Private Lessons
The Music Department provides students the opportunity for private study of instrumental and/or vocal performance in a broad range of styles including Classical, Jazz, Rock, Klezmer, and the folk and classical traditions of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Mediterranean, India, Japan, and Indonesia.
Private lessons are open to all Tufts students, regardless of major or program of study, and can be taken either for credit or not for credit. All students who are taking this course for the first time must meet with a member of the Music Department staff in order to enroll. Private lessons are not included in the cost of tuition and require an additional fee per semester. The cost of private lessons varies each semester, but is approximately $1,190 for the ten lessons per semester.
Scholarship funding is available to students enrolled in private lessons who apply by the tenth day of each semester; a new application is required for each semester. Those eligible to apply are: (1) music majors and minors; (2) those on financial aid.
To complete your enrollment, please follow these steps:
1. Register in SIS
Students must register for MUS 0009 or 0067 on SIS – registration is required for students taking lessons for credit and for non-credit. The credit and non-credit sections are:
MUS 0009-01 or N1 This level is for beginners
MUS 0009-02 or N2 This level is for early intermediate students
MUS 0067-01 or N1 This level is for intermediate/early advanced students
MUS 0067-02 or N2 This level is for advanced students (at least 4 years of private lessons)
MUS 0068-01 This is for senior recitals
NOTE! Please think carefully before you register. If you switch sections (from credit to non-credit) SIS will generate another bill for the course fee. The registrar is working on this issue.
2. Review instructor profiles and videos to learn more about your potential teacher.
3. Read the policy sheet attached and fill out the Google form during registration for the following semester, or at the latest before the first week of classes of the semester in which lessons are sought. Scheduling is done directly between the student and teacher once the teacher assignment has been established.
3. For any concerns or questions, contact us at privatelessons@tufts.edu or schedule a meeting with the Applied Music Program Administrator (AMPA) via Calendly to discuss lesson details.
FAQs
How do I access scholarship opportunities?
Scholarship applications are embedded in the enrollment Google form.
Do I need to bring my own musical instrument?
If possible, we recommend bringing your own instrument to campus. Of course, if your instrument is too big to bring to campus (such as a piano or an upright bass), there is no need to bring your instrument to campus. If you will need access to an upright bass, please reach out to musicadmin@tufts.edu.
Where can I practice?
We have many free-for-all practice rooms in the Aidekman basement which can be used on a walk-in basis (accessible through the Granoff basement), including many rooms containing pianos. If you would like to use one of the drum practice rooms (21,22, and 24), please go here for information on how to access them.
If you are enrolled in piano lessons, you may also use the 50s piano studios. However, please be aware that faculty use of these studios takes priority before 5pm. You are welcome to either use these studios on an as available, walk-in basis during business hours (9-5 M-F), or book these same rooms in advance for anytime outside of business hours.
To reserve a practice room, you’re welcome to either stop by the Music Main Office in person, call us at 617-627-3564, or email musicadmin@tufts.edu.
Where can I store my instrument?
You’re welcome to request storage space for your instrument in our locker room via this portal. If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to musicadmin@tufts.edu.
Is it possible to borrow an instrument?
Yes, we have instruments available to borrow free of charge. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the availability for any of our instruments. If you do wish to request an instrument, please use this portal, and be sure to specify “private lessons” when prompted to specify which ensemble you’re participating in. If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to musicadmin@tufts.edu.