Fall 2021 Youth Programming Spotlight
Find the perfect music program for your child!
We know that many of our member organizations run on different enrollment cycles and not all programs begin in the fall. This page is to showcase any programs that are open to take on more students. Have a program that is currently enrolling, auditioning, starting classes, etc.? We’d love to hear about it! Please email our Program Coordinator, Emily Bovan, at emily@unisound.us.
*Listed in alphabetical order*
Center of Life
Center of Life is proud to offer a variety of programs to help children from kindergarten to 12th grade learn and thrive. Kids can participate in afterschool tutoring, athletic activities, jazz music instruction, or writing and performing their own rap music – there’s something for everyone. During the school year, there are also weekly meetings for parents and guardians to share their experiences and gain access to more resources.
If you have questions about programs or would like more information about the registration process, please contact our Director of Programs, Joy Cannon, at joy.cannon@centeroflife.net or (412) 521-3468.
Programs:
The KRUNK Movement– a youth production company for students in grades 9-12 focusing on the elements of hip-hop through dance, song production, and visual art. Mondays- Thursdays, 4:00-7:00pm. For more information, click here!
COL Jazz– COL Jazz mentors young musicians using a tailored approach that builds upon each student’s individual skill level. With three ensembles — Combo, Large Ensemble, and Bucket Band — COL Jazz offers a variety of instruction for students in grades K-12. For more information, click here!
Private Music Lessons– free lessons on the following instruments: voice, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, and saxophone. For more information, click here!
Carnegie Mellon University Preparatory School
Fall 2021 Semester starts Saturday, August 28th.
At the Carnegie Mellon Music Preparatory School, distinguished professional musicians and educators train talented Pittsburgh-area children.
Our goal is to give children ages 4 through 18 technical, academic and artistic proficiency in music.
Comprehensive classes in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Musicianship, Theory and Composition and Jazz & Improvisation accompany private lessons in either piano, strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), guitar and percussion.
For more information, click here!
Craft Your Music
Talent is Learned at CYM! Make your guitar start STICK with Center for Young Musicians’ online course Pre-Twinkle Guitar: Readying Families for Success! This fresh take on classical guitar playing through the Suzuki Method (for families with children aged 3 – 4) nurtures the emotional and physical skills required to become “instrument ready”. You can expect:
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invigorating activities that playfully demonstrate the phrasing of each piece
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singing games that sensitize the body to effective fingerboard and pick use
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ear training that tunes the ear to basic patterns and the guitar’s open strings
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discovery of what creates resonance – beautiful tone modeled
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and fun “take-away” assignments for weekly practice.
https://craftyourmusic.com/programs/early-childhood-music-and-movement/
Lessons are available every week in person and online Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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Individual and Group Instruction for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, and Voice
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Students aged 2 – 92 Welcome
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Performance and Literacy Training
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Musical Community Service
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Suzuki and Musikgarten
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The Craft Forum
Giovani Voci Youth Choir for Girls
Rehearsals resume on Thursday, September 9th.
Currently accepting singers ages 6-13. Faith United Methodist Church rehearsals every Thursday evening from 5:00 – 6:15 pm beginning September 9th, 2021 at 261 W Chapel Ridge Road. Tuition per singer for the entire season is $750.00. Tuition assistance is available at any level for any singer!
Our plan is to resume Giovani Voci rehearsals according to CDC guidelines, similar to the way children will be attending their schools this fall.
Assuming no children under the age of 12 will have received vaccinations by then, we’ll be rehearsing for approx. 60 minutes potentially with the unvaccinated children masked – depending on CDC guidelines. The sanctuary will have fresh air flow and social distancing every week.
No food will be consumed during rehearsals – all singers must bring their own water bottle!
The group will rehearse with all singers in one full session, led by both Jenna and Carly every Thursday from 5:00 – 6:15 pm.
Contact founder and music director, Jenna Bowman for more information and to schedule a vocal evaluation: Gvmusicdirector@gmail.com
Hope Academy
Hope Academy offers theater, dance and music classes, private instruction and music ensembles for children and youth from 3-18 years old.
- Enrollment and scholarship applications for Fall 2021 will not be open before mid-July.
- It has not yet been determined if classes and private lessons will be virtual, hybrid or in-person this fall.
- Please fill out this Hope Academy 2021-2022 Interest Form so that we can contact you when we offer information sessions about scholarships and our music program. We will also send you an email when registration is open.
For more information, click here!
The Junior Mendelssohn Choir
- All auditions will be accepted from May 15-August 15, and will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
- Please fill out the online audition form. You can find the link here.
- Please record yourself singing your audition piece, either a capella or with piano accompaniment, plus a prepared choral excerpt.
- You will then upload this video to a private YouTube link, and send the link to the following address: jmcpauditions@themendelssohn.org.
- All audition information and the choral excerpt is on our website.
As of June 2021, the season dates are tentative, and are subject to change.
Our season retreat will be Sunday, September 12 from 1pm-5:00pm at Third Presbyterian Church.
Rehearsals will be held MONDAY NIGHTS at Third Presbyterian Church from 6:30pm-9pm, starting September 13.
Pittsburgh Girls Choir
The Pittsburgh Girls Choir is committed to artistic excellence and performance through an exemplary music education program, and welcomes girls of all races, ethnicities and economic backgrounds into our supportive community.
- The PGC Fall season begins with a retreat for choristers in our high school choir, Concentio, on August 9th. All choirs start regular rehearsals beginning September 10th. For information regarding PGC choirs, please visit pittsburghgirlschoir.com.
- Auditions for Fall 2021
- We ask that new singers schedule an audition prior to the first rehearsal. We believe that every girl can learn to sing and do not reject anyone. The purpose of the audition is to help us place each girl in the choir which will enable her to thrive.
- WHERE: Shadyside Presbyterian Church: 5121 Westminster Pl. Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- *WHEN: July 15th (8th-12th grade) & August 26th (1st-7th grade)
- To schedule an audition, please visit https://pittsburghgirlschoir.com/join-pgc/audition/.
*If your child is unable to schedule an audition on these dates, please email Kathryn Barnard (Founder and Artistic Director) at kathryn@pghchoralarts.org to schedule another audition time.
Pittsburgh Music Academy
Learn about the available programs HERE.
See the calendar HERE.
Read our updated policies HERE.
Having trouble? Email us and we can help!
Programs
Musikgarten Fall 2021
Join us in the beautiful outdoor space at The Pittsburgh Music Academy!
All Musikgarten classes will be held outside and distanced.
Masks are optional for outdoor classes, required indoors in the event of rain
for adults and children over two years old .
Family Music for Babies and Toddlers
(newborn to 3 years)
Saturdays September 11 to November 13, 2021
9:00 – 9:30am or
9:45 – 10:15am
Tuesdays September 14 to November 16, 2021
9:15 – 9:45am
$140 includes Family Music Book, CD, and digital download
Cycle of Seasons: Wind Dancers
(3 to 5 years)
Saturdays September 11 to November 13, 2021
10:45 – 11:30am
$160 includes Family Music Book, 2 cds, digital downloads, and activity cards
Register here!
Pre-Twinkle Camps
- August 21, 2021
- October 9, 2021
- November 13, 2021
- January 15, 2022
- February 19, 2022
- March 19, 2022
- May 21, 2022
- June 18, 2022
Pittsburgh Musical Theater
Fall Semester: September 11th – December 18th, 2021
PMT Conservatory is the arts education entity at Pittsburgh Musical Theater that offers year-round training, mentoring, and performance opportunities for students ages 4-18.
Our approach to arts education and opportunities are fuel for learning, building transferable life skills, community, inclusion, and becoming a Superstar…not just on a stage, but in life!
PMT Conservatory creates a place of belonging that not only stokes passion and creativity, but teaches students discipline, compassion, empathy, humility, self-confidence, freedom of expression, and leadership.
Programs Include:
-CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMS- Students, ages 4 – 7, engage in the basics of performance in a fun, no stress environment.
-PRETEEN PROGRAMS- Preteens, ages 8 – 12, will begin to learn the skills leading them to be seasoned performers.
-TWEEN PROGRAMS- Tweens, ages 12 – 13, will learn skills in programs that are created specifically for students who are not preteens, but not quite teens!
-TEEN PROGRAMS- Teens, ages 13 – 18, undergo a more intensive training education, where they will polish the skills needed to be a seasoned performer.
-ADVANCED EDUCATION PROGRAMS- These are intensive study programs in musical theater for students who plan to attend college with a major in the performing arts.
For more information, click here!
Pittsburgh Youth Chorus
Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is a collective of young people who have been empowered and inspired by the joy of singing. Led by a dedicated staff of choral professionals who specialize in the young voice, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus (PYC) serves the region through exceptional choral music education and artistry. With opportunities for singers ages 6-18 – and with a focus on personal development, community engagement, travel, and cultural exchange – PYC’s multi-faceted programing is celebrated for its ability to nurture the potential of its participants while fostering confidence, dedication, and a sense of belonging.
Programs:
- Troubadours- Troubadours is for auditioned elementary school children from grade 3 and above.
- Talisman- Singers in this choir are usually grade 5 and above.
- Bel Canto Singers- Members range from grade 6 and above.
- High School Ensembles- Headwaters an ensemble for high school treble voices and Bridge City Singers an ensemble for high school changed voices.
- Grove City College Satellite Choir- offered in Grove City on the campus of Grove City College for singers typically in grades 3-6.
- Neighborhood Training Choirs- our non-auditioned Neighborhood Training Choirs provide an exciting opportunity for young singers in 1st-3rd grades to discover their voice in a high-quality choral-education program that is close to home. There are classes located in the North, South, East, and West of Pittsburgh.
For more information, click here!
Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra
PYCO Orchestra – Strings, Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion, Grades 9 – 12
Chamber Strings – Strings, Grades 6 – 9
Junior Wind Ensemble – Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion, Grades 6 – 8
Junior Strings – Strings, Grades 4 – 7
Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
UPCOMING AUDITIONS-
2021-2022 Season Auditions for Philharmonic and Prelude
Season Auditions will be held this season by video.
Upcoming Audition Dates:
July 1, 2021
September 25, 2021
January 22, 2022 (Half Season only)
Students must register for an audition. Video requirements and audition requirements can be found on the “audition requirements” tab for the ensemble you are interested in joining.
Audition Fee: $25 (plus a $1.75 registration fee)*
Please note- currently we are only accepting registration for the July auditions. Once a section/specific instrument of an ensemble is full, we will not accept any more auditions. Fall auditions will be placed in the back of their sections and are not elligible for seating auditions.
*Please note: some audition requirements have changed from previous seasons, please review the audition requirements carefully.
Ensembles:
- Overture Strings
- Overture Band
- Prelude Strings
- Prelude Band
- Philharmonic Orchestra
For more information, click here!
South Hills Children’s Choir
Auditions for 2021-2022 Season
Find time for the lasting effects of great music, solid technique, clear focus, and quality friendships this coming school year. Audition for the South Hills Children’s Choir on August 15-17 at View Crest Church. Auditions are simple, taking about 10 minutes with no preparations necessary. Visit shcchoir.org to learn how and then email Heather at office@shcchoir.org to sign up today. It’s time to come back together: share your voice with ours and sing with us!
Ages 8-10? No need to audition for Canticle, our newcomer choir; simply go to our website to download a registration form, fill it in, and return it with the registration fee. Unsure? Ask at office@shcchoir.org. Singers ages 11-18 audition for placement in our intermediate choir Concordia or our advanced group Cadenza. Go to shcchoir.org, download an audition form, and email it to Heather at office@shcchoir.org to set up a time. Students from all musical backgrounds and walks of life welcome.
For more information, click here!
Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Sweetwater Center for the Arts offers classes for all different kinds of artistic medias including:
- Private music and voice lessons
- Art classes (painting, drawing, ceramics)
- Acting
- And much more!
We have classes for all age ranges from young children to adult. For more information, click here!
Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras
There are openings in numerous orchestras. They are all listed below.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble consists of only percussion instruments. Students will have the opportunity to work with many kinds, from traditional instruments to quirky (coffee cups?!), in a group setting. Though the Percussion Ensemble tends to be made up of mostly YPO and Wind Symphony members, it is also open to students not currently in a TRYPO program! Students are generally from the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area and from as far as West Virginia and Ohio. All ages up to freshman year in college will be considered for this ensemble.We anticipate that rehearsals will be in person in the 2021-22 Season, with the option for students to stream in to a live Zoom feed if they have had a COVID exposure or are otherwise unwell. Percussion Ensemble currently rehearses on Saturday afternoons. We hope to hold rehearsals at a convenient location near downtown to be centrally located for families in the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Past rehearsals have been at Duquesne University. In the 2020-21 Season, we met at the Energy Innovation Center (located near Duquesne University). Members of YPO and Wind Symphony are automatically accepted into Percussion Ensemble, audition required for any other interested students. Due to the current restrictions on gatherings, auditions are still currently online.
For more information about Percussion Ensemble, click here!
Large Ensemble Groups
Auditions are still being accepted to join the numerous large ensemble groups TRYPO has to offer as well.
- YPO: Viola, Bass, Oboe/E. Horn, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Tuba.
- Wind Symphony: Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba.
- SYM: Viola and Bass
Youth Chamber Connection (YC²) offers chamber music education, enrichment, and community-service performance opportunities for members of Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO), the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO), and other interested young musicians. YC² is administrated by TRYPO staff. All musicians approximately ages 8-19 are welcome to apply, regardless of your music program affiliation. Our goal is to expose as many students as possible to the joy and finesse of playing chamber music!
Groups meet 45 minutes with their coach each week, plus most groups also rehearse another 45 minutes on their own, strengthening their skills in leadership, listening, cooperation, and learning to make their own musical decisions.
YC² coachings/rehearsals are scheduled at a convenient time for all members of the group. Students with a variety of availability in their weekly schedule have the best chance of being well-matched into a chamber group.No entrance auditions are necessary, YC² welcomes young musicians at all playing levels who have adequate skills for ensemble work. Students are asked to complete the registration form, plus email a video or link to a video of yourself playing solo to staff@youthchamberconnection.org in order to place you in a group.
Students interested in YC2 should fill out the 2021-22 interest form: 2021-22 YC² Interest Form (google.com)
YMCA Lighthouse Project
Housed in the Homewood-Brushton, the YMCA Lighthouse Project is a dedicated teen center that offers year-round programming in music technology, media, visual and performing arts. The mission of the Lighthouse is to develop young people that are creative, connected and prepared for the future. All of our programs are centered around community-building, technical skill-building and youth voice.
CLUBS
The Audio Arts & Visual Arts Clubs meet every Monday and Wednesday throughout the school year. These clubs serve as creative havens where teens can learn, collaborate, and hone their artistic talents. Club participants learn how to use industry standard equipment and software and work together to create music, videos and artwork to present and perform around their community. Teaching artists introduce project ideas and make space for youth who want to work on projects of their own design. Enrollment remains open throughout the year. Consistent attendance is encouraged but not required.
The Audio Arts clubs includes:
- Beat Production
- Studio Recording
- Song Writing
- Deejaying
- Podcasting
- Rap & Poetry
Courses
