Learn to Play
The University’s carillon is played daily by students and faculty. All Rochester-area community members are eligible to learn to play the carillon, either for academic credit or not. Learning takes place on so-called practice keyboards, duplicates of the tower keyboard that don’t play the real bells.
Lessons for Current Students
For-credit carillon instruction is available to current University students by competitive audition through the Arthur Satz Department of Music on the River Campus. No previous carillon experience is expected. The multiweek audition process occurs in the latter half of each semester and includes:
- Information sessions in Dewey Hall, Room 1-305 (see interest form for more information)
- Tuesday, March 25, 7 pm
- Thursday, March 27, 5 pm
- Wednesday, April 2, 5:30 pm
- Three weeks of introductory coaching by current students and access to the practice keyboard
- An audition on the carillon
Two classes are available, taught by University Carillonist Carson Landry:
- MUSC 104: Carillon (2 credits, weekly 30-minute private lessons)
- MUSC 204: Carillon (4 credits, weekly 60-minute private lessons, prerequisite MUSC 104)
Students from all backgrounds are enthusiastically welcome to audition for the carillon class. Although all will be given consideration, please note that the ability to read both treble and bass clef and prior musical experience on any instrument is typically required. Students in need of introductory music education are encouraged to take MUSC 116–Keyboard Skills I before applying to the carillon studio. To lessen turnover, students with three or more school years remaining before their expected graduation are generally given priority consideration.
To participate in the audition process, complete this form.
Lessons for Community Members
Non-credit carillon instruction is available to any community member through the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), subject to instructor availability. The posted tuition costs are for a default of 16 lessons per semester, but students may enroll for 4, 8, or 12 lessons at a prorated tuition rate, for as little as $154! Generally, 8 or 12 half-hour lessons per semester are preferred. Note that only instructor-level teaching is currently available for carillon.
Ability to read treble and/or bass clef and prior musical experience on any instrument is typically required. Individuals in need of introductory music education are encouraged to first enroll in private piano lessons through ECMS.
Current University students who are not accepted into the for-credit carillon studio are welcome to apply for non-credit lessons through ECMS. Instruction takes place on the River Campus.
To indicate interest in ECMS lessons, complete this form.