Learn to Play
The University’s carillon is played daily by community members, students, and faculty. Anyone may learn to play. Lessons take place on practice keyboards, which are duplicates of the tower keyboard that don’t play the real bells.
Lessons for Community Members
Anyone may enroll in carillon lessons through the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), subject to instructor availability. All instruction takes place on the River Campus. The posted tuition costs are for a default of 16 lessons per semester, but individuals may enroll for 4, 8, or 12 lessons at a prorated tuition rate, for as little as $116 total.
Ability to read treble and/or bass clef and prior musical experience on any instrument is encouraged. Individuals in need of introductory music education are encouraged to first enroll in private piano lessons or other courses through ECMS.
If interested in lessons, simply register on the ECMS website. We will then contact you to confirm logistics like instructor and number of lessons.
Lessons for Current Students
Instruction for academic credit is available to current University students by competitive audition through the Arthur Satz Department of Music on the River Campus. Multiple weeks of coaching and practice time are provided before auditions; no previous carillon experience is expected. The audition process is typically held at the beginning of the fall semester (new and transfer students only) and toward the end of the spring semester (any students).
Two classes are available, taught by University Carillonist Carson Landry. Students may not register without completing the audition process.
- MUSC 104: Carillon (2 credits, weekly 30-minute private lessons)
- MUSC 204: Carillon (4 credits, weekly 60-minute private lessons, prerequisite MUSC 104)
Students from all backgrounds are enthusiastically welcome to audition for the carillon class. Although all will be given consideration, please note that the ability to read both treble and bass clef and prior musical experience on any instrument is typically required. To lessen turnover, students with three or more school years remaining before their expected graduation are generally given priority consideration.
To participate in the audition process, complete this form.