Preparatory and Continuing Education

Areas of Instruction

Individual instruction for all string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, as well as piano, voice, classical guitar, harp, composition and music theory.  

Ages: 3+
Semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
Level: All

Introduction to the basic elements of music through movement and sound, taught in a group setting.

Ages: 3-7, 12-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Students learn aural skills, improvisation, keyboard work and composition as part of the coursework.

Ages: 8+
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: All

Chamber music instruction for string, piano, woodwind and brass players. Students learn teamwork and collaboration skills alongside fundamental chamber music techniques and repertoire. 

Ages: 10-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Students collaborate to explore nearly a century of percussion ensemble repertoire and learn different styles and techniques.

Ages: 12-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Children's Choir helps students build pitch matching, healthy vocal technique, and listening skills. Advanced Chamber Choir teaches students advanced expression and harmonic elements. 

Ages: K-12
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: All

Students enhance their skills as ensemble musicians, focusing on collaboration, communication and group expressiveness.  

Ages: 8-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent

An engaging introduction to ensemble playing for young string players. Students learn to watch the conductor, blend with other musicians, follow bowings and more. 

Ages: 7-13
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent

Comprised of three wind ensembles open to all woodwind, brass and percussion students who perform advanced high school level band repertoire.

Ages: 14-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: Advanced

Violin, viola, cello, bass and piano instruction is available. Students engage in private lessons, group and theory classes, recitals, workshops and more.

Ages: 4-18
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Level: All

CIM is proud to host the Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA), which is a full-scholarship chamber music and solo performance program designed for aspiring African American and Latinx string players.

Ages: 11-17
Semesters: Summer
Level: Advanced

Intensive study for young pianists. Students receive individual instruction as well as group instruction in theory, eurthythmics, improvisation and more. Master class and performance opportunities are offered. 

Ages: 12-18
Semesters: Summer
Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Private composition lessons, listening sessions and chamber music coachings, culminating in the premiere of a work by each student composer. 

Ages: 14-19
Semesters: Summer
Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Young Artists immerse themselves in lessons, chamber music, ensembles and classes that prepare them for auditions and acceptance into a conservatory. 

Ages: 16-18
Semesters: Full academic year
Level: Advanced

Designed for African-American and Latinx students interested in a music career, the MPF program provides exceptional artistic training delivered by CIM faculty. The program provides ongoing, multi-year support to students.

Eligibility: Students entering grades 5-10
Instruments: Orchestral instruments, piano or guitar

A comprehensive course of study that prepares advanced students for acceptance into CIM's Young Artist Program, college music school or conservatory.

Ages: 12+
Semesters: Full Academic Year
Level: Advanced