The Pre-College Summer Session provides high school students with the unique opportunity to take summer courses offered by Carnegie Mellon for credit.

Students earn college credit while working in an academic setting that mirrors the supportive, rigorous environment of the first year of college. Every summer, Summer Session offers approximately thirty courses from academic disciplines across the university, including in science, humanities, social science, engineering, computer science, and technology applied to the arts. Successful Summer Session students leverage their experiences to demonstrate their ability to succeed in college. Upon successful completion of a course, they receive college credit at Carnegie Mellon, which is transferable to other institutions that accept CMU college courses for credit.

Please note that admittance into the Pre-College Summer Session does not guarantee admittance to Carnegie Mellon within the Undergraduate Admission process.

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Curriculum Overview

The Summer Session curriculum is comprised of undergraduate-level Carnegie Mellon courses. The courses are the same ones taken during the fall and spring by Carnegie Mellon students, usually in their first year or as sophomores. Students will receive the same rigorous, college-level work as an undergraduate student studying at Carnegie Mellon. All of the Summer Session instructors are vetted by their respective academic departments, and the majority of them are Carnegie Mellon professors who teach these courses during the academic year. 

Students request their courses after admission to the program, as part of the enrollment process. Students living on campus must remain enrolled in two courses throughout the entire summer. Students living at home (who must have a permanent local address) may enroll in one or two courses. Two courses completed in six weeks is as academically demanding as a full-time undergraduate course schedule.

The 2022 Summer Session course listing will be available late February / early March. As a point of reference, please view our 2021 Summer Session course list.*

*Note: all Summer Session courses for the 2022 Pre-College Program will be held in-person without an online option.

Program Options:

6-week*Residential OR Commuter** *For specific program dates see, the home page.**In order 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.

Carnegie Mellon Summer Program Computer Science

The Computer Science Scholars (CSS) program provides students who have historically been excluded in the field of computer science an opportunity to explore the field of computer science with full-time faculty, staff and researchers who are leaders in the field.  

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As Computer Science Scholars, students will take a deep dive into the field of Computer Science through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, seminars, and industry engagement with leading tech companies in the country. In addition to their academic experiences, students will have the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with peers and mentors and establish a life-long love for computer science.

Academic Information:

Carnegie Mellon’s Computer Science Scholars program gives rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to learn the foundations of computer programming from world renowned CMU faculty and staff. Students will learn the core elements of programming and problem solving in Python. This will include algorithmic components (variables, functions, conditionals, and loops), basic data structures (lists and dictionaries), and problem-solving techniques (algorithmic thinking, top-down design, testing, and debugging). By the end of the program, students will be able to code an interactive application in the Python programming language. Students will attend academic seminars focused on the math and computational skills necessary for computer programming. They will also participate in hands-on projects in which they can apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges that leverage computer science for good. 

In addition, students will engage with industry leaders to learn about the vast and exciting opportunities in the field of computer science. At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a comprehensive evaluation which can be integrated into their academic portfolios as supplemental material for college admission purposes. 

The 2022 summer program is a four-week residential experience on the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Students should be available to participate for the full length of the four-week program dates. You will need to use a computer during this program. If you do not have your own, please contact us and we will make arrangements to provide one to you for the duration of the program. For specific questions related to the program dates, curriculum, or student experience, please email Natalie Hatcher.

School of Music

Summer Pre-College

The Program

Carnegie Mellon University School of Music educates outstanding musicians in a stimulating conservatory environment, inspiring imagination and creativity in music. Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors, our six-week Summer Pre-College program will give you the opportunity to see what college is like in this highly regarded atmosphere.  

This is not high school and it is not camp. It is as close to college as a high school student can get.  You get to live on campus, take classes with conservatory professors, play, rehearse, perform, and enjoy the freedom of college life in a safe environment.

Pre-College Music

Program Overview

Pre-College Music mirrors the first weeks of Carnegie Mellon’s first-year undergraduate School of Music curriculum. It consists of private studio lessons, major performing ensembles, and music support courses. Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many minor studios and electives offered every summer. Acceptance into each course is contingent on demonstrated performance level either by an audition recording or on a submitted portfolio. Regardless of a student’s skill level, there is a place for them to learn and grow in this program.

Although we offer several program options, our residential 6-week option is the most enriching experience and produces the greatest results. This 6-week option provides the full scope of learning, allowing students to progress to more advanced repertoires both individually and in performance ensembles. We do, however, understand this level of commitment is not possible for all students. For that reason, we offer additional options that will provide a foundation for learning. Your Pre-College Music experience and level of growth will depend on which Pre-College Music option you choose.

Program Options

Full-time: Residential or Commuter

Residential or Commuter: Full-time, 6-week option* 

A rich, immersive university experience with rigorous instruction and extracurricular opportunities to help high school musicians discover their potential for a career in music.

Required classes include:
• Private Studio Lessons
• Music Theory
• Solfège (Sight-Singing)
• Dalcroze Eurhythmics
• Performing Ensembles
• Choir
• Music History Seminar
• Convocation (Includes performances by professional groups, admissions info sessions, and Q&A with faculty and current college students)
• Major-required courses

Students perform in several concerts culminating in Concert Week, which includes festival-style performances of chamber music, opera scenes, choir, jazz ensembles, and more.

In addition, students have access to extracurricular activities and events through Pre-College Student Affairs.

*Also offered in a truncated 3-week format.

Part-time: Commuter (local students only)

Commuter: Part-time (students residing in the Pittsburgh region only)

Supplemental instruction for students looking to expand and maintain musical study over the summer. This option is highly flexible and allows for local students with limited availability to participate in lessons and to perform in ensembles.

Classes include:
• Private Studio Lessons
• Music Theory, Solfège, or Dalcroze Eurhythmics (choose one)
• Any/All Performing Ensemble(s) (Millennium Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Jazz Choir, Brass Ensemble, etc.)

Students participating as a Commuter: Part-time student may also add on minor studios and/or elective music courses. Additional fees apply.

Please note:
• In order 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.
• The application fee is waived for Commuter: Part-time applicants.

Areas of Study

Instrumental Performance

Students majoring in Instrumental Performance participate in classes and music experiences designed to develop them into well-rounded musicians.

Instrumental Performance Majors receive private studio lessons each week and participate in seminars to explore concepts and techniques of performance, discussing topics relevant to their concentration.

Summer Ensembles include Chamber Music groups, the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Vocal Performance

The Vocal Performance Major has a rich curriculum of performance and music support opportunities.

Voice Majors receive a one-hour private studio lesson and an additional half-hour private vocal coaching session (with a professional accompanist) each week. In these sessions, students will work on technique as well as the preparation and presentation of classical repertoire.

Voice Majors also take Acting Class and Voice Class as well as perform in the choir, in recital, and in the Opera Workshop. Students may also join the Jazz Choir.

Composition

Composition Majors receive private studio lessons each week and explore several areas of music composition through both classroom and individual instruction. Areas of exploration include theory, orchestration, and electronic music.

All Composition Majors meet in Composers’ Forum to hear lectures, participate in discussion, and present student works or works-in-progress.

Composition Majors may audition for any summer instrumental ensemble to develop collaborative playing. Ensembles include the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Music Technology/Electronic Music

Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors take private studio lessons focused on recording techniques, sound synthesis, and/or other skills related to their specific interests and goals.

All Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors meet in the Music Tech Forum to hear lectures, participate in discussion, and present student works or works-in-progress. In Recording Techniques, students learn how to work in the cutting-edge Vlahakis Recording Studio.

Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors may audition for any summer instrumental ensemble to develop collaborative playing. Ensembles include the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, the Summer Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble, and others.

Major Studio Options

Students may major in the following areas:

Bagpipe          Bassoon               Cello      Clarinet Composition      Double Bass Electronic Music Euphonium        Flute      Guitar  Harp  Horn

Music Technology               Oboe    Percussion          Piano    Saxophone        Trombone Trumpet              Tuba      Viola      Violin    Voice

Minor Studio Options (lessons optional, but recommended)

Through the Minor Studio options, students may take introductory or advanced lessons on any of the major instruments listed here with the addition of Songwriting, Jazz Piano, Jazz Voice, and/or Conducting.

Bagpipe          Bassoon               Cello      Clarinet Composition      Conducting Double Bass Electronic Music    Euphonium        Flute      Guitar  Harp

Horn          Music Technology               Oboe    Percussion          Piano    Saxophone        Trombone Trumpet              Tuba      Viola      Violin    Voice

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Pre-College Music program, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
• Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application submission (to participate in the full-time program options).
• Have a strong interest in music.

Application Requirements

The complete application for the full-time Pre-College Music Program consists of the following:

• Completed online application
• Unofficial transcript
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• One letter of recommendation
• Response to essay prompt
• Submission of the following audition requirements:
  • Instrumental and Vocal Performance Majors should submit recordings of two to three contrasting pieces that demonstrate their musical and technical level of achievement. (Vocalists: Please note that Pre-College Music focuses mainly on classical repertoire, rather than musical theater.)
  • Composition Majors should submit two to three manuscripts of original compositions showing their range in genre, training, and ability. If possible, include an audio recording of each of the submitted compositions. An electronically generated recording is acceptable.
  • Music Technology/Electronic Music Majors should submit a portfolio containing samples of their creative work. This may include audio recordings of performances or compositions that you engineered, video recordings of performances or compositions that you produced or edited, and/or screenshots of your software or other creative work. If this is not possible, please provide a written statement that outlines your specific interests and experience with music technology or electronic music.

Application Essay Prompts

An essay is required for the following prompt (300-500 words):

• What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs?