Music Resources for YDS Students
Choral Opportunities
The Institute sponsors eight choral ensembles at Yale, most of which require an audition. Auditions are held annually just before the start of the academic year. For audition information, email choral.auditions@yale.edu.
Music Lessons for Divinity Students
The Institute of Sacred Music is pleased to cover the studio cost ($200 per semester) of individual music lessons taught by graduate performance majors in the Yale School of Music in a wide range of instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Harpsichord, Piano, Organ, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. Beginners are welcome on most instruments with the exception of voice, piano, and harpsichord. These are considered “Secondary Studio Lessons” by the School. Part-time students are responsible for tuition cost for credits earned from taking the lessons (1.5 credits per term). Students receive six hours of instruction per 12-week term.
Details about the program and expectations are available on the School of Music website: https://music.yale.edu/study/music-lessons/. The registration process is copied below. Kyung Yu, Lecturer in Violin, directs the lessons program and is happy to field any and all questions: kyung.yu@yale.edu.
Registration process for Secondary Studio Lessons
You may take Secondary Lessons on one instrument each semester. No audition is required but a Lesson Request Form must be submitted, and you must enroll in the course to receive lessons and course credit. Please complete the steps below:
1. Request a teacher using the Lesson Request Form no later than September 2nd.
2. Register for the proper Secondary Instrument course in OCS along with your other classes (MUS 541 first year, MUS 641, second year, MUS 741 third year of an instrument).
You must receive an approved teacher assignment from the program director Kyung Yu before starting the lessons. The lessons are CR/NC; you must complete all 6 hours satisfactorily to receive a passing grade. If you drop your lessons, you must submit a Drop Form before the stated deadline.
Each lesson term is one semester; you must repeat both steps 1 and 2 above each semester.
Practice Room Use for Divinity Students
YDS students may use ISM practice rooms when not in use by ISM music students. The ISM practice rooms are located on the first floor of the north wing of SDQ. Covid-related health and safety protocols change often, so please visit the ISM Practice Room info page before using a room. Please send inquiries about swipe access to Caitlin MacGregor.