The Applied Music Program in the Department of Performing Arts provides students with private one-on-one instruction with a member of our applied music faculty. Applied Music study is a requirement of all music majors, and included in the curriculum of many performing arts courses of study as well as the Business and Entertainment major with a music specialization.

To register for Applied Music lessons for university credit (MUS-121, 122, 791, 792), you must fulfill ONE of the following credit requirements:

• officially declared a major or minor in Music prior to registration.
• officially declared a major in Musical Theatre prior to registration.
• officially declared a major in Audio Technology prior to registration.
• officially declared a major in Business and Music prior to registration.
• enrolled or actively participating in one of the following DPA ensembles during the intended semester of private study: AU Symphony Orchestra, AU Chorus, Chamber Ensembles, Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, Jazz Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Pep Band are eligible for MUS-121 (pending studio availability.) 
• will be actively involved in a DPA mainstage production which requires vocal or instrumental performance during the intended semester of private study.

Students who do not match one of these requirements have the option of taking private lessons for non-credit (MUS-021 and MUS-022). Special course fees apply.

Interested students should contact Prof. Nancy Snider.

Voice students with no prior formal vocal instruction will be placed in Class Voice (MUS-114). Class Voice is designed to prepare students for one-on-one applied lessons and can also serve advanced singers in refining skills. 

Interested students should contact Professor Jones.

All students registering for Applied Music (MUS-121, 122, 334, 434) must register for and attend AMPL, a corequisite Applied Music Performance Lab (MUS-001). This zero-credit lab meets Wednesdays from 11:20 a.m.-12:35 p.m. in the Abramson Family Recital Hall. Requirements for all registrants will be provided by your instructor as part of your Applied Music syllabus. Students take this course as a Pass/Fail option only (not for a grade option) that is calculated into the applied music grade. 

Contact Applied Music Director Nancy Snider, nsnider@american.edu if you need help and/or have questions.

Please see individual instructors on Music Faculty page.