Application deadline
1 March 2027
Part-time commuter applications.
In-person Program
Music Pre-College Program
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
Conservatory-style music study combines private lessons, ensembles and creative portfolios to prepare students for college auditions and life as a music major.
Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Music Pre-College Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
High-school musicians
Age range / Year group
Ages 13-18
Location / Region
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States
Cost
$5,999; $7,927; $8,319; $11,640
Duration
3 or 6 weeks
Format
In-person
Accommodation: Furnished rooms; usually shared doubles
Meals: Dining plan covers most meals
Outcome: Individualized written faculty feedback
Campus experience: Conservatory classes and student activities
Private lessons: 1 hour weekly
Tutors / faculty: CMU conservatory faculty and working professionals
Music Pre-College Program summary
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Music offers a practical introduction to conservatory study through private lessons, ensembles and music support courses.
Students choose Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, or Music Technology / Electronic Music, with major-specific performance and portfolio opportunities.
It suits musicians who want to test the demands of a music degree and receive detailed feedback on their development.
What is Music Pre-College Program?
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Music models the opening weeks of its undergraduate School of Music curriculum. It combines private studio teaching, performing ensembles and supporting music courses to help students understand college-level music study. The four main areas are Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, and Music Technology / Electronic Music.
Full-time students follow a freshman-style course schedule, while part-time commuters select a more flexible combination of lessons, electives and ensembles. Performance majors develop audition experience, and composition and technology majors work toward creative portfolios. Written faculty feedback helps students identify priorities for continued study.
Why Succeed highlights Music Pre-College Program
A curriculum modeled on first-year conservatory study gives students a concrete way to test whether a music degree fits their interests.
Weekly private lessons connect individual technical development with ensemble and classroom learning.
Mock auditions and portfolio reviews make college preparation part of the learning experience.
Composition and music technology pathways offer tangible creative work alongside traditional performance study.
Individualized written feedback provides useful direction after the summer ends.
Who is Music Pre-College Program for?
Best for
Musicians considering conservatory or university music study who want private teaching, ensemble experience and realistic audition or portfolio preparation.
Not ideal if
Your main goal is college credit or musical theater voice training, since Music is enrichment-only and vocal study focuses primarily on classical repertoire.
Is Music Pre-College Program worth it?
The program is a strong fit when the goal is musical development and a realistic taste of conservatory study. Private lessons, ensemble work and mock auditions offer several ways to identify strengths and gaps. Composition and technology majors can also develop material for future portfolios.
The value depends on choosing an option that matches your musical goals and commitment. The courses do not award college credit or official transcripts, and pre-college admission has no influence on Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate admissions decisions. Families should weigh the training itself against the full cost of participation.
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Cost and what is included
$5,999; $7,927; $8,319; $11,640; includes Full-time tuition and college-level classes., Campus housing for residential students., Dining services and meal-plan access., CMU ID Card with Arts Pass museum access., Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access., Part-Time Program: weekly 60-minute private lessons., Part-Time Program: one elective and performing ensembles..
Accommodation
Furnished rooms; usually shared doubles
Meals
Dining plan covers most meals
Provider details
Review the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
3 or 6 weeks; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Music Pre-College Program need?
Effort level
High for full-time study; more flexible for part-time commuters.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before your chosen February or March application deadline to prepare recordings, an essay and a recommendation.
Main challenge
Choosing material that shows your current musical and technical level.
Typical preparation
Choose a major and prepare its required recordings, manuscripts or creative samples.
Request your recommendation early and gather your unofficial transcript.
Write a focused 300-500-word essay explaining what you hope to gain.
Plan instrument transport and residential packing well before arrival.
Useful if
You want to assess your readiness for undergraduate music study.
What do students do on Music Pre-College Program?
You study a chosen music major through private lessons, supporting courses and collaborative performance or creative work. Full-time students also rehearse for mock conservatory auditions or portfolio reviews and receive written feedback on their progress.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Choose Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, or Music Technology / Electronic Music.
- 2
Take private studio lessons and the courses required by your enrollment option and major.
- 3
Join relevant ensembles, seminars, forums or recitals.
- 4
Develop repertoire, compositions or engineered recordings through major-specific work.
- 5
Complete the full-time mock audition or portfolio review and use faculty feedback to plan further study.
Music Pre-College Program dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Full-time: Residential or Commuter, 3-week option
26 June-17 July 2027
Classes end July 16; residential move-out is July 17.
Full-time: Residential or Commuter, 6-week option
26 June-7 August 2027
Classes end August 6; residential move-out is August 7.
Performing Ensembles Only, 6 weeks, Full Session
26 June-6 August 2027
Ensemble-only part-time option.
Part-Time Program, 3 weeks, Session A
26 June-16 July 2027
Part-Time Program, 6 weeks, Full Session
26 June-6 August 2027
Performing Ensembles Only, 3 weeks, Session A
26 June-16 July 2027
Ensemble-only part-time option.
Performing Ensembles Only, 3 weeks, Session B
19 July-6 August 2027
Ensemble-only part-time option.
Part-Time Program, 3 weeks, Session B
19 July-6 August 2027
Continues Session A's curriculum.
Scholarship decisions
1 April 2027
International arrival
25 June 2027
Residential check-in: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Concert Week
2-6 August 2027
Festival-style performances and ensemble events.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 March 2027 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Full-time: Residential or Commuter, 3-week option | 26 June-17 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Full-time: Residential or Commuter, 6-week option | 26 June-7 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Performing Ensembles Only, 6 weeks, Full Session | 26 June-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Part-Time Program, 3 weeks, Session A | 26 June-16 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Part-Time Program, 6 weeks, Full Session | 26 June-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Performing Ensembles Only, 3 weeks, Session A | 26 June-16 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Performing Ensembles Only, 3 weeks, Session B | 19 July-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Part-Time Program, 3 weeks, Session B | 19 July-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Scholarship decisions | 1 April 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
International arrival | 25 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Concert Week | 2-6 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Full-time: at least 16 by June 26, 2027.
Full-time: current high-school sophomore or junior when applying.
All options: strong interest in music.
Commuter: permanent local residence for student and parent or guardian.
Residence: approximately 30 miles from campus or within Allegheny County.
Temporary relocation does not qualify for commuter status.
Part-time: generally entering Grade 9 or higher.
Younger part-time applicants require recommendation or director approval.
Full-time: audition recording or portfolio appropriate to the major.
Scholarships: demonstrated financial need and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
English proficiency documentation when required.
How much does Music Pre-College Program cost?
Full-time application fee
$75 — Waived for scholarship consideration.
Funding or discounts
- 2026 residential, 3 weeks: $7,927 — Historical full-time fee.
- 2026 commuter, 3 weeks: $5,999 — Historical full-time fee.
- 2026 residential, 6 weeks: $11,640 — Historical full-time fee.
- 2026 commuter, 6 weeks: $8,319 — Historical full-time fee.
- Part-Time Program, 3 weeks: $725 — Lessons, one elective and ensembles.
- Part-Time Program, 6 weeks: $1,250 — Lessons, one elective and ensembles.
- Ensembles only, 3 weeks: $260 — Part-time performing ensembles.
- Ensembles only, 6 weeks: $375 — Part-time performing ensembles.
- Full-time enrollment deposit: $800 — Non-refundable; deducted from program cost.
- Need-based scholarship: Tuition, housing and dining — Residential six-week option; eligible U.S. applicants.
- Scholarship recipient deposit: $100 — Available for on-campus spending.
What's included
Full-time tuition and college-level classes., Campus housing for residential students., Dining services and meal-plan access., CMU ID Card with Arts Pass museum access., Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access., Part-Time Program: weekly 60-minute private lessons., Part-Time Program: one elective and performing ensembles.
How to apply to Music Pre-College Program
- 1
Choose your major and full-time residential, full-time commuter or part-time commuter option.
- 2
Create or access an account in the official Pre-College application portal.
- 3
For full-time study, upload your transcript, essay and major-specific audition or portfolio, and request one recommendation.
- 4
If seeking a residential six-week scholarship, request consideration and submit the required financial documentation.
- 5
For part-time study, email audition or creative materials and your musical résumé to music-precollege@andrew.cmu.edu, then select Music > Commuter Part-time Option.
- 6
Review and submit your application, then follow the portal and email instructions.
- 7
After admission, complete your enrollment forms and the payment steps required for your option.
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What does Music Pre-College Program cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Instrumental Performance
Develop repertoire and audition readiness through private lessons, seminars, faculty-coached chamber music and ensembles.
Vocal Performance
Study classical repertoire through private lessons, coaching, voice seminars, choir, recitals and opera scenes.
Composition
Explore theory, analysis and orchestration while developing original works through lessons, forums, recording and recital opportunities.
Music Technology / Electronic Music
Practice digital audio, sequencing, microphone techniques and studio management while developing recordings and electronic compositions.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Music Pre-College Program?
A typical day during the program.
Private studio lessons
Major-specific individual instruction; part-time lessons are arranged with the teacher.
Vocal coaching
Additional coaching helps vocal majors refine technique and interpretation.
Part time attendance
Students do not typically attend every weekday; electives and ensembles determine the schedule.
Who teaches on Music Pre-College Program?
Teaching comes from Carnegie Mellon's conservatory professors, conductors, instructors and staff, alongside working professionals engaged for Pre-College Music. Private studio faculty prepare full-time students for their mock conservatory audition experience.
Where do students stay on Music Pre-College Program?
Residential plan
- Furnished university rooms: Most students share a double room with extra-long twin beds, desks, chairs and storage.
- Dining plan: Most meals are covered, with vegan, vegetarian, kosher and Halal options.
- Residential supervision: Curfew rules and parent-verified absence requests govern overnight departures and private-vehicle travel.
- Student activities: Full-time students can join extracurricular activities and events through Pre-College Student Affairs.
Non-residential plan
- Full-time commuter study: Eligible local students follow the full course schedule while living at their permanent home.
- Flexible part-time study: Local commuters select lessons, electives and ensembles, with attendance determined by their choices.
Residential students bring pillows, sheets and fans; these are not supplied.
What happens after Music Pre-College Program?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Practice the undergraduate conservatory audition process.
Develop compositions or music technology portfolio material.
Receive written feedback on coursework and private lessons.
Use faculty advice to plan continued musical study.
Pre-college admission has no influence on Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate admissions decisions.
Where does Music Pre-College Program take place?
The program takes place at Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Scheduled free arrival shuttles from Pittsburgh International Airport serve students traveling alone, with reservations made through the student travel form.
Music does not qualify for a Carnegie Mellon-issued I-20; international families should review immigration requirements before arranging travel.
Music Pre-College Program FAQs
The four main areas are Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Composition, and Music Technology / Electronic Music. Students combine their major with studio lessons, classroom study and ensemble opportunities.
Full-time students can live on campus or commute. Part-time study is commuter-only, and commuter eligibility requires a permanent local residence for the student and parent or legal guardian; temporary relocation does not qualify.
Full-time performance applicants submit two to three contrasting recorded pieces. Composition applicants submit two to three original manuscripts, while Music Technology / Electronic Music applicants submit creative samples or, if necessary, a statement about their interests and experience.
No. Music courses are enrichment-only and do not produce official Carnegie Mellon grades or transcripts. Students receive individualized written faculty feedback at the end of the program.
The main Music program offers scholarships for the residential six-week option. Full scholarships cover tuition, housing and dining for students demonstrating financial need; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Bring your own instrument unless you play piano, which is provided. Music Technology / Electronic Music students can request an equipment list; a laptop or tablet is optional because campus computer and music technology labs are available.
Most students share a furnished double room with a roommate. Rooms have extra-long twin beds, desks, chairs, storage and wastebaskets; students must bring pillows, sheets and fans.
Carnegie Mellon does not issue I-20 certificates for Pre-College Music. International students may be able to participate under an existing eligible immigration status, but tourist and visa-waiver statuses carry study restrictions.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Pre-College Programs Application
- Absence from Campus Request - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Packing List - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Move-Out Information - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- International Applicants - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Music Part-time Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Enrollment Options - School of Music - Carnegie Mellon University
- Part-time Commuter Program - School of Music - Carnegie Mellon University
- Admission - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Cost and Scholarships - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Arrival - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Discover Sessions - Presentations and Q&As - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
- Music - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
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What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)
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Fee years distinguished
Housing and dining reviewed
International requirements reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Music Pre-College Program
by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
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May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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