What You'll Learn

Every Saturday, Academy students will be immersed in music through a combination of private lessons, studio classes, ensembles, musicianship and elective courses—all to support regular performances throughout the semester. The curriculum is designed to meet student's needs and expand their skills. CIM's faculty help students understand and master the fundamentals, develop their technique and discover their own musical voice.

Discover what you'll learn and gain as an Academy student!

Lower Academy (Pre-K through Grade 5)

As a Pre-K* student in the Academy, you will:

  • Participate in CIM Youth Choir
  • Receive instruction in youth Eurythmics classes
  • Have fun, make friends, and learn about music!

As a student in Grades K-5 at the Academy, you will:

  • Take private lessons** with CIM's world-renowned faculty
  • Participate in CIM Youth Choir
  • Receive instruction in musicianship classes
*To enroll, your student must be at least 3 years old by September 1.
**Please note: On recommendation of the faculty, 1) piano and string instruments are recommended for students in this age group and 2) voice lessons are not available to students younger than Grade 6.
 
Upper Academy (Grades 6 through 12)

Foundations

As a Foundations* student, you will develop your technique and begin comprehensive musicianship training. The Foundations level offers a variety of opportunities for students to explore music and hone their craft, including:

  • Applied lessons
  • Studio classes
  • Large ensemble experience
  • Performance opportunities
  • Musicianship training focused on sight singing, harmony, rhythm and piano skills
  • Yearly performance juries

Intermediate

As an Intermediate* student, you will hone your technical skills, explore advanced technique and expand your comprehensive musicianship training. In the Intermediate level, students will discover the areas that most interest them and participate in:

  • Applied lessons
  • Studio classes
  • Small and large ensemble training
  • Musicianship classes
  • Performance opportunities
  • Focused topic electives
  • Semesterly performance juries

Advanced

As an Advanced* student, you will establish advanced technical skills and a comprehensive musicianship to support a successful audition into the Young Artist Program or college music study. Advanced students benefit from:

  • Applied lessons
  • Studio classes
  • Small and large ensemble training
  • Musicianship classes
  • Performance opportunities
  • College and career advising
  • Audition support
  • Focused topic electives
  • Semesterly performance juries
*Level placement is determined by performance level at the time of audition.

Have more questions? Connect with the Preparatory team!