The application deadline for Pre-College Preparatory ends on Wednesday August 20, 2025. Live auditions will take place at Fried Music on Saturday August 23, 2025.

All chamber music groups created through Pre-College Preparatory will also participate in Junior Chamber Music. Through this program, groups will have the opportunity to participate in their chamber music competition and concerto competition, masterclasses, and concerts.

*No additional rehearsals or coachings need to be scheduled. Applicants do not have to re-apply or re-audition for JCM.

Important Dates for the 2025-2026 Fall Semester:

Registration Deadline

Wednesday August 20, 2025

Live Audition Date

Saturday August 23, 2025

First Day of Fall Semester

Saturday September 13, 2025

Thanksgiving Break (No Pre-College)

Saturday November 29, 2025

Pre-College Prep Community Engagement Concert (Location/Time TBD)

Spring Concert (Chamber Music Showcase)

Saturday March 14, 2026

Fall Concert (Large Ensembles at Zipper Hall)

Friday May 15, 2026

About

Pre-College Preparatory is a weekly three-hour program with the purpose of immersing young musicians in an environment that is inspiring, challenging and educational. Like Pre-College, the Preparatory program will provide students with conservatory-style training, and will include weekly theory and ear training, chamber group rehearsals and/or coachings, orchestra, and workshops. Students are also expected to attend masterclasses presented by our guest artists throughout the year. Each semester will culminate in community engagement performances and a final concert in the spring. It takes place on Saturdays from 10:00am-1:00pm at Fried Music in downtown Alhambra, coinciding with our Pre-College Program.

Pre-College Preparatory is for any student who wants to develop their musical and technical skills, expand their education, and to build a higher level of playing through the year-long curriculum.

Prep students will have the opportunity to collaborate with Pre-College students and faculty in performance classes and masterclasses. Group ensembles will also be combined with Pre-College students and Colburn Conservatory students.

Eligibility

Pianists, violinists, violists, cellists, classical guitarists and flutists ages 7 and up are welcome to apply. Students will audition live at Fried Music in Alhambra on Saturday, August 23. No piano accompaniment is needed for string players.

Note: This program is not designed to replace private lessons. Students are required to study with a teacher privately (either FM faculty or another teacher), in order to participate in our Pre-College Preparatory Program.

Registration Information & Tuition

Full year tuition (total 30 days, including concerts): $1425/semester ($2850/year)

For students currently enrolled in lessons or classes with Fried Music: $1500/semester ($3000/year)

The $120 Prep/JCM registration fee is non-refundable.

Financial aid and payment plans are available upon request and based on both merit and need.

Curriculum

The Preparatory program will provide students with conservatory-style training, and will include weekly theory and ear training, chamber music and orchestra rehearsals and/or coachings, and workshops. Students are also expected to attend masterclasses presented by our guest artists throughout the year.

Community engagement concerts around the area will be organized throughout the semester. Students will be able play solo and/or chamber music, depending on their preparedness for these special opportunities.

Sample Schedule 

10:00am-10:50pm Theory/Ear Training

11:00am-11:50am Ensemble Rehearsal/Coaching

12:00pm-1:00pm Ensemble Rehearsal/Coaching or Orchestra

Students are also requested to attend special workshops, performances and masterclasses presented by the Pre-College Program. The sample schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the students (for example, performance classes, guided practice time, and more may be scheduled instead).

Attendance

We understand that there are sometimes complicated commitments with outside schools/institutions that will require students to miss a day of Prep. Students will not be reimbursed or credited for missing Saturday sessions. If students are unable to attend most, if not all, of our Pre-College Prep dates, we would not recommend participation in our program. This is due to the nature of ensemble playing. Students should be on time and ready to start by 10:00am. Participation in the final concerts is absolutely mandatory.

For questions or more information, email info@friedmusic.com (EN/中文)