Arts
CMU Pre-College Music (Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Music)
CMU Pre-College Music is a 3 or 6 weeks residential or commuter program run by Carnegie Mellon University. Open to: current high school sophomores and juniors (part-time commuter option for students entering 9th grade or higher).
- Application deadline
- March 1, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 3 or 6 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students take private lessons, play in ensembles and chamber groups, and study theory and solfege. The program includes mock conservatory auditions and end-of-summer concerts.
- Instrumental performance
- Voice
- Composition
- Music technology
- Music theory
Key facts
- Run by
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Where
- Pittsburgh, PA (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- Current high school sophomores and juniors (part-time commuter option for students entering 9th grade or higher)Full-time students must be at least 16 by June 26, 2027; part-time commuters must live within about 30 miles of campus or in Allegheny County.
- Dates
- 3-week: June 26 to July 17, 2027; 6-week: June 26 to August 7, 2027
- Cost
- 2026 pricing: 6 weeks $11,640 residential or $8,319 commuter; 3 weeks $7,927 residential or $5,999 commuter; covers tuition plus housing and dining for residents; $75 application fee
- Deadline
- March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration)
Official program siteOfficial application pageCarnegie Mellon University admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Portfolio or audition
- Application fee
An essay response, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and an audition recording of 2 to 3 contrasting pieces (or original compositions or a music technology portfolio).
How a mentor helps with your CMU Pre-College Music application
- Decide whether CMU Pre-College Music fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the CMU Pre-College Music deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMU Pre-College ArchitectureCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College ArtCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DesignCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DramaCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| BUTIBoston University College of Fine Arts | Lenox, MAResidential | Ages 14 to 20 (Young Artists Programs ages 14 to 19) | Paid, aid available | January 19, 2027 |
| CAED/Architecture Summer Career WorkshopCal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design | San Luis Obispo, CAResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid, aid available | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the CMU Pre-College Music application deadline?
The deadline is March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration).
How much does CMU Pre-College Music cost?
2026 pricing: 6 weeks $11,640 residential or $8,319 commuter; 3 weeks $7,927 residential or $5,999 commuter; covers tuition plus housing and dining for residents; $75 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to CMU Pre-College Music?
Current high school sophomores and juniors (part-time commuter option for students entering 9th grade or higher). Full-time students must be at least 16 by June 26, 2027; part-time commuters must live within about 30 miles of campus or in Allegheny County.
What does the CMU Pre-College Music application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Portfolio or audition, Application fee. An essay response, an unofficial transcript, one recommendation, a $75 fee, and an audition recording of 2 to 3 contrasting pieces (or original compositions or a music technology portfolio).
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
