Program Overview

Program Overview

The Part-time Commuter Program at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music offers high school students a world-class conservatory experience within an internationally recognized university. This intensive six-week summer program models the curriculum of a first-year undergraduate student in the Carnegie Mellon School of Music.

Program Details

• The program allows students to live the life of a music major, discover their potential for a career in music, take conservatory-style music classes, and perform with other students from all over the world.
• Through the Commuter: Part-time Option, students can build a program based on their interests and stay involved with music through the summer.
• These options are highly flexible and allow local Pittsburgh students to be part of this innovative fine arts community as they expand and maintain their musical study over the summer.

Program Dates and Weekly Schedule

Program Dates

• Full Session: June 21 - July 31
• Session A: June 22 - July 11
• Session B: July 13 - 31
  • 3-week participation is available, but students are encouraged to register for the 6-week program if possible, which offers the deepest experience.
  • Session B is a continuation of the Session A curriculum, not a repeat.

Other Important Dates

• Music Student Orientation (all sessions): June 20, 2026, at 3:30pm
• Instrumental placement auditions (all sessions): June 21, 2026 at 9:00am-12:00pm
• Ensemble Performances
  • Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble: July 11, 2026, at 3:30pm
  • Concert Week: July 27 - 31, 2026

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility

• To be eligible as a commuter student, the parent or legal guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of campus or within Allegheny County.
• Families who relocate temporarily to the Pittsburgh area are not eligible for commuter status.
• There are no exceptions to this policy.
• While students as young as thirteen have been welcomed to the program as Part-time Commuters, the admittance of students who have not yet completed 10th grade is at the discretion of the program director.
• All students must have a strong interest in music.

Application Requirements

• Admission is by invitation or audition only for Commuter: Part-time students.
• Applicants must submit an audio recording of a solo representative of their level of performance (vocal/instrumental applicants), scores of recent original compositions (composition applicants), or representative works (music technology/electronic music applicants).
• A summary or resume of musical training and accomplishments must also be included.
• Auditions are waived for members of PYSO, TRYPO, RCYBB, WYSO, PYCO, and past Pre-College students.
• The application fee is waived for Commuter: Part-time applicants.

How to Apply

1. Start a new application
2. Review the Application Instructions and confirm agreement
3. Submit Personal Information
4. Submit Program Selection: Part-time Commuter applicants must select Music > Commuter Part-time Option as the First Choice Program
5. Submit Household Information
6. Sign, Review, and Submit the application

Part-Time Program Options

Comprehensive Part-Time Program

• $1200 (6 weeks) / $700 (3 weeks)
• Instruction for students looking to expand and maintain musical study over the summer
• All students choose an area of study and enroll in:
  • Private studio lessons (60 minutes, weekly)
  • One elective course
  • Any/All Performing Ensemble(s)

Performance & Production Program

• $1200 (6 weeks)
• A six-week experience for high-school instrumentalists at the intersection of music performance and music production
• Group chamber music coachings (30 minutes, twice weekly)
• Courses in music technology & recording techniques
• Large ensemble performances

Performing Ensembles Only

• $375 (6 weeks) / $260 (3 weeks)
• Join any and all summer performing ensembles
• Instrumental ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Improvisation Ensemble
• Vocal ensembles: Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, Opera Workshop

Optional Add-ons

Conducting Scholars Program

• $450 (6 weeks)
• In addition to the regular part-time offerings, the conducting scholars meet in the weekly conducting seminar and receive podium time with peer musicians
• No previous experience is required, but students must submit a brief statement of interest to enroll in this program

Minor Studios & Elective Courses

• $700 (6 weeks) / $350 (3 weeks)
• Introductory or advanced lessons in any instrument, or enroll in additional classroom courses

Areas of Study

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

Elective Courses

• Music Theory
• Dalcroze Eurhythmics
• Solfege (sight-singing)
• Recording Techniques
• Music Technology Lab
• Jazz Improv

Performing Ensembles

• Orchestra
• Wind Ensemble
• Concert Choir
• Jazz Ensemble
• Jazz Choir
• Opera Workshop
• Other small & medium ensembles

Weekly Course Schedule

• Schedules depend on the student's chosen elective(s) and ensemble(s)
• Weekly private lessons are scheduled individually between the student and teacher

Program Tuition

• Comprehensive Part-Time Program: $1200 (6 weeks) / $700 (3 weeks)
• Performance & Production Program: $1200 (6 weeks)
• Performing Ensembles Only: $375 (6 weeks) / $260 (3 weeks)
• Conducting Scholars Program: $450 (6 weeks)
• Minor Studios & Elective Courses: $700 (6 weeks) / $350 (3 weeks)