Individual Lessons
Individual Lessons are available on all instruments and in voice, composition, and jazz improvisation with Community Music School instructors and interns. We offer lessons online with any faculty member, and in person lessons are also available if the teacher and student agree to the in-person format.
For most instrumentalists the recommended age for beginning private study is age 7. Piano and most string instruments may be started at a younger age; for vocalists the recommended age is about 10.
At ECMS we believe that our entire community is the source of our strength and that each teacher makes their own unique contributions. Students should take advantage of learning from all our teachers by attending recitals, studio classes, and workshops.
Students may choose to study with Instructors or Interns:
Interns are Eastman School of Music students who are among the best and brightest young performers in the world. As such, they are part of our community for a limited amount of time.
Students who are studying with Interns should be prepared to change teachers upon the Intern’s graduation. During studies with an Intern we hope students will also meet other faculty who teach in the instrumental/vocal area. We know how difficult and inconvenient teacher change might be, so being familiar with other teachers in a specific area will help students with the transition to the new teacher.
We start seeking new Interns as soon as we are aware of potential departure or graduation, but students should always consider studies with an Instructor.
When an Intern is graduating or concluding their tenure at ECMS they will coordinate with the ECMS Director and Department Chair to provide for smooth start with a new teacher.
Instructors are professional artist-educators who are Western New York’s most sought-after teachers and performers.
ECMS Instructors have the experience and knowledge to start students at the youngest age and guide them through all stages of artistic development. Additionally, they specialize in working with adult population and are able to accommodate their teaching to their special needs.
Instructors are dedicated to our students and school and in many cases have been a part of the ECMS community for decades.
In addition to instructors and interns, some members of the Eastman School of Music collegiate faculty also offer lessons through the Community Music School; each sets his or her own individual fee. Call the Community Music School office for more details.
School Year Lessons
Tuition
School year tuition is billed in two semesters of 17 weeks each. Fall lessons are automatically re-registered for Spring semester, unless the student submits a written request to cancel before the semester begins. All quoted prices are per semester. Click here for billing details, including monthly payment plans.
2023-24
|
Lesson Length
|
Instructor Tuition
(17 week semester) |
Intern Tuition
(17 week semester) |
|
30-min weekly
|
$613 |
$440 |
|
45-min weekly
|
$907 |
$638 |
|
60-min weekly
|
$1,136 |
$792 |
How to Register
New Students:
- Please complete the ECMS Registration Form for placement with a teacher. Lessons may begin any time of year.
- Each new student requesting lessons will be assigned to an intern or instructor. Requests for a particular teacher will be honored when possible. Once the assignment has been made, the teacher will contact the student directly to schedule lessons based on a mutually agreed upon lesson time and day.
Continuing Students:
- Students continuing lessons with their same teacher may register online from May through mid-September.
- Alternatively, continuing students may submit the ECMS Registration Form at any time.
Click here for complete details on registration and policies.
Summer Lessons
Summer is a wonderful time to continue lessons or try something new! The ten-week session goes from June 18 – August 26, 2023, though individual teachers’ availability and schedules may vary. Please register by July 1.
Tuition (Summer 2023)
|
Lesson Length
|
Instructor Tuition
(10 week semester) |
Intern Tuition
(10 week semester) |
|
30-min weekly
|
$360 | $259 |
|
45-min weekly
|
$534 | $376 |
|
60-min weekly
|
$668 | $466 |
How to Register
New Students:
- Please complete the ECMS Registration Form for placement with a teacher. Lessons may begin any time of year.
- Each new student requesting lessons will be assigned to an intern or instructor. Requests for a particular teacher will be honored when possible. Once the assignment has been made, the teacher will contact the student directly to schedule lessons based on a mutually agreed upon lesson time and day.
Continuing Students:
- Students continuing lessons with their same teacher may register online from late April through mid-August.
- Alternatively, continuing students may submit the ECMS Registration Form at any time.
Click here for complete details on registration and policies.
