Private Lessons and Master Classes

Piano

The Department of Music maintains a growing roster of experienced private instructors, available to teach University of Chicago students on campus. Our affiliated private instructors hold advanced degrees from such prestigious conservatories as Indiana University, the Juilliard School, the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, the Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, Oberlin Conservatory, Paris Conservatoire, Rice University, San Francisco Conservatory, University of Southern California, and more.

In addition, some University of Chicago students choose to study with other acclaimed musicians in the Chicago area, such as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or Lyric Opera, or faculty members at DePaul University or Northwestern University School of Music. Generally such lesson arrangements require the student to audition for the particular teacher, in order to be accepted into his or her studio.

All financial arrangements for private lessons are made directly with the teacher, rather than through the University. Tuition dollars cannot be used for private lessons, nor does the student receive any degree credit for taking private music lessons. Auditions are held annually to award lesson subsidies through the Music Department Visting Committee Lesson Fund.

Affiliated Private Teachers

Students at Chicago have many choices in selecting a private teacher in applied music. Many of the Department of Music ensemble directors and performance faculty are available to teach private lessons on campus. In addition, the Department maintains a list of recommended affiliated private teachers who are available to teach U of C students on campus. Students are also free to study with other professional musicians in the Hyde Park neighborhood or in the greater Chicago area, including members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or artists and instructors at other Chicago-area institutions.

Performance faculty at the University of Chicago who offer private lessons include:

  • Svetlana Belsky, Coordinator of Piano Studies
  • Mwata Bowden, Director of the Jazz X-tet and Jazz Combo
  • David Douglas, Newberry Consort
  • Ellen Hargis, Newberry Consort
  • Patrice Michaels, Director of Vocal Studies

  • Spektral Quartet, Ensemble-in-Residence

    • Aurelian Fort Pederzoli, violin
    • J. Austin Wulliman, violin
    • Doyle Armbrust, viola
    • Russell Rolen, violoncello
  • Wanees Zarour, Director of the Middle East Music Ensemble

Brief bios for these artists and other affiliated private teachers are available on this document.

For direct contact information for affiliated private teachers, send an e-mail request to musiclessons@uchicago.edu.

Master Classes

A variety of master classes take place on campus each quarter, with local Chicago-area professional and/or visiting guest artists. These master classes involve University of Chicago student performers, focusing on repertoire of their choice, and are free and open to the public. In general, the Chamber Music Program hosts three master classes per season, often involving the Artists-in-Residence the Pacifica Quartet; the Piano Program sponsors four to six piano master classes per season; and the Vocal Studies Program presents three or four vocal master classes per year. Additional master classes for woodwind, brass, or string players, led by guest soloists appearing with the University Symphony Orchestra or performing on a University of Chicago Presents concert, are likewise scheduled each season.

During the Winter Quarter 2013, the following workshops and master classes will take place:

  • February 2, Sebastian Huydts Piano Master Class
  • February 7, Spektral Quartet String Techniques Workshop
  • February 7, Saxophone Master Class with Ashu
  • February 15, Jeff Ray Vocal Master Class
  • February 23, Jory Vinikour Piano Master Class

During the Spring Quarter 2013, the following workshops and master classes will take place:

  • April 26, Elizabeth Buccheri Vocal Master Class
  • April 27, Elena Abend Piano Master Class
  • May 9, Sebastian Bäverstam Cello Master Class
  • May 25, Eun-Joo Kwak Piano Master Class

Check the quarterly calendar for full information.