All current CWRU students may enroll in applied music lessons for academic credit through the Joint Music Program (JMP), with instruction provided by faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).
Sign Up for Private Lessons
Students requesting secondary lessons must complete the Policies & Pre-Registration Form for Secondary Lessons each semester.
Course Options
- MUAP 131 – Undergraduate music majors studying a secondary instrument or voice, music minors, and non-majors
- MUAP 531 – Graduate students enrolled in degree programs outside of music
Lessons are offered for 1.00 credit unit (7 hours of instruction) or 2.00 credit units (14 hours of instruction) per semester.
Instructional fees for music minors, non-majors, and graduate students outside of music are $750 (1.00 credit unit) or $1,500 (2.00 credit units).
A separate pre-registration form is required for each instrument or voice each semester.
Students should have the appropriate preparation and foundational skills for their instrument or voice before enrolling in secondary lessons. Unless otherwise indicated, students are expected to provide their own instrument for private lessons.
Students with little or no previous experience should first complete MUSP 130 or MUSP 100 (with instructor permission). Beginner group classes are available in guitar, piano, and voice.
In general, students should be able to read basic music notation, recognize key signatures and rhythmic notation, and demonstrate introductory musicianship skills. Completion of MUTH 111 or MUTH 112 (or equivalent coursework) is strongly recommended.
Piano: Students should be able to identify piano keys, navigate the keyboard, demonstrate proper hand position, and perform basic scales and rhythm exercises.
Guitar: Students should be able to identify the strings and basic fretboard layout, demonstrate proper playing position, tune the instrument, and perform basic chords, scales, and simple rhythm patterns.
Voice: Students should be be able to match pitch, sing simple exercises and melodies, demonstrate basic breath support and vocal technique, and engage with musical phrasing and text.
Woodwinds, Brass, and Strings: Students should demonstrate fundamental proficiency on their instrument, including proper playing technique, music-reading skills, tone production, and the ability to perform basic scales and technical exercises.
Percussion/Drum Set: Students should be able to demonstrate proper stick technique, maintain a steady pulse, read basic rhythmic notation, and perform fundamental snare drum and/or drum set exercises and grooves.
Harp: Students should have prior harp experience and sufficient technical and musical preparation for collegiate-level private instruction. Registration requests are reviewed by the music office and require approval from the harp instructor before enrollment can be processed. Students enrolled in harp lessons may also be eligible for access to school-owned harps. See Harp Access & Instrument Care for additional information.