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Department ofMusic

Applied Music Instruction

Sign-up for Winter 2026 Applied Music Instruction is now open.

Overview

The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to offering high-quality applied music instruction to undergraduate students at SCU. Lessons are available to music majors/minors, theatre/dance majors/minors, and students participating in performing SCU departmental musical ensembles (i.e. Concert Choir, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, musical productions, etc.)

Music Majors

All music majors are required to take a minimum of 6 units of applied music instruction to graduate; majors may enroll in 1-unit lessons (50 minutes/week) each quarter. All majors are encouraged to take applied music instruction every quarter.

Music Minors

Music minors are required to take a minimum of 2 units of applied music instruction in an area of their choice; minors are eligible for .5-unit lessons (25 minutes/week) each quarter.

Theatre/Dance

Theatre/dance majors may enroll in 1 unit of lessons (50 minutes/week) each quarter; theatre/dance minors may enroll in .5 units (25 minutes/week). Musical theatre minors are required to take a minimum of 3 quarters of individual vocal instruction over the course of their minor.

Musical Ensemble Students

Students enrolled in departmental music ensembles are eligible for one .5-unit lesson (25 minutes) each quarter. The music department strongly encourages ensemble participation for majors/minors each quarter.

Lesson Attendance

Students are required to attend all lessons during the quarter. Failure to attend lessons or juries will jeopardize the students' enrolment for future quarters. All applied music lessons for credit take place on campus.

In the case of illness, the following policy applies:

  • Students who have to miss lessons must notify their instructors in advance. Make-up lessons will be at the instructor’s discretion.

  • Lessons canceled by the instructor will be made up at a mutually agreed time

Grading and Juries

All students who are enrolled in applied music instruction must complete nine weeks of instruction and present a jury in their area of study. Juries are organized by the Director of Musical Performance in consultation with the music department office, and will always take place during finals week.

Questions and Further Information

Contact Debra Lambert, Director of Musical Performance (dllambert@scu.edu), or Scot Hanna-Weir, Music Department Chair (shannaweir@scu.edu).