Improve as a musician in a world-class conservatory environment 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 is designed to prepare students for college-level auditions and the life of a music major. Students build skills and confidence through private studio lessons, major performing ensembles, and music support courses.

Admission to each course is based on a demonstrated performance level, which can be shown through an audition recording or a submitted portfolio. Regardless of a student’s skill level, there is a place for them to learn and grow in this program.

Our residential 6-week program stands out as the most comprehensive and enriching option, yielding the most significant results. This immersive experience allows students to explore the full breadth of our curriculum, advancing to more advanced repertoires both in solo work and ensemble performances.

We recognize, however, that this level of commitment may not be feasible for everyone. To accommodate varied schedules and needs, we offer alternative programs that provide a solid foundation for musical growth. The depth of your Pre-College Music experience and the extent of your development will correlate directly with the program you choose.

Areas of Study

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.m 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 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.

Composition Majors 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.

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.

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 20 - Aug 01

6 weeks

Residential

7659 USD

Pre-College Music (6 weeks)

Jun 20 - Aug 01

6 weeks

Residential

11246 USD

Pre-College Music (3 weeks)

Jun 20 - Jul 11

3 weeks

Commuter

5796 USD

Pre-College Music (6 weeks)

Jun 20 - Aug 01

6 weeks

Commuter

11246 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.