Private Lessons

Solo Flute practice

The department offers private music lessons to many students. We do not have a performance faculty; instead, we help to match students with excellent private teachers. We provide a subsidy -- in many cases, 100% of the cost of lessons -- and give academic credit for private lessons. In addition, the most accomplished music students may apply to receive transportation expenses to study with teachers off campus.

In many cases, it isn't necessary to leave campus for private lessons. The department has invited a number of prominent musicians to teach in Lang Music Building. These are performers of the first rank, including musicians who have toured worldwide and appeared as soloists with the Philadelphia Orchestra and other major orchestras, opera houses, and recital series. Voice students are particularly fortunate, in that we provide a voice studio supervised by the faculty, as well as sessions with first rate vocal coaches.

Practice rooms are readily available in Lang Music Building, all equipped with high-quality Steinway and Yamaha baby grand pianos. Also located in Lang Music Building is The Underhill Music and Dance Library, which provides access to a vast collection of books, scores, and audio recordings.

Important Upcoming Dates for the Music 48 Private Instruction Program

Saturday, December 6, 2025: Instrumental rehearsals with accompanist.  Instrumentalists performing their jury with accompaniment and those instrumentalists auditioning for Music 48 should plan to rehearse with our accompanist Dr. Nhi Huynh.  Please send your music beforehand to music@swarthmore.edu.  Use this link to sign up for a 15-min rehearsal of your piece.

Thursday, Dec 11, 2025: Instrumental juries and auditions.  Use this site to sign up for a slot on THURSDAY.

Friday, Dec 12, 2025:  Vocal juries and auditions.  Use this site to sign up for a timeslot on FRIDAY.   Auditionees should contact music@swarthmore.edu for information about rehearsing with accompanist Debra Scurto-Davis and to provide their piece beforehand.  A vocal placement form is required for new participants. 

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026: Department applications from all accepted participants for the spring 2026 are due. 

Music 48 Introductory Video