Improve as a musician in a world-class conservatory while experiencing the life of a college student, studying and living in a university setting.

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Pre-College Music mirrors the first weeks of Carnegie Mellon’s first-year undergraduate School of Music curriculum. It consists of private studio lessons, major performing ensembles, and music support courses. Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many minor studios and electives offered every summer. Acceptance into each course is contingent on demonstrated performance level either by an audition recording or on a submitted portfolio. Regardless of a student’s skill level, there is a place for them to learn and grow in this program.

Although we offer several program options, our residential 6-week option is the most enriching experience and produces the greatest results. This 6-week option provides the full scope of learning, allowing students to progress to more advanced repertoires both individually and in performance ensembles. We do, however, understand this level of commitment is not possible for all students. For that reason, we offer additional options that will provide a foundation for learning. Your Pre-College Music experience and level of growth will depend on which Pre-College Music option you choose.

Areas of Study

Instrumental Performance Majors participate in classes and music experiences designed to develop them into well-rounded musicians. Students focus on the preparation and presentation of material for college auditions. Instrumental majors receive a one-hour private studio lesson each week and participate in seminars to explore concepts and techniques of performance, discussing topics relevant to their concentration. All students perform on the concert stage throughout the summer in faculty-coached chamber music groups, the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Vocal Performance Majors participate in a rich curriculum of performance and music support opportunities. Students focus on the preparation and presentation of classical repertoire, specifically for college auditions. Voice Majors receive a one-hour private studio lesson (with professional accompanist) and an additional half-hour private vocal coaching session each week through the summer, where they work on classical vocal technique. Voice Majors also perform on the concert stage throughout the summer in the Concert Choir, vocal recital, and in voice masterclasses. They combine the skills gained from dance class, acting class, and private instruction in the performance of semi-staged opera scenes. 

Composition Majors receive a private studio lesson each week and explore several areas of music composition through both classroom and individual instruction. Areas of exploration include theory, orchestration, and electronic music. All Composition Majors meet in the Composers’ Forum to hear lectures, participate in discussion, and present student works or works-in-progress. At the end of the summer, students participate in a recording session with professional musicians who will read student works. Composition Majors may audition for any summer instrumental ensemble to develop collaborative playing. Ensembles include the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors work in a private studio setting to develop the skills needed to be a successful studio engineer and/or create electronic music compositions. Along with private studio lessons, these students work in a fully equipped studio recording live musicians. In these sessions, they are taught proper recording practices such as microphone selection/placement, advanced microphone techniques, and studio management. They learn the basics of Pro Tools as well as how to use industry-standard plugins necessary for post-production. Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors meet in the weekly Music Tech Forum to hear lectures, participate in discussion, and present student works or works-in-progress. Students also take Recording Techniques and Music Technology Lab courses, where they study the properties of sound and learn the basics of digital audio, MIDI, sequencing, and multimedia through the use of several differenc computer programs. Basic and advanced concepts of notation software will also be covered. Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors may audition for any summer instrumental ensemble to develop collaborative playing. Ensembles include the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Major Studio Options

Students may major in the following areas:

Bagpipe
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Composition
Double Bass
Electronic Music
Euphonium
Flute
Guitar
Harp
Horn
Music Technology/Electronic Music
Oboe
Percussion
Piano
Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Viola
Violin
Voice

Minor Studio Options (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 above with the addition of Songwriting, Jazz Piano, Jazz Voice, and/or Conducting.

Pre-College Music (3 weeks)

Jun 22 - Jul 13

3 weeks

Residential

7400 USD

Pre-College Music (6 weeks)

Jun 22 - Aug 03

6 weeks

Residential

10866 USD

Pre-College Music (3 weeks)

Jun 22 - Jul 13

3 weeks

Commuter

5600 USD

Pre-College Music (6 weeks)

Jun 22 - Jul 13

3 weeks

Commuter

7766 USD

The cost includes:

• Tuition for college-level classes taught by accomplished Carnegie Mellon University faculty.
• Housing on a vibrant and welcoming college campus. Residential students only.
• Dining Services that offer diverse eating options that emphasize health, wellness, and delicious food! Dining options include (but not limited to) vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal.
• University fees for the use of the campus health center, fitness center, library, Student Success Center, and so much more!
• Transportation Pass to attend an organized program or extra-curricular events.

Additional Fees:

• Application Fee - $50
• Enrollment Deposit - $800

Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit are non-refundable.


Part-time: Commuter applicants are not required to pay an Application Fee or an Enrollment Deposit. All costs are assessed after enrollment and are dependent on lesson and activity choices.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining are available to students demonstrating financial need. You can elect to be considered for a scholarship within the online application.

Please note: International students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be available to attend the entirety of the program
• Demonstrate financial need

Financial Need

Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:

• Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
• Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
• Students whose family income falls within or near the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• Students whose family receives public assistance.
• Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
• Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
• Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

Documentation of financial need is required to be considered for scholarship opportunities in all available programs.

Documentation required includes tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department.