A degree in music from Carnegie Mellon is designed to prepare the intellectually curious artist for the future. We provide students the skills to excel through artistic training that is rooted in tradition while engaging with the present. With rigorous and supportive guidance from world-class faculty, and with an emphasis on artistic excellence, discipline, and entrepreneurial acumen, we prepare students for a successful future of their own creation.

The foundation of the strings program contains 5 elements:

1. Studio: weekly, individualized instruction on your instrument.
2. Ensemble Work: student participation in large ensembles.
3. Musician Development: courses in analysis, musicology, and ethnomusicology. Developing fluency in ear training, sight-singing, transcription. Exploring artistry through Dalcroze Eurhythmics.
4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: course offerings and opportunities which engage community-building, technological innovation, and creative programming.
5. Academics: coursework complements outside of the conservatory-style School of Music which take advantage of CMU's interdisciplinary, global research environment

The heart of the strings program is private studio instruction by Carnegie Mellon’s leading faculty. With a close relationship to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the School of Music faculty includes approximately 20 PSO members, many of whom are principal players in the Orchestra. Our faculty also maintain active performance calendars alongside their pedagogical work with CMU students, modeling a multi-pronged career which is characteristic of the 21st-century musician. 

An integral part of learning is bringing studio and practice work to life through regular public appearances. At CMU, string students engage in a variety of performance activities, including studio classes, masterclasses, and Major Ensembles (Philharmonic, Contemporary Ensemble, and Opera), as well as numerous chamber music opportunities both within the School and in the broader community. In addition, they present solo recitals as part of their degree program and may participate in three major competitions: the Philharmonic Soloist Competition, Honors Quartet Audition, and Chamber Music Competition.

During the school year, string students have opportunities to work directly with guest artists in solo and chamber capacities. Past guests have included: James Ehnes, Roberto Diaz, Nicola Benedetti, Amit Peled, Christopher Costanza, Tommy Mesa, Max Dimoff (Cleveland Orchestra), Alex Hanna (Chicago Symphony), Rex Surany (Metropolita Opera Orchestra), Joseph Conyers (Philadelphia Orchestra), as well as the Dover, Escher, Kronos and Rosamunde String Quartets. In the summers, students pursue further studies at festivals and programs such as Aspen Music Festival and School, Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, Brevard Music Center, Chautauqua Institution, Eastern Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, and Monteux School and Music Festival.

Student Successes

Alumni of the strings program have secured positions in major symphony orchestras, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony, Houston Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Utah Symphony and Cincinnati Symphony, among many more. Others have become members of established chamber groups

Videos

Curriculum Links

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance (Strings)
Master of Music in Performance (Strings)

Ensembles

Philharmonic
Contemporary Ensemble
Exploded Ensemble
Chamber Music