Required classes include:
• Private Studio Lessons
• Music Theory
• Solfège (Sight-Singing)
• Dalcroze Eurhythmics
• Performing Ensembles
• Concert Choir
• Music History Seminar
• Convocation (Includes performances by professional groups, admissions info sessions, and Q&A with faculty and current college students)
• Major-required courses

Students perform in several concerts culminating in Concert Week, which includes festival-style performances of chamber music, opera scenes, choir, jazz ensembles, and more.

In addition, students have access to extracurricular activities and events through Pre-College Student Affairs.

*Also offered in a truncated 3-week format.

Classes include:
• Private Studio Lessons
• Music Theory, Solfège, or Dalcroze Eurhythmics (choose one)
• Any/All Performing Ensemble(s) (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Jazz Choir, etc.)

Students participating as a Part-time: Commuter student may also add on minor studios and/or elective music courses. Additional fees apply.

Please note:
• In order to be eligible as a commuter student, the parent or legal guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or within Allegheny County. Families who relocate temporarily to the Pittsburgh area are not eligible for commuter status. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• The application fee is waived for Part-time: Commuter applicants.
• Part-time: Commuter applications are accepted through July 5, 2025.

Instrumental Performance majors engage in a comprehensive program designed to cultivate well-rounded musicians. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for college auditions through rigorous training and diverse performance experiences.

Core offerings of the instrumental program include:

• Weekly one-hour private studio lessons
• Specialized seminars to explore advanced concepts and techniques
• End-of-summer mock conservatory auditions

Performance opportunities abound throughout the summer:

• Faculty-coached chamber music groups
• Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble
• Jazz Ensemble
• Additional ensemble options

This diverse range of experiences is designed to enhance students' musical versatility and prepare them for the demands of collegiate music programs.

Vocal Performance majors engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance both performance skills and musical knowledge. The program focuses on preparing students for college auditions through intensive study and performance of classical repertoire.

Core offerings of the vocal program include:

• Weekly one-hour private studio lessons (with professional accompanist), plus an additional half-hour coaching session to refine technique and interpretation.
• Voice seminars to perform for peers and discuss concepts and techniques
• End-of-summer mock conservatory auditions

Throughout the summer, voice majors showcase their talents in various settings:

• Concert Choir performance
• Vocal recital
• Voice masterclasses
• Semi-staged opera scenes, which integrate skills developed in dance and acting classes with vocal training.

This multifaceted approach helps students become well-rounded performers ready for the demands of college-level vocal programs.

Composition majors explore diverse aspects of music composition through both classroom and individual instruction. The curriculum covers essential areas such as music theory, analysis, and orchestration.

Core offerings of the composition program include:

• Weekly one-hour private studio lessons
• Specialized classes in recording techniques and music technology
• Composers Forum, where students engage in lectures, discussions, and present works-in-progress
• End-of-summer mock portfolio reviews

By the end of the summer, composition majors add to their portfolio through:

• A recording session, featuring professional musicians
• A dedicated composition recital, featuring peer musicians

To foster collaborative skills, Composition majors are encouraged to audition for various summer instrumental ensembles. These may include the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and other musical groups.

This comprehensive program provides students with essential skills and helps them create a robust portfolio of compositions, ideal for strengthening college applications.

Music Technology / Electronic Music majors work to develop the skills necessary to be successful studio engineers and/or electronic music composers.

They study the properties of sound and learn the basics of digital audio and sequencing, working in a fully equipped studio recording live musicians. They are taught proper recording practices such as microphone selection/placement, advanced microphone techniques, and studio management.

Core offerings of the music technology / electronic music program include:

• Weekly one-hour private studio lessons
• Specialized classes in recording techniques and music technology
• Music Tech Forum, where students engage in lectures, discussions, and present works-in-progress
• End-of-summer mock portfolio reviews

To foster collaborative skills, Music Technology / Electronic Music majors are encouraged to audition for various summer instrumental ensembles. These may include the Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and other musical groups.

This comprehensive curriculum equips students with crucial skills and aids in developing a robust portfolio of engineered recordings and electronic compositions, suitable for inclusion with college applications.

Students may major in the following areas:

Lessons optional but recommended. Additional fees apply.

Through the Minor Studio options, students may take introductory or advanced lessons on any of the major instruments listed below, with the addition of Songwriting, Jazz Piano, Jazz Voice, and/or Conducting.

To be eligible for Pre-College Music, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the program start date (to participate in the full-time program options).
• Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application submission (to participate in the full-time program options).
• Have a strong interest in music.

The complete application for full-time Pre-College Music consists of the following:

• Completed online application
• Unofficial transcript
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• One letter of recommendation
• Response to essay prompt
• Submission of the following audition requirements:
  • Instrumental and Vocal Performance majors should submit recordings of two to three contrasting pieces that demonstrate their musical and technical level of achievement. (Vocalists: Please note that Pre-College Music focuses mainly on classical repertoire, rather than musical theater.)
  • Composition majors should submit two to three manuscripts of original compositions showing their range in genre, training, and ability. If possible, include a recording of each of the submitted compositions. An electronically generated recording is acceptable.
  • Music Technology / Electronic Music majors should submit a portfolio containing samples of their creative work. This may include audio recordings of performances or compositions that you engineered, video recordings of performances or compositions that you produced or edited, and/or screenshots of your software or other creative work. If this is not possible, please provide a written statement that outlines your specific interests and experience with music technology or electronic music.

An essay is required for the following prompt (300-500 words):

• What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs?

Are scholarships available?

Yes, but only to students in the Residential 6-week option.
 
I have a family member who lives in Pittsburgh. If I live with them for the summer, can I register for the Part-time: Commuter option?

No. To be eligible as a Commuter student, the parent or legal guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or within Allegheny County. There are no exceptions to this policy. Families who relocate temporarily to the Pittsburgh area are not eligible for commuter status.
 
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 no repertoire requirements for these auditions. Think ‘example of my best playing.’ An excerpt of a movement or an etude would be good options.
 
What is the end-of-summer mock conservatory auditions?

All full-time music students participate in mandatory end-of-summer mock conservatory auditions. The audition experience is a valuable component of the summer, allowing students the opportunity to go through the paces of an undergraduate conservatory audition. Your summer Pre-College private studio faculty will prepare you for the audition experience.

Composition majors and Music Technology / Electronic Music majors will have a formal portfolio review and interview as part of their mock conservatory audition process. 
 
At the end of the summer program, each student receives written feedback from Pre-College faculty. These individualized comments review achievement in coursework and private lessons, and also offer advice for continuing study.

Will I receive a transcript?

No. All courses are offered for enrichment only. Pre-College Music does not produce official Carnegie Mellon grades or transcripts.
 
Who are the classroom faculty?

The Pre-College Music faculty is made up of professors, conductors, instructors, and staff from its world-class conservatory program. Joining the core faculty will be working professionals engaged specifically for Pre-College Music. For additional faculty information, please contact us at music-precollege@andrew.cmu.edu.
 
I'll be on campus this summer in a program other than Music. Can I sign up for private lessons? May I take a music elective? May I play in one of the ensembles?

Yes! We are happy to include students from other programs in 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 are required for orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber music. Elective fees will apply to all these options.

Please note: Musical Theater students typically prefer private singing lesson options within the Pre-College Drama Program since private voice lessons with Pre-College Music focus on classical repertoire.