黑料正能量

黑料正能量
School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

School of Music  ›  Preparatory School and Summer Pre-College  ›  Preparatory School  ›  Elective Classes

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. 

 

Beginner 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 Fall 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 Fall 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: Unlock the Power of Your Voice

Choir I (Ages 6-9) 10:00 - 10:45  located in CFA Room A2

Choir II (Ages 10+) 11:00 - 11:45  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 Fundamentals 1-semester course offered in Fall and Spring (students ages 6-8, no placement test required)

This course is an introduction to the language of music. Students will be guided through a series of listening, reading, and writing exercises that will help them develop strong aural skills and support a thorough understanding of their work in private lessons.
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

 

Music Theory V - Two consecutive semesters- (Fall/Spring) 
For students ages 9+ and/or at least three years of musical instrument study, no placement test required
We have added an additional level to our theory courses. This advanced course delves into intricate topics within both Western classical and contemporary music. It challenges students with complex rhythms, sophisticated harmonies, and rigorous ear training. Through in-depth analysis, the course aims to enhance musical creativity and comprehension. Recommended for students who have successfully completed Theory IV, this class is designed for those ready to push their musical boundaries.

3:00 - 3:45  located in CFA 102

All Music Theory classes are held in the College of Fine Arts (CFA) Room 102

Group String Classes

Group String Class I- 12:00-12:45pm (students ages 5-9)

Group String Class II- 1:00-1:45pm (students ages 10-12) 


This class is for students who are studying violin, viola, or cello and are interested in learning to play with other strings, a fundamental component of any student’s proficiency and development as a string player. 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 I (Students 10-12) - time and location for future semesters TBD

What is sound? Can I make up my own scales? Does sound help some animals (and even people) see? Discover the answer to these questions and others you didn’t even think of with Science of Sound! Learn about the development of music and recording technology, and how music and sound interact with many of the world’s sciences! This class is perfect for students who love music, but are curious how their love of music can lead to a future filled with many career possibilities. For an end-of-term craft project, students will create their own bluetooth speaker. Come join your fellow sonic detectives! 
This class requires no music theory prerequisite. Students should be comfortable with multiplication, ratios, and multiplying fractions. 

The Science of Sound II (Students 13+) - time and location for future semesters TBD

Have you ever thought about the technology that goes into a Bluetooth speaker? How an ultrasound machine works? How they figured out how to record sound? Science of Sound is perfect for students who have equal passions for music and the sciences. Learn about the physical properties of sound, the biological and psychological means of hearing and listening, and a wide array of applications that your musical knowledge might have in biology, medicine, and engineering. The class is capped off with a crafting project chosen from a list of options by the students. For an end-of-term craft project, students will create their own bluetooth speaker.
This class requires no music theory prerequisite. This class requires some math that may include multiplying fractions, using ratios, and some concepts about electricity. 

 

 

Creative Expressions I (ages 7-9) - 11-11:45am, located in CFA-A1

Creative Expressions II (ages 10-12) - 10-10:45am, 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.



Teamwork in Music (ages 12+), 10-10:45am, located in CFA M157

Explore what happens when instruments and the voice unite! Dive into repertoire from Bach to Broadway, investigate the history behind instrumental and vocal collaboration, elevate your artistry as a musician, and learn real-world application for developing your ensemble skills.

This course is open to students of all instruments. It is a lecture that will also include ample listening, and student participation on their instruments in select weeks.



Introduction to Music Technology (ages 13+), 2-2:45pm, located in HOA A10

Produce your own music and sounds, build your own sheet music, and find new understandings of sound in Music Technology! So many tools are out there to harness the power of music on your computer, but it can be so difficult to find out where to start. Students will learn to use programs like Chrome Music Lab, GarageBand, and MuseScore to take control of their musical future!