Music Immersion 
a better way to become a musician   

"Immersion:  instruction based on extensive exposure to surroundings or conditions that are native or pertinent to the object or study; especially, foreign language instruction in which only the language being taught is used." Merriam-Webster.com 

It takes more than a series 30- or 45-minute weekly lessons to become a musician. Immersion provides the best chance for a student or emerging artist to connect with music and the wider community in a meaningful and sustained way.  This is the founding and guiding principle of the CMC Atlanta GAP and ART programs.    

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Piano lessons include performance opportunities
Studio Lessons 
private lessons for students of all ages and skill levels

Whether your interests are Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, or American Folk & Roots music, traditional or experimental approaches, lessons with our faculty provide the means and the motivation for developing musical skills and understanding.  When you arrive, if not before, we match you with the desired resource-- a great teacher-- and pair you up in an inspiring setting.

Options include:

 

  • piano lessons
  • singing lessons
  • guitar and bass lessons
  • drum lessons
  • lessons on a string instrument, including violin, viola, cello, and upright bass lessons
  • lessons on a wind instruments, including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone lessons
  • composition lessons 

AMHS and GAP Students generally meet with their Studio Instructor weekly for 60-minute sessions to study the instrument of choice, vocal technique and performance, or composition & improv.  Many students share lessons with a partner on a secondary instrument of choice.  

The Studio Instructor serves as one the student's primary contacts with CMC Atlanta and provides the most direct, consistent feedback.  CMC faculty are not only practicing professional musicians themselves, but also educators who have the desire, the training, and the experience to cultivate music in others.

We have created playful, though comfortable Studios for students and teachers to meet.  CMC Atlanta facilities are equipped with either new upright studio or grand pianos, and a variety of other instruments and equipment, as needed.  During lessons, teachers and students have access to our wi-fi networks, and thus, a vast array of relevant on-line resources, including audio and video recordings of performances, drills and exercises, and information about music and performance.

CMC studios themselves are spacious and filled with natural light.  The walls of studios and corridors, even the grounds, at all locations are populated with unique works by local and regional visual artists, recruited for exhibition by the Music Center's own curators for the purpose of inspiring students, faculty, and visitors alike.

we're celebrating 15 years

Since 2007

 

Register for GAP

Register for GAP: CMC Atlanta Gap Year and Apprenticeship Program 

Music Performance, Composition, Theory, Apprenticeship, Community Service, Music Outreach & More 

  • Why GAP? +

    A creative musical output requires an approach that immerses the student in a community of practicing musicians and encourages the student to engage in a crucial set of activities with teachers and peers.  GAP is not only more effective, but also a more inspiring and socially meaningful method for developing musicians than the alternatives.  In fact, there's no empirical data to suggest that the old-fashioned approach-- scheduling a student to meet a teacher once a week for 30, 45, or even 60 minutes in home studio or back hall of a music store-- is a serious or even thoughtful approach
  • Who is eligible? +

    Since GAP curriculum and schedules are designed on an individual basis, GAP is suitable for relative beginners through Pre-Professionals.  Since the program immerses the student in music, music education, and music outreach experiences, students who enroll are passionate about music and in most cases have had at least a foundational education, whether formal or informal.    Students are divided by interest and skill level, so we are able to accommodate diverse skill levels without undermining the experience for advanced students or putting a less experienced student in an unnecessarily intimidating situation. GAP students are mostly recent high school or college grads,
  • Where? +

    GAP is based primarily at CMC Little 5 Points; however, elements of GAP (private lessons or internships) are offered in all three CMC Atlanta locations: CMC Little 5 Points 1127 Colquitt Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 CMC Decatur 116 E Howard Ave Decatur, GA 30030 CMC Dunwoody  5518 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd Dunwoody, GA 30038 We also use a variety of community resources and local performance venues, as needed 
  • When? +

    GAP is offered year round: Fall Term: August - December Winter Term: January - May Summer Term: June - July Although we operate on a traditional academic term cycle, students register and begin at any time.  
  • What style of music? +

    We offer training in Classical Music,  Jazz Music, Rock and Pop Music, and American Folk & Roots Music Traditional and experimental approaches within these fields are supported. Students are taught to read and understand music using the terminology and conceptual frameworks used by professional musicians.   
  • How much? +

    Term tuition: August-December, $6000 paid in full or $1200 monthly installments January-May, $6000 paid in full or in $1200 monthly installment June-July Summer Term, $1600 paid in full or in $800 monthly installments Please note: there is an annual registration fee of $300 per student; other fees and restrictions may apply. Tuition rates are subject to change with 60 days notice.
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GAP Housing

It's one of the most frequently asked questions: what about housing?

CMC Atlanta GAP draws local, regional, national and international students.  Local Atlanta students often live at home with parents or other family members, but any student who enrolls is welcome to consider living in one of our apartments or to consult with us for support arranging suitable housing.  

CMC Atlanta has a limited number of efficiency apartments available at the Little 5 Points location.  Rent for these furnished, dormroom-like units includes all utilities, internet, and more, and varies, depending whether the student lives alone or with a roommate.  CMC Atlanta also has a limited number of unfurnished and potentially furnished one and two bedroom apartments a block from the Little 5 Points Center in highly desirable Inman Park.  These apartments are more expensive, reflecting the rental market in gentrified neighborhoods of the northeast/Atlanta Beltline corridor.  For students who wish to find more independent housing, CMC Atlanta Directors and GAP Faculty are also able to provide guidance by helping connect students with property management offsite and consulting with those unfamiliar with Atlanta neighborhoods and commuting options and patterns.

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