Private Instruction
Registration
Applications for instruction are available online or by contacting the Preparatory Office at prep@cim.edu, 216.791.5000 x217.
Our open enrollment policy allows us to admit new students when an opening occurs that matches an applicant's request up until the 9th week of our 18-week term.
Lessons are offered late afternoon to evening hours Monday through Friday and varied times on Saturday. Days and times vary by branch location. Please remember that submitting an application does not guarantee placement, as classes and lessons are limited to availability.
More Information
To learn more about registration, tuition, or other topics, please click the links below.
Tuition
The following are the current, approximate* CIM fees for private preparatory Lessons, per 18-week semester (half-hour lessons). Lessons longer than 30 minutes are adjusted proportionately.
| Materials: |
Traditional Instruction |
| Piano |
$325 - $563 |
| Music Theory |
$300 - $363 |
| Percussion |
$438 |
| Voice |
$450-$475 |
Strings
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp |
$337 - $900 |
Winds & Brass
Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Oboe, Saxophone |
$413 - $513 |
| Chamber Music Program |
$290 per 10-week session |
| Dalcroze Eurhythmics |
$200 per 16-week semester |
| String Orchestras |
$300 per year |
| Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony |
$375 (includes registration fee) Suzuki Tuition based program. Fee per 18-week semester - includes private, group, and group theory lessons. |
| * All fees are approximate, and may vary due to a number of factors. Questions about lessons and fees should be addressed to 216.791.5000, ext. 253. |
Tuition-Based Program Fees
Suzuki Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano are tuition based programs. These fees represent standard amounts per 18-week semester which include private, group and group theory lessons.
- 30 min. lesson: $775
- 45 min. lesson: $1,140*
- 60 min. lesson: $1,450
* 45-minute lesson required at book 4 level.
Tuition Payment
Full tuition payment is due prior to the first class or ensemble meeting. As an option to full tuition, however, payment plans are available for the fall and spring semesters only. For more information regarding payment plan enrollment, please contact the Business Office at (216) 791-5000 ext. 223 or see these PDFs:
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Registration Fees
Each student will be assessed annually a non-refundable registration fee of $45.00 for the full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). A registration fee of $15.00 will be assessed for summer instruction. Those families with three or more members studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music Preparatory Division will only be charged the first two registration fees.
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Placement
Students will be placed depending on teacher and location availability. If you wish to study with a certain instructor, please indicate the desired teacher on your application. Completed applications are referred to corresponding department heads who assign teachers to prospective students. The assigned instructor will call the student to schedule a lesson day and time.
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Waiting Lists
Instruction in all instruments may not be available at certain branches or times; therefore, some applicants may be placed on a waiting list until an opening becomes available. Our wait lists are unranked and short. They are activated on an evergreen basis, as the need arises. Hence, there is no way to predict when someone might be admitted from the wait list.
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Financial Aid
Scholarships are available after one year of study at CIM and are determined by departmental exams, teacher recommendation, merit and need. The process is outlined in the scholarship application. We do not accept or offer federal grant/loan assistance.
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Piano Orientation
The CIM Preparatory Piano Department requires that all prospective students under 18 attend a piano orientation to better explain the policies, procedures, philosophy and expectations of the department. This meeting is mandatory even if the student has arranged a lesson time with a specific CIM instructor. While the content of this meeting is primarily geared toward parents, your child is welcome to attend.
This meeting will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you might have regarding piano study at CIM. You will receive orientation information after you have completed an application for the Cleveland Institute of Music.
For a list of frequently-asked questions about piano instruction at CIM, click here.
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