Student Resources
City Music Center strives to help students of all ages and skill levels explore their musical interest and improve their playing. We want you to enjoy your music-making experiences and feel supported in your musical journey. Whether you are just getting started with your first Lesson Package or you've participated in Saturday Programs for several years, the resources on this page are designed to connect you to all the essentials in one place.
Make a Payment
Currently, all students registered for Saturday programs and lesson packages at City Music Center have been assigned a Duquesne identification number. It is an 8 digit number preceded by the letter D.
Example: D12345678
You'll need to include this number when making payments to ensure the payment is applied to your account.
Saturday Program Tuition Payments
Invoicing for Saturday programs begins September 15 annually. Payments are due the first of each month beginning October 1, and concluding May 1, (8 total payments).
Note: All payments must be submitted online using the link below or mailed to the University Cashier's Office using the pre-addressed envelope included with each monthly statement.
Lesson Package Payments
In this program, lessons are purchased in packages of 4 to 16 lessons. Invoices are
issued along with payment instructions once the teacher and student have confirmed
a lesson schedule for that particular lesson package. Payment is due in full before
continuing any additional lessons.
Do you have an unpaid lesson balance? Pay My Lesson Balance
Code of Conduct
City Music Center supports the mission and expectations of the University; protect the community from disruption and harm; and encourage appropriate moral and spiritual development of students. We expect all students and parents to be respectful of faculty, staff, and classmates at all times. City Music Center reserves the right to dismiss any student or parent for actions that pose a threat to the health, safety or property of any person. In the event of dismissal, refunds and prorated tuition fees are at the sole discretion of the CMC Director.
General Lesson Policy
Lessons that are cancelled by the teacher will be made up at a time agreed upon by both parties. If you need to cancel a lesson, you must provide written notice to your teacher no less than 48 hours prior to your scheduled time. Teachers are under no obligation to make up lessons cancelled by students without proper notice, and such cancelations will not result in any type of adjustment in tuition or lesson fees.
Saturday Program Policies
Program Registration:
Once registration is finalized, faculty and administration expect that the student
will complete the academic year. Students are expected to attend all lessons and classes.
Should a student need to withdraw from the program, notification in writing must be
given to both faculty and administration. Refunds and tuition adjustments will be
at the sole discretion of the CMC Executive Director.
Performance Juries:
At the conclusion of each academic year, students may elect to showcase their skills
in front of a faculty panel. Evaluating faculty provide each student with performance
feedback relative to areas of competency as well as areas that need improvement. Students
that wish to participate in performance juries must first have the approval of their
private instructor. Juries are in lieu of a private lesson.
When is the Saturday Program in session?
City Music Center Saturday Programs operate from September 10, 2022 to May 20, 2023 (32 weekly sessions). City Music Center follows the Duquesne University academic calendar and closure policies. In the event of winter weather or to prevent the spread of infectious disease, City Music Center reserves the right to move all operations online.
CMC Saturday Full Calendar | CMC Saturday Class Schedule
City Music Center Recitals
City Music Center students enrolled in Saturday Programs are encouraged to perform in formal recitals as part of their musical studies. Your private teacher/coach will assign pieces to learn for these recitals and will assist you in preparing for the performance.
The Stage LIVE
All City Music Center students can take advantage of a unique performance showcase--The Stage LIVE--to gain valuable experience in performing and presenting for a live audience. The showcase takes many forms throughout the year. It may function as a mock-recital for some participants, while others may choose to share their own compositions and musical projects. We also feature CMC faculty and guest artists in a masterclass-setting and discuss concepts like stage presence, musical phrasing and stylistic interpretation. If you are interested in participating, please click the link below to view available dates and register: