General Information
CPSM offers two 13 week semesters from September through January and February through June. The summer session features special offerings, such as Jazz Camp and Theater Camp as well as various master classes and workshops. During the fall and spring semesters, Saturday is the busiest day at CPSM. Offerings include musicianship classes, Suzuki string classes, all ensemble rehearsals, and private lessons. On Sundays, CPSM offers Suzuki piano classes. Private instrumental lessons may also be scheduled on weekday afternoons or evenings. Due to the intensity of the program, students often benefit from having classes and lessons on separate days.
CPSM offers many performance opportunities to enrolled students. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility at Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music, CPSM is able to offer students several different venues for concerts. The music building boasts three recital spaces, including the award-winning LeFrak Concert Hall. All enrolled students may participate in weekly mini-concerts (held on Saturday’s at 12 noon) as well as regularly scheduled concerts for the CPSM ensembles. Our annual concert calendar also often features Gala Concert events.
Limited scholarship funds are available to eligible students with financial need. For more information, please contact the CPSM office.
Thank You To Our Generous Supporters
The Lawrence Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music at Queens College is generously supported by the Albin Family Fund, The Raymond Erickson and Carole DeSaram Endowment, and the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Private Foundation.
Admission Policy
Admission to CPSM is by audition, interview and placement test. Parents should bring their children (with instrument and music if applicable) to one of the scheduled registration dates. Call the CPSM office for exact dates.
Beginning students are interviewed and tested for musical aptitude. Intermediate and advanced students are given a written test for musicianship placement, are asked to play a prepared piece on their instrument, and are given a simple piece to sight-read. These tests are for placement purposes only.
At the time of audition and placement interview, parents can discuss their child’s program with a department coordinator.
The registration fee and a 25 percent tuition deposit are due at this time to hold a place for each child for the upcoming semester. Please note that 50 percent of the total tuition is due at the first class meeting, and the balance is due on the fourth class meeting. If necessary, an extended payment plan can be arranged.
Cancellation policy: it is the responsibility of the parent to notify the office immediately if you wish to cancel classes or lessons. The office staff will confirm your cancellation and determine whether you are eligible for a refund. Any student who fails to notify the office of cancellation is liable for the full amount of tuition for the cancelled classes and will be billed accordingly. The refund policy of CPSM is as follows: All registration fees are non-refundable, unless CPSM is unable to offer a class desired by the student at the time of registration. Students who withdraw before the first class are entitled to a full refund. After the first day of classes, refunds will be determined by the date of cancellation: Week 1 – 75% refund; Week 2 – 50% refund; Week 3 – 25% refund; after Week 4 – no refunds given.