Here at CCM Prep we offer a wide variety of music education experiences for all ages and abilities. The column at left contains links to categories of our music offerings. Click here for tuition information.

Private Lessons

• Traditional Lessons: The core of our music program is the private lesson.  Private lessons are offered for all ages and abilities in the orchestral instruments, guitar, classical and jazz piano, organ and voice.  Most of our teachers are considered “traditional” teachers.  This means that the teacher uses his own training, experience, knowledge and talent to teach others, incorporating the timeless process of master sharing knowledge with the student. 
  
  CCM Prep teachers follow a basic curriculum developed by our faculty that includes basic learning expectations (musical and technical) for each level, suggested repertoire and additional learning experiences.  All students are evaluated each semester.  There are two evaluation options.  A written evaluation by the teacher is provided for one of the semesters.  The second evaluation completed sometime during the school year, is an evaluation of a performance during a student recital or the Achievement Festival.  Recitals are offered several times during the school year.  At each recital there are at least two faculty members who provide an evaluation of the student’s performance.  Students who are not able to perform in a recital can participate in the yearly Achievement Festival for the performance evaluation.  The performance evaluation is required for any students who intend to apply for financial aid or scholarship opportunities in the next academic year.

• Suzuki Method:  There is also a Suzuki option for students who want to learn piano, orchestra strings or flute.  The Suzuki Method, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, is based on the evidence that talent is a product of environment rather than heredity. The learning process is broken down into small steps so that the child achieves accomplishment at every level and learns at his or her own pace. Parents are critical to the learning process with this method and attend every lesson.  For more information on the Suzuki program please click here (link to Suzuki page).

Honors Program

The Honors program in MUsic is designed for high-achieving, talented students who are preparing to study music in college. Students must apply and subsequently audition to gain acceptance into the program. Upon acceptance, the applied teacher recommends and oversees the appropriate course of study. Upon graduation, the student will receive a transcript and a certificate of completion.

The amount of time needed to complete the program and receive a certificate will depend on the student’s age, music background and previous experiences.  To gain the most advantage fromt he program, students should enter it in ninth or tenth grade. Students entering later are welcome, but may have trouble completing the curriculum. The flexible curriculum allows students to create a program that will challenge and enhance prior studies, and prepare them for music studies in higher education. Click here for further information on the honors program.

Theory and Composition

The theory and composition division offers a comprehensive three- to six-year study of music theory.  All students studying music are strongly encouraged to study music theory in order to enhance and increase their understanding of music that is as essential as the technical skills learned in private lessons. 

Theory classes are offered at a reduced rate for students studying privately at CCM Prep.  Students who study theory may wish to take the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program.  Students can take advantage of the computer labs at CCM and participate in supplemental theory activities.  Advanced students may also wish to study composition privately.  There are several opportunities to have original compositions performed at CCM.  Theory classes meet on Saturdays.

Group classes

Group classes are a great way to introduce the beginner of any age to the world of music.  Our group classes are experiential and involve students immediately into the world of musicmaking.  There are classes in guitar, keyboard and voice for children and adults.

Ensembles and Chamber Music

A wide variety of opportunities to learn in a group setting is available through the Prep department.  An audition is required; some just for placement.  There are opportunities for all instrumental students to play in an ensemble.  Voice students are encouraged to audition for the Cincinnati Children’s Choir groups or can perform chamber works in the Accent program, along with piano students.