Youth Programs

Music lessons connect your child to a world of creativity, communication and self-discipline. The needs of both the amateur and the aspiring musician are addressed through individual instruction.

Private lessons are available for all string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, piano, classical guitar, harp, musicianship and voice. (Voice lessons are not offered until age 16.) No entrance auditions required. If, however, you have studied previously, you may want to play for the head of the department to discuss teacher placement.

Lessons are offered Monday through Friday, beginning around 4:00 p.m. extending into the evening hours. Saturday the teaching hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Some lessons and programs are offered only at CIM in University Circle. These include Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Suzuki Studies, harpsichord, percussion and all ensembles.

Branch Locations

Shaker Branch East: First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Boulevard
University Circle Main: 11021 East Boulevard, Cleveland 44106
Shaker Branch West: Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, 2860 Coventry Road
Orange Branch: 32000 Chagrin Boulevard
Fairview Park: 22441 Lorain Road (rear of real estate offices)

View map of all branch locations.

Piano Department

The major objective of teaching defined by the CIM Preparatory Piano Department is to impart a lasting and meaningful dimension to a student’s life. The faculty is united in its commitment to develop the musical potential of each student, from age four through adulthood. Saturday Afternoon Recitals are held approximately twice a month for performance.

For a listing of our piano faculty, see Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty

Musicianship Department

Musicianship begins early to build the groundwork for instrumental study. It is recommended that all students without music background begin with musicianship. It is taught at the piano, which also introduces a child to an instrument. Fundamental musicianship skills learned during the year are: note reading of bass and treble clefs, time values and specific rhythmic patterns. Musical terminology is introduced, as is sight singing. It is thoroughly interactive.

For a listing of our musicianship faculty, see Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty

String Department

Violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar, harp are available for study. The Beginning Orchestra, Preparatory orchestra, and Youth String Camerata are available to string students. Saturday Afternoon Recitals are scheduled approximately once each month for performance.

For a listing of our string faculty, see Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty

Orchestral Instruments

The Cleveland Youth Wind Ensemble is available to students studying orchestral instruments. Class recitals and interdepartmental recitals are scheduled for performance.

For a listing of our orchestral intruments faculty, see Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty

Voice Department

CIM does not offer private voice lessons to students until age 16. Private lessons tax and may damage the vocal mechanism if undertaken too early. Musianship and/or Piano classes are an excellent choice as preparation for voice lessons. Recitals are scheduled once each semester.

For a listing of our voice faculty, see Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty

(Click here to access on-line registration or to download registration forms. You may also call our Operations Manager, Stefani Rose, at 216.791.5000, ext. 253.)