Departments of the Preparatory join faculty and students together along parallel programs of study.

Brass

The age at which a student may begin studying a brass instrument is dependent upon the child's physical size and stamina. The department chair, Elijah Wirth, would be happy to answer any questions about the appropriate starting age for these instruments.

Chamber Music

Chamber music—small ensembles performing with one person to a part and without a conductor—comprises some of the most challenging, rewarding, and memorable musical experiences a student will have.

Peabody Children's Chorus

Founded in 1990, the Peabody Children's Chorus is a community of more than 500 young musicians who love to sing. With classes and ensembles for children ages 5-18, the Chorus provides age-appropriate instruction for beginning singers as well as advanced vocalists.

Composition

Individual instruction in composition is available for pre-college students and adults at our Downtown Peabody Preparatory campus. Student works are performed and recorded in master class or recital settings 1-2 times each year.

Computer Music

We're happy to provide classes in home recording, introduce students to recording studio techniques, and also an introduction to MIDI.

Dance

Established in December 1914, Peabody Preparatory Dance is one of the oldest continuously-operating dance training centers in the United States.

Early Childhood Music

The first years of life are critical to a child's music development. Our curriculum is specifically designed to guide your child toward a lifelong enjoyment and understanding of music.

Guitar

The guitar program offers classes for young children ages 5-8 as well as introductory classes for beginner guitar students, age 5 to adults.

Harp

The harp is an instrument that can be studied from as early as age five through adulthood. At this time, beginning through advance levels of instruction are available at the downtown Baltimore, Towson and Annapolis campuses.

Jazz

Jazz Ensemble is designed to give students training in the harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, and stylistic concepts of jazz. Ellington, Gershwin, Porter, Basie, Parker, Monk, Davis, Coltrane, Blakey, and many other jazz, blues, swing, and bop selections form the repertoire.

Organ

Individual organ instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study.

Percussion

Individual percussion instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study.

Performance Academies

Peabody’s Performance Academies bring together young musicians to develop musically and socially in a mutually supportive and challenging environment.

Piano

The Preparatory Piano Department welcomes students of all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced.

Peabody Plus: Music and Dance Enrichment for Adults

Peabody Plus enrichment classes and lessons are all offered through the Peabody Preparatory, and our offerings are tailored to the adult learner.

Rock and Contemporary

The Rock and Contemporary Music program brings the same pedagogical structure and high quality instruction Peabody is known for to music that is not traditionally part of a classical conservatory. The program is perfect for current students looking to branch out and try something new, as well as new students who’ve never thought they could study popular music at the Preparatory.

Strings

The educational philosophy of the Preparatory String Department is rooted in the belief that young musicians can best develop their artistic potential in a supportive, non-judgmental and motivating musical environment.

Preparatory Minimesters

With the goal in mind to help keep learners engaged and growing in their educational pursuits during the time of COVID-19, our online classes below contain an overview of the courses you can register for to keep you on track with all your artistic goals for both you and your child.

Summer Session

Individual instruction, group classes, and intensives are available throughout the summer.

Theory

At the Peabody Prep all students are encouraged to enroll in a theoretical studies class to complement individual instruction. Classes are available for ages 10 through adult, at beginning through advanced levels.

Voice

The Voice Department offers individual instruction and group classes for children, teens, and adults, from beginners to the most advanced singers.

Woodwinds

The age at which a student may begin studying a woodwind instrument is dependent upon the child's physical size and stamina. Elijah Wirth, the department chair, will be happy to answer any questions about the appropriate starting age for these instruments.

Youth Orchestras

With approximately 2,000 students passing through its doors every week, the Peabody Preparatory is Baltimore's premier community school for the performing arts.

Beginner Programs

Young musicians and dancers can enroll in our Early Childhood Music classes or choose one of our specialty programs for beginners.