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Studio Instruction/Private Lessons

Requirements and Procedures Overview

While many aspects of studio instruction will vary among studio instructors, the following procedures and requirements pertain to ALL students taking studio instruction. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in a lowering of the final grade for studio instruction. Significant deviations from these standards may result in a failing grade for the semester and the discontinuation of fee-waived lessons for minors and majors. Participation in lessons on the same instrument for four consecutive semesters fulfills the Fine Arts general distribution requirement. See the official College Catalog for a list of detailed Music Majors and Music Minors requirements. Lessons are credit-bearing, academic courses and as such are subject to deadlines on the Academic Calendar.

ItemMusic Majors & Music Minors
Registration
  • Spring 2025 registration is available in-person in the music office (M201), or contact [email protected] for a link to the Google form, from Thursday, January 23 through Friday, January 31.
  • It will be possible to register for Fall 2025 lessons beginning April 21– May 2.
  • Students may add/drop lessons during the college-wide add/drop period at the beginning of each semester
Fees per semester
  • $60 for 12 half-hour lessons (or equivalent) on primary instrument or keyboard skills
  • $540 for 12 hour-long lessons on primary instrument (except seniors who are giving capstone recitals; see following for details)
  • Seniors giving capstone recitals are eligible for the reduced rate of $115 for 12 hour-long lessons
  • Rates for secondary instruments are $500 for 12 half-hour lessons
  • Bagpipe lessons are available at no cost. Contact Mike Breidenbach at  or 651-696-6695
Performance Exam/Review
  • Required every semester on the student’s primary instrument and keyboard skills
  • Reviews normally take place on Study Days, do not plan travel over these dates
  • The sign-up form will be available outside M201 about a week before Study Days
  • Performance Review and Grading requirements
Grades

  • 80% of the grade is from the studio instructor

  • 20% from the average of grade given by the music faculty adjudicating the Performance Reviews

See Withdrawal/Grading deadlines on the Academic Calendar.
Studio InstructorsStudio Instructors directory
Course Credit
  • 1 credit per semester
  • Credit will only be applied after completion of 2 consecutive semesters of the same type of studio instruction (i.e. piano lessons for two semesters)
  • Credits for music instruction do not cause students to go over the 18-credit limit
Studio ClassesWhile instructors are not required to, many may choose to hold studio classes in which all students studying with them come together and perform for each other. Group learning in the studio setting is often an integral part of many studio programs and students find it very beneficial. Please be in contact with your teachers to understand expectations around any studio class opportunities.
Thursday Noon Recitals
Repertoire
  • Study and complete a minimum of 3 pieces in contrasting styles (or the equivalent, in non-Western instruments and some other traditions) every semester
Memorization
  • If memorization is the norm e.g., solo vocal and solo piano repertoire, music performed publicly should be memorized
  • Public performances include: Performance Reviews, Thursday Noon Recitals, and junior/senior recitals
  • Music minors are not required to memorize, though individual studio instructors may encourage or require performance by memory
Senior Recitals
  • Required for Music Majors only
Studio Instructor Evaluation
ItemNon-Majors & Non-Minors
Registration
  • Spring 2025 registration is available in-person in the music office (M201), or contact [email protected] for a link to the Google form, from Thursday, January 23 – Friday, January 31
  • It will be possible to register for Fall 2025 lessons between April 21– May 2.
  • Students may add/drop lessons during the college-wide add/drop period at the beginning of each semester
Fees per semester
  • $500 for 12 half-hour lessons (or equivalent)
  • $1000 for 12 hour-long lessons
  • Bagpipe lessons are available at no cost. Contact Mike Breidenbach at or 651-696-6695

 

Performance Exam/Review
  • No reviews or exams required
Grades

  • Instructor assigns grade

General students without fee waivers have the option of letter grade or S/NC in studio instruction. Letter grades will be assigned unless the student designates in writing to the department coordinator a request for pass/fail option by the all-college deadline.
Studio InstructorsStudio Instructors directory
Course Credit
  • 1 credit per semester
  • Credit will only be applied after completion of 2 consecutive semesters of the same type of studio instruction (i.e. piano lessons for two semesters)
  • Credits for music instruction do not cause students to go over the 18-credit limit
Studio ClassesWhile instructors are not required to, many may choose to hold studio classes in which all students studying with them come together and perform for each other. Group learning in the studio setting is often an integral part of many studio programs and students find it very beneficial. Please be in contact with your teachers to understand expectations around any studio class opportunities.
Thursday Noon Recitals
  • Not required
Repertoire
  • Study and complete a minimum of 3 pieces in contrasting styles (or the equivalent, in non-Western instruments and some other traditions) every semester
Memorization
  • At the discretion of the instructor
Senior Recitals
  • Not required
Studio Instructor Evaluation