Individual Studies

Master Class

Student pianists and vocalists may continue to develop their skills at the University through the Piano and Vocal Studies Programs. In addition to individual and group coaching by the resident directors of these programs, students have opportunities to participate in workshops and masterclasses given by visiting artists, and to perform on the Thursday Tea Time Concert Series, in showcase recitals, and in a variety of special programs on campus and in the local community. More information can be found on the individual program pages.

Private Music Lessons

The Department of Music maintains a growing roster of experienced private instructors available to teach University of Chicago students on campus. Our affiliated private instructors hold advanced degrees from such prestigious conservatories as Indiana University, the Juilliard School, the Ryan Opera Center, the Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, Oberlin Conservatory, Paris Conservatoire, Rice University, San Francisco Conservatory, University of Southern California, and more.

Some University of Chicago students choose to study with other acclaimed musicians in the Chicago area, such as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, or with faculty members at DePaul University or Northwestern University School of Music. Generally, such lesson arrangements require the student to audition for the particular teacher in order to be accepted into his or her studio, and students are often required to travel to another Chicago area location for lessons.

All financial arrangements for private music lessons are made directly with the teacher, rather than through the University. Tuition dollars cannot be used for private lessons, nor do students receive any degree credit for taking private music lessons. A limited number of music lesson subsidies are awarded annually to accomplished student musicians by audition (held in the middle of the autumn quarter). Recipients of these subsidies must be actively involved in one or more of the Performance Program ensembles or programs.

Master Classes

A variety of master classes, taught by local Chicago-area professionals and/or visiting guest artists, take place on campus each quarter. These master classes involve University of Chicago student performers, generally focusing on repertoire of their choice, and are free and open to the public to attend and observe. In general, the Chamber Music, Vocal Studies, and Piano Programs each present three or four masterclasses each year. Additional master classes for woodwind, brass, or string players, led by guest soloists appearing with the University Symphony Orchestra or artists performing on the UChicago Presents concert series, are likewise scheduled each year.

Check the Department's events calendar for full information about this year's master classes on campus.