sound.
  • Boost Confidence: Gain confidence and stage presence through performing with your peers.
  • Perfect Your Posture: Improve your posture while singing, a valuable skill for both performance and everyday life.
  • Build Community: Connect with fellow students and form lasting friendships.

In this elective, you'll develop essential skills, including singing, harmonization, rhythm, solfège, and diction, all within a supportive group setting. From traditional American folk songs to contemporary works, explore a diverse range of choral repertoire and expand your musical horizons. 

The semester will conclude with a performance of the students' work in the Fall recital.

All Choir classes are held in CFA room A2

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 their work in private lessons.

9:00 - 9:45 located in CFA 102

 NEW FOR FALL 2024!!

Music Theory V
Two consecutive semesters- Fall and Spring (students ages 9+ and/or at least three years of musical instrument study, no placement test required) 
We have added an additional level to our theory courses. This advanced course delves into intricate topics within both Western classical and contemporary music. It challenges students with complex rhythms, sophisticated harmonies, and rigorous ear training. Through in-depth analysis, the course aims to enhance musical creativity and comprehension. Recommended for students who have successfully completed Theory IV, this class is designed for those ready to push their musical boundaries.

3:00 - 3:45  located in CFA 102

Music Theory I – IV Sequence - For students ages 8+
These music theory courses are offered in fall and continue into the spring semester. Each level takes two semesters to complete and a student can not join a theory level during the spring semester. Students may take a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester if they wish to test into theory levels II, III and IV.  


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 instruments.


10:00 - 10:45 located in CFA 102


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 the 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 skills.


11:00 - 11:45 located in CFA 102

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 the 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 skills.


1:00 pm - 1:45 pm  located in CFA 102


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 expressions that create a narrative through a piece of music and inform performance.


2:00 - 2:45 pm located in CFA 102

All Music Theory classes are held in the 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 located in CFA 157

Beginner Improvisation
(students ages 9 – 11)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies.
12:00 – 12:30 located in CFA 157

Advanced Improvisation
(students ages 12+)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. 
12:45 – 1:30 located in CFA 157

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- 12:00-12:45 (students ages 5-9)

Group String Class II- 1:00-1:45 (students ages 10-12) 


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

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


 

Introduction to Sound & Recording (Fall 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

New for Fall 2024!! 

Principles of Ancient Music

 (1 semester, offered in Fall)

(Students ages 9-13)

Travel back in time and discover the music of ancient civilizations! In this adventurous class, you'll explore how music shaped and was shaped by the cultures of the past.
Here's what you'll dive into:

  • The fascinating roles of music in ancient societies.
  • Timeless traditions that have survived through the ages.
  • Musical styles from ancient times up to the Renaissance.

You'll even create your own music using these ancient principles and techniques! Understanding these early musical ideas will give you a unique perspective and deeper appreciation when you study more traditional Music Theory in the future

11:00 – 11:45 located in HOA 225

 

 

 

 New for Fall 2024!!

The Science of Sound (1 semester, offered in Fall) 

Students 11+

Music Theory helps us understand certain kinds of music, but how can understanding the basic behaviors of sound show us how all types of music work? By examining how the physical behaviors of sound are manipulated, a much wider range of music begins to make sense to the student.
This class will cover scientific concepts, including:

  • How sound travels through matter
  • Introductory concepts of acoustics
  • How different instruments make different sounds
  • How the human body detects sound
  • How sounds affect the body via the nervous system

Students in this class will be introduced to careers in sound science and acoustics research, opening up new possibilities for their interest in music that they may not have considered before.


10:00-10:45 located in HOA 225 

 

New for Fall 2024!!

Creative Expressions 

Ages: 7-9, 10-12, 13-18

This class was a Preparatory School staple over the years and we are bringing it back for Fall 2024!

Creative Expressions empowers students to create original music by bringing to life music theory and musicianship concepts. In this class, students will:

  • Use instruments, voices, and percussion to create their own original compositions.
  • Find joy in making music, enjoying a creative and social outlet for their talents.
  • Collaborate with classmates to compose and perform music confidently.

The semester will conclude with a performance of the students' original compositions, showcasing their creativity and the skills they've developed.

7-9 year old class will be held in the percussion room, CFA-A1 from 12-12:45 p.m.

10-12 year old class will be held in the percussion room, CFA- A1 from 11-11:45 a.m.

13-18 year old class will be held in the percussion room, CFA-A1 from 12-12:45 p.m.