Pre-Collegiate Music Program
Ages 12 to 18
The Sherwood Pre-Collegiate Music Program provides accelerated training for talented young musicians. This tuition-free comprehensive honors program allows middle and high school students an opportunity to acquire the skills needed to gain acceptance into major universities and conservatories across the country. Our six-level program accommodates a wide range of skill levels, allowing them to progress at their own pace, while providing them with a structured path towards improvement. We welcome students training in either classical or jazz mediums.
To apply for the Pre-Collegiate Program, click the red "Register Online" button below and select the "Pre-Collegiate Program Application" from the list of classes in our Online Registration Center.
Auditions dates for Fall 2012: Friday, June 8 & Friday, June 22, 2012.
Click Here To Download Audition Requirements
Program Details
Admission to the Pre-Collegiate Music Program is determined by audition. Those students admitted into our program will receive all program courses tuition-free when they register for 60 minute individual lessons at Sherwood. For those students who are admitted and choose to take individual lessons elsewhere, the tuition is $400 per semester. This fee includes musicianship class, an ensemble, and their elective classes. Financial aid is also available for students enrolled in the Pre-Collegiate Music Program.
Our course offerings are built around a set of core program components:
- 60 minute individual lesson
- Musicianship Class
- Small Group Ensemble (chamber music or a jazz combo)
- Electives, as determined by the program staff and faculty
Program Weekly Components
Individual Lesson
Students enrolled in the Pre-Collegiate Music Program are required to take a 60 minute lesson through Sherwood once per week on their primary instrument in order to receive the program's classes tuition free. Students may focus on classical or jazz study. For details on Sherwood's Individual Lessons, please visit our Individual Lessons webpage. Students who would prefer to study with an instructor outside of Sherwood may continue to do so, but must pay a $400 tuition fee per term for the program.
Musicianship
Musicianship classes are a key component of the Pre-Collegiate Music Program. There are 6 levels of course work. Class placement is based upon a musicianship placement exam, taken in the fall before the start of classes. Click here for full class description.
Ensembles
Pre-Collegiate students are placed into ensembles that are grouped by the ability demonstrated during their entrance audition. Ensembles include:
Chamber Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Percussion Ensemble
Electives
TThroughout the course of the program, different electives are offered. Sudents will be assigned electives courework by the program staff and faculty. Electives are meant to enrich and deepen the student's musical knowledge. Some elective courses will broaden their exposure beyond their usual area of study. Please visit the 'Music for Young Adults' page for more information on the classes listed below.
Introductory/Continuing Piano
Introductory/Continuing Guitar
Piano Performance Class
String Performance Class
Sing Out
Jazz Improvisation
Eligibility
The Pre-Collegiate Program is open to students ages 12 – 18 and includes the following instruments: piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, guitar, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, voice.
Enrollment
Students must audition to be accepted into the Pre-Collegiate Music Program. Auditions are held twice per year. Upcoming audition dates are listed at the top of this page. A non-refundable $35 application fee is required with the application. At the audition, students along with their parents/guardians will also have a brief interview with program administrators. To register for an audition, please visit our Online Registration Center.
Pricing
Since the fall of 2011, the Sherwood Pre-Collegiate Music Program has been operating through grant and donation funding. Program courses are tuition-free for those students enrolled in 60 minute individual lessons on their primary instrument at Sherwood. Students who take individual lessons elsewhere, will pay a fee of $400 a term.
