Elective Classes
The Carnegie Mellon Music Preparatory School believes in a well-rounded student musician. Classes are offered in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Music Theory, Music History, Jazz & Improvisation, Music Technology, Choir, Ensemble Performance and much more.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics
(children ages 5-7)
Eurhythmics helps students experience music throughout their bodies. Based on the principles of Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, Eurhythmics integrates movement, ear training, and improvisation. Classes are grouped by age. Contact the Music Preparatory Office at 412.268.3667 for more information.
Advanced Eurhythmics
(children ages 8-12, not offered for Summer 2026)
Students who have completed the Beginning Piano Curriculum or students in this age group who have not had prior Eurhythmics experience explore the elements of music through movement, ear training, and improvisation. Contact the Music Preparatory Office at 412.268.3667 for more information.
Eurhythmics for Teens
(children ages 13+, not offered for Summer 2026)
For students in this age group with any level of Eurhythmics experience to explore the elements of music through movement, ear training, and improvisation. Contact the Music Preparatory Office at 412.268.3667 for more information.
All Eurhythmics classes are held in Margaret Morrison Hall (MM) room 119
Choir
Choir: Unlock the Power of Your Voice
Summer Choir (Ages 6+) 10:00 - 10:45 located in CFA Room A2
Join us for an enriching experience in our Choir Elective, where students discover the magic of creating beautiful music together. Students are encouraged to return and participate in choir for multiple semesters! Here's what they can look forward to:
- Harness Your Voice: Learn how to use your voice effectively to contribute to a collective sound.
- Boost Confidence: Gain confidence and stage presence through performing with your peers.
- Perfect Your Posture: Improve your posture while singing, a valuable skill for both performance and everyday life.
- Build Community: Connect with fellow students and form lasting friendships.
In this elective, you'll develop essential skills, including singing, harmonization, rhythm, solfège, and diction, all within a supportive group setting. From traditional American folk songs to contemporary works, explore a diverse range of choral repertoire and expand your musical horizons.
The semester will conclude with a performance of the students' work.
Music Theory - Fall/Spring only
Music Fundamentals 1-semester course offered in Fall and Spring (students ages 6-8, no placement test required)
9:00 - 9:45 located in CFA 102
Music Theory I – IV Sequence - For students ages 8+
These music theory courses are offered in fall and continue into the spring semester. Each level takes two semesters to complete and a student can not join a theory level during the spring semester. Students may take a placement test at the beginning of the fall semester if they wish to test into theory levels II, III and IV.
Music Theory I - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)
This course is the first of the four-year music theory sequence. Students will learn the elements of music through listening, reading, and writing exercises designed to develop strong aural skills and a thorough understanding of musical concepts. Students will practice sight singing and dictation to build ear-training skills that can be applied to their instruments.
10:00 - 10:45 located in CFA 102
Music Theory II - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)
Taken upon completion of Music Theory I, this course continues the study of musical elements that becomes the foundation for analysis of harmony and musical structure. Students will learn to compose with the rhythm, chords, and short musical structure they learn throughout the year. Students will also continue developing their aural skills.
11:00 - 11:45 located in CFA 102
Music Theory III - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)
Taken upon completion of Music Theory I, this course continues the study of musical elements that becomes the foundation for analysis of harmony and musical structure. Students will learn to compose with the rhythm, chords, and short musical structure they learn throughout the year. Students will also continue developing their aural skills.
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm located in CFA 102
Music Theory IV - Two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring)
In addition to continuing the studies of eighteenth-century tonal procedures, this course explores some theory topics beyond common-practice European art music. Students will also learn larger forms and musical expressions that create a narrative through a piece of music and inform performance.
2:00 - 2:45 pm located in CFA 102
3:00 - 3:45 located in CFA 102
All Music Theory classes are held in the College of Fine Arts (CFA) Room 102
Improvisation
Improvisation I
(students ages 10 – 12)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. This is open to students of all instruments and genres!
12:00 – 12:45 located in CFA M157
Improvisation II
(students ages 13+)
Students create music spontaneously using rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. This is open to students of all instruments and genres!
12:45 – 1:30 located in CFA M157
All Improvisation classes are held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room M157.
Group String Classes
Group String Classes
Group String Class I- 11:00-11:45am (students ages 5-9)
Group String Class II- 10:00-10:45am (students ages 10-12)
For students who are interested in learning to play with other strings, a fundamental component of any student’s proficiency and development as a string player. (violin, viola, cello, or bass) Students must have had some prior experience with their string instrument.
Group String Class is held in College of Fine Arts (CFA) room A2
The Science of Sound
The Science of Sound I (Students 10-12) - 11:00-11:45, located in HOA 223
The Science of Sound II (Students 13+) - 11:00-11:45, located in HOA 223
Creative Expressions
Creative Expressions I (ages 7-9) - 9-9:45am, located in CFA-A1
Creative Expressions II (ages 10-12) - 10-9:45am, located in CFA-A1
Creative Expressions empowers students to create original music by bringing to life music theory and musicianship concepts. In this class, students will:
- Use instruments, voices, and percussion to create their own original compositions.
- Find joy in making music, enjoying a creative and social outlet for their talents.
- Collaborate with classmates to compose and perform music confidently.
The semester will conclude with a performance of the students' original compositions, showcasing their creativity and the skills they've developed.
Exploring 20/21st Century Music Composition
Composition I (ages 10-12) - 9-9:45am, located in CFA 102
Composition II (ages 13+) - 10-10:45am, located in CFA 102
This course is designed for students who want to explore compositional techniques, and learn about the history of western music past the Baroque/Classical/Romantic eras!
In this course, students will learn about music composition techniques from the 20/21st century of western music history. We will cover a variety of music genres including: Impressionism/Expressionism, Opera, Musical Theater/Musicals, the beginnings of Jazz, and more.
In this class, students will:
- Gain composition experience
- Find connections of contemporary music to their main instrument
- Learn about music history post-common era
- Collaborate with classmates to write and perform each others’ music!