Preparatory School Programs
The Carnegie Mellon University School of Music Preparatory School offers private lessons, elective classes, Chamber Music, and Beginning Piano. For all programs, the first step in enrollment is contacting our office to schedule an interview.
Information about tuition can be found here.
Private Lessons
- Offered for piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, voice, and flute.
- Options for 30, 45, and 60-minute lesson packages
- One elective group class is included in the semester tuition for private lessons. All elective classes, as well as most private lessons, take place on Saturdays.
- More information about each Instrumental Division can be found below.
Elective Classes
- Elective classes meet on Saturdays and last for an entire semester (fall, summer, or spring).
- One elective class is included in semester tuition. Students may register for additional electives for an additional fee.
- Students may register for elective classes without being enrolled in private lessons.
- More information about elective class offerings can be found here.
Beginning Piano Program for Children
Carla LaRocca, DirectorBeginning Piano Program Overview
Overview
The Beginning Piano Program for Children is designed to provide students ages 5 through 7 with a comprehensive instruction plan focusing on a natural approach to the keyboard and developing fluency in reading and musicianship. This program takes place on Saturdays, and lasts for 4 consecutive semesters.
Each week, students receive:
- A 45-minute group class: The group class concentrates on topics such as note reading, counting, rhythm, ear training, sight reading, solo and duet playing, and technical concepts such as finger patterns and hand positions.
- A 30-minute private lesson: During the weekly private lesson, students will receive more individualized coaching to develop further the concepts addressed in the group class.
- A 45-minute Dalcroze Eurhythmics class: Based on the principles of Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, the Eurhythmics class helps the students experience music through their bodies by integrating movement, ear training, and improvisation.
Program Expectations
This Program is specifically for students ages 5 through 7 (though students who will be turning 5 during the first year of instruction and are therefore 4 at the time of interview may be considered).
Students must be able to commit to four consecutive semesters (about 16 months) of instruction (including summers, as applicable). Students will have Saturday classes at the same time all four semesters. All program components—the group class, eurhythmics class, and private lesson—take place each semester on Saturdays, so students must be able to commit to weekly on-campus attendance every Saturday when the Program is in session.
The Beginning Piano Program for Children relies on 100% parental involvement. This means parents are expected to sit in on the student’s weekly private lessons and oversee their daily practice between classes. Finally, students must have an instrument at home for daily practice.
Interviews
All students wishing to enroll in the Beginning Piano Program for Children must first complete an interview with the Director of the Program, Professor Carla LaRocca.
The interview is about 15 minutes long, and students do not need to prepare anything, as no experience is necessary to enter the program. During the interview, the child will be asked to do simple activities like clapping and singing. The child’s attention span, emotional maturity, concentration ability, and manners will be assessed.
Interviews are conducted throughout the year and typically are for consideration for the following semester at the time of the meeting (for example, if a student interviews during the Fall semester, their interview would be for consideration for the upcoming Spring or after). A parent/guardian must be present during the interview. Children will not be given an acceptance decision during their interview.
Admission Decisions
Regardless of when a child has an interview, decisions are only sent out during regular Preparatory School registration periods (late July/early August for Fall; November for Spring; late March/early April for Summer). The following factors are considered when determining whether or not a child is accepted into the class:
- Class size – Each Beginning Piano class has a maximum size of 12. This is to make the Program as individualized as possible.
- Age makeup – So that all students in the class can thrive, we try to compose a class where all of the students are as close in age as possible.
- All of the factors considered at the time of the interview (i.e., child’s attention span, maturity, etc.)
When the incoming Beginning Piano class has been determined, the parents of all of the students who have recently interviewed will receive a decision via e-mail on whether their child was accepted, deferred, or waitlisted:
- Accepted – Your child was accepted into the incoming Beginning Piano class
- Deferred – At the time of your child’s interview, it was determined that they are ready to begin the Beginning Piano class and were in high contention to do so, but a spot was not available. If they are deferred, this means they are eligible for one of two possibilities:
- If a student accepted into the Program declines their offer, your child will receive priority for filling that spot.
- If there are no remaining spots in the upcoming semester, your child will receive priority for enrollment in the following semester.
- Second interview Needed – Your child was not accepted into the upcoming semester but can be considered for future semesters as long as they complete a second interview.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
Chamber Music
Chamber Music Program Overview
Chamber Music is a program offered to all students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Students do not need to be enrolled in private lessons at the Preparatory School to participate in Chamber Music.
This incredible collaborative opportunity is open to all students 8 years and older. It requires an application, including a recording of the student playing or a performance video and a repertoire list. Various configurations are possible for all orchestral instruments, including piano duet, string duet, string and piano, string trio/quartet, or piano and strings, etc. In addition to the recital at CMU, there will be audition and competition opportunities!
Please read the following information/requirements before submitting your application.
1. The Chamber Music Program is intended for students ages 8 years and older.
AUDITION/APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
2. A repertoire list of works studied in the past.
A complete application must include all components. Videos, recordings, and repertoire lists may be submitted via the Upload link on the application.
Questions about the Chamber Music Program can be sent to the Director of Chamber Music, Sung-Im Kim, at sungimk@andrew.cmu.edu
Please note: Chamber Music is a stand-alone program and may not be selected as an elective class as part of a lesson package.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
Instrumental Divisions (Private Lessons)
Private lessons are offered in piano, strings, guitar, voice, and flute. Learn more about each division below.Piano Program
Piano Program
Luz Manriquez, Director
Ages 7+ (for students aged 5-7, see our Beginning Piano program)
Our Piano Program, designed by Professor Hanna Wu Li and directed by Luz Manriquez, combines outstanding private piano instruction with classes in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, music theory, composition, improvisation, and chamber music. A public,
Private Piano Instruction:
Students may select a 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly private lesson. Lessons are generally taught on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus, although some lessons may be taught throughout the week based on teacher schedules and availability.
In addition to weekly lessons, students are encouraged to take a music class in Dalcroze eurhythmics, musicianship, music theory, composition, or group ensemble classes. These Elective Classes are fundamental in developing students’ listening skills; rhythmic and tonal dictation; theoretical knowledge; and structural and compositional techniques. All classes take place on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus. One elective class is included in the cost of tuition for private lessons, and students are able to take additional classes for an added cost.
An interview with Professor Luz Manriquez is required for admittance into the Piano Program.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
String Program
String Program
William van der Sloot, Director
Ages 4+
The Carnegie Mellon String Preparatory School offers a comprehensive program for students ages 4-18 years of age. Students may enroll in private violin, viola, and cello lessons. We offer a full curriculum of classes, including Group Classes, Eurhythmics, Music Theory, Composition, and Chamber Music. Each year comprises three semesters, Fall, Spring & Summer, with recitals ending the Fall and Spring semesters.
Private String Instruction:
Students may select a 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly private lesson. Lessons are generally taught on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus, although some lessons may be taught throughout the week based on teacher schedules and availability.
In addition to weekly lessons, students are encouraged to take a music class in Dalcroze eurhythmics, musicianship, music theory, composition, or group ensemble classes. These Elective Classes are fundamental in developing students’ listening skills; rhythmic and tonal dictation; theoretical knowledge; and structural and compositional techniques. All classes take place on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus. One elective class is included in the cost of tuition for private lessons, and students are able to take additional classes for an added cost.
An interview with Professor William van der Sloot is required for admittance into the String Program.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
Guitar Program
Guitar Program
Ages 6+
Our Guitar Preparatory Program offers private lessons to beginner and more skilled students ages 6-18. Lessons focus on classical methods and materials to build strong music-reading skills, chord and scale theory, and improvisation.
Private Guitar Instruction:
Students may select a 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly private lesson. Lessons are generally taught on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus, although some lessons may be taught throughout the week based on teacher schedules and availability.
In addition to weekly lessons, students are encouraged to take a music class in Dalcroze eurhythmics, musicianship, music theory, composition, or group ensemble classes. These Elective Classes are fundamental in developing students’ listening skills; rhythmic and tonal dictation; theoretical knowledge; and structural and compositional techniques. All classes take place on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus. One elective class is included in the cost of tuition for private lessons, and students are able to take additional classes for an added cost.
An interview is required for admittance into the Guitar Program.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
Flute Program
Flute Program
Private flute lessons are offered for students of varying ages and abilities.
Private Flute Instruction:
Students may select a 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly private lesson. Lessons are generally taught on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus, although some lessons may be taught throughout the week based on teacher schedules and availability.
In addition to weekly lessons, students are encouraged to take a music class in Dalcroze eurhythmics, musicianship, music theory, composition, or group ensemble classes. These Elective Classes are fundamental in developing students’ listening skills; rhythmic and tonal dictation; theoretical knowledge; and structural and compositional techniques. All classes take place on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus. One elective class is included in the cost of tuition for private lessons, and students are able to take additional classes for an added cost.
An interview is required for admittance into the Flute Program.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.
Voice Program
Voice Program
Ages 8+
Private voice lessons are offered for students of all abilities ages 8+ in all areas of voice (classical, musical theatre, rock/pop). Students will learn to use their natural voice in a healthy way, concentrating on pitch, breath, rhythm, voice (tone), and diction. Learning fundamentals in a positive and fun atmosphere will give students the tools to use their voice confidently.
Private Voice Instruction:
Students may select a 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly private lesson. Lessons are generally taught on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus, although some lessons may be taught throughout the week based on teacher schedules and availability.
In addition to weekly lessons, students are encouraged to take a music class in Dalcroze eurhythmics, musicianship, music theory, composition, or group ensemble classes. These Elective Classes are fundamental in developing students’ listening skills; rhythmic and tonal dictation; theoretical knowledge; and structural and compositional techniques. All classes take place on Saturdays on the Carnegie Mellon campus. One elective class is included in the cost of tuition for private lessons, and students are able to take additional classes for an added cost.
An interview is required for admittance into the Voice Program.
To learn more or schedule an interview, email the Music Preparatory Office at music-preparatory@andrew.cmu.edu. or call 412.268.3667.