Carnegie Mellon University
School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Enrollment Options

Students in the Pre-College Music Program choose to major in one of four areas.

  • Instrumental Performance
  • Vocal Performance
  • Composition
  • Music Technology/Electronic Music

After choosing their major, students participate in many enriching musical opportunities, including studio lessons, classroom courses, and performing ensembles.

Explore Areas of Study

The 2025 Application is now open.

There are three ways to enroll in Pre-College Music:

Residential: Full-time

3-week (Session A) and 6-week options

A rich, immersive residential university experience with rigorous instruction and extracurricular opportunities to help high school musicians discover their potential for a career in music.

Classes include:
  • Private Studio Lessons
  • Music Theory
  • Solfège (Sight-Singing)
  • Dalcroze Eurhythmics
  • Performing Ensembles
  • Music History Seminar
  • Convocation
  • Major-required courses

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

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Commuter: Full-time

3-week (Session A) and 6-week options

A rich, immersive university experience with rigorous instruction and extracurricular opportunities to help high school musicians discover their potential for a career in music.

Classes include:
  • Private Studio Lessons
  • Music Theory
  • Solfège (Sight-Singing)
  • Dalcroze Eurhythmics
  • Performing Ensembles
  • Music History Seminar
  • Convocation
  • Major-required courses

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

More Information

Commuter: Part-time

3-week (Session A or B) and 6-week options

Supplemental instruction for students looking to expand and maintain musical study over the summer. This option is highly flexible and allows for local students with limited availability to participate in lessons and to perform in ensembles.

Classes include:
  • Private Studio Lessons
  • Music Theory, Solfège, or Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Recording Techniques, Music Tech Lab, Jazz Improv
  • Performing Ensemble(s) (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Jazz Choir, Brass Ensemble, etc.)

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

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