New Student Orientation Publication

Private lessons and ensembleS

Please see the information below on private lessons and ensembles. Beginners are welcome!
Note: An audition may be conducted as an interview with a private lesson instructor or ensemble coach. Please contact Vicki Tremper in the Music Office at 518-580-5320, or the instructor directly, with questions and/or concerns.

Small Ensembles

African Dance and Drum Ensemble (MP-279)
No auditions are necessary.
Contact Koblavi Dogah for more information.
Brass Ensembles (MP-297-005)
Contact Patrice Malatestinic during the first week of classes for information, at 518-727-2953.
Chinese Music Ensemble (MP 198-002)
No auditions are necessary.
Contact Dr. Charlotte D’Evelyn for more information.
Cuban Ensemble (MP 297-009)
Contact Jorge Gomez for more information.
Woodwind Chamber Ensemble (MP-297-004)
Auditions on the first Friday of the semester.
Please contact Dr. Yvonne Hansbrough to sign up for an audition slot.
Guitar Ensemble (MP-285)
Contact Joel Brown during the first week of classes to schedule an audition: 518-580-5324 or Zankel 211.
Indian Music Ensemble (MP-297-007)
No auditions necessary.
Contact Veena Chandra for more information.
Small Jazz (Combos) (MP-275)
Sign up for an audition slot at Zankel 118. Contact Professor Russell Haight for information.
String Chamber Ensembles (MP-297-002)
Contact Professor Michael Emery during the first week of classes to schedule an audition for placement: 518-466-6691.

String Ensemble (MP-297-001)
Contact Professor Michael Emery during the first week of classes to schedule an audition: 518-466-6691
Vocal Soul Collective (MP 277)
Auditions during the first week of classes. Contact Garland Nelson for more information.

Large Ensembles

Chorus (MP-288)
No auditions required.
First rehearsal is the first Wednesday of the semester at 6:00 pm - Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, Zankel Music Center. Contact: Andrew Burger.
Concert Band (MP-295)
All are welcome. Informational meeting on the first Thursday of the semester at 7 pm in Beckerman Ensemble Room, Zankel 006. For more information, email or text Milton Lee at 518-496-8501.
Skidmore Jazz Ensemble (Big Band)(MP-293)
Auditions and first rehearsal are the first Monday of the semester at 6:30 pm in Beckerman Ensemble Room, Zankel 006. Contact Professor Russell Haight for information.
Skidmore Orchestra (MP-289)
Auditions and first rehearsal are the first Tuesday of the semester at 7 pm in Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Zankel. First-year students should come prepared with part of a solo work and a couple of contrasting orchestral excerpts of their choice. For more information, email Dr. Glen Cortese.

Private Lessons

Private instruction is available for all the instruments listed in the course catalog. Some require auditions, as listed below. Auditions or interviews are generally held during the first week of classes. Auditions for private lessons are about placement with the appropriate instructor.

Please note:
Private lessons will cost $780 for a semester of 45-minute lessons or $1,040 for a semester of 60-minute lessons starting with the Fall ‘23 semester. If you can’t afford private lessons, please apply for a lesson scholarship.

See a full list of performance faculty below.