Interested in Taking Music Lessons?
The following information is intended for the incoming freshmen class. For more information about the Music Department and its offerings please contact the department at music@vassar.edu.
The Department of Music at Vassar College offers lessons for both music majors and for non-music majors in many areas: piano, organ, voice, guitar, harp, percussion, all strings, woodwinds, and brass. All lessons are private and the student meets with the instructor once a week for 50 minutes. There are normally thirteen lessons per semester. Most studios have a performance class at the end of each semester. Music lessons at the college level require self-motivation and daily practice and are to be considered an academic pursuit.
Most studios require auditions in order to take lessons; some do not. Students who wish to study a woodwind, brass, string instrument, or percussion are encouraged to make an appointment with the appropriate instructor.
Because of the large number of students who wish to study voice, piano, and guitar, the department holds scheduled auditions for these at the very beginning of the year. Audition sign-up sheets will be posted outside Room 105 in Skinner Hall the last week in August.
Voice Auditions:
Voice lessons involve the study of the bel canto tradition in singing, with a focus predominantly on classical vocal repertoire and technique. Auditions are competitive.
Monday, September 3, 2012, 1-6 PM, Room 400, Skinner Hall
Please prepare one memorized classical vocal piece in any language. Students should bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment. An accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theatre or other musical genres.
Piano Auditions:
Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 5-8 PM, Room 400, Skinner Hall
Please prepare two short, contrasting pieces.
Guitar Auditions:
Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 6-8 PM, Room 325, Skinner Hall
Viola Auditions:
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 6-8 PM, Room 400, Skinner Hall
The audition will be relaxed and informal and used only as an evaluation for lessons. Beginners are welcome. You may prepare a short work of your choice. Please feel free to contact viola faculty member Danielle Farina at dafarina@vassar.edu with any questions or concerns.
Other Instruments:
Please note the sign-up sheets outside Room 105 for all other instruments. Instructor contact information will also be posted.
Fees and Scholarships
Students may take lessons for credit or non-credit. Music lessons are not covered by tuition; they cost an additional $610 per semester. If a student receives any amount of financial aid from Vassar and elects performance lessons for credit, he/she will be eligible for a music scholarship in one instrument per semester. Scholarship forms are available in the music department office. Forms must be submitted each semester of lessons.