Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study

21M.475 / 21M.511 or 21M.480 / 21M.512 | HASS-A

performance

The Emerson/Harris Program (E/HP) offers MIT students of outstanding achievement in classical, jazz, or non-western music traditions the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the musical life of MIT by taking private lessons, giving solo performances, and joining an MTA ensemble. Students accepted into E/HP receive partial or full financial assistance toward the cost of private lessons.

About the Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study

The Emerson/Harris Program (E/HP) offers MIT students of outstanding achievement in classical, jazz, or non-western music traditions the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the musical life of MIT by taking private lessons, giving solo performances, and joining an MTA ensemble. Students accepted into E/HP receive partial or full financial assistance toward the cost of private lessons. Each academic year, the program awards Scholarships and Fellowships to nearly 70 students.

Auditions are held once a year, prior to the start of the Fall semester. Accepted students will consult with their advisor in determining a private instructor for the academic year. Our cohort of instructors consist of permanent MIT teaching staff as well as Affiliate Artists who teach throughout the Greater Boston area.

The Emerson/Harris Program began in 1997 with a major gift from Cherry L. Emerson, Jr. (SM ’41), a former member of the Council for the Arts at MIT, at the request of Ellen T. Harris, Class of 1949 Professor Emeritus and Associate Provost for the Arts (1989–1996).

Two students playing string instruments during a rehearsal.

Program Options and Requirements

E/HP offers two programs: the Scholars program and the Fellows program.

In addition to the requirements below, all Scholars and Fellows are required to participate in and register separately for an MTA Performance Ensemble. Note that classical vocalists should participate in either 21M.401 Concert Choir or 21M.405 Chamber Chorus.

The E/HP Scholars program is open to all full-time MIT students. After a student has successfully paid for and completed 10 lessons in the Fall semester, MIT will match the cost of 10 lessons in the Spring semester (up to $1,200).

Classical Scholars perform in group recitals at the end of each semester.
Instrumental Jazz Scholars perform solo via their ensemble participation.
Vocal Jazz Scholars perform solo via their ensemble participation and/or via a group recital with the guidance/permission of Laura Grill Jaye.

Scholars are required to register for Music Performance (21M.475 for undergraduates, 21M.511 for graduate students) for credit (6) or as a listener for both Fall and Spring semesters.

Each semester, Scholars are also required to attend or perform in ONE Emerson/Harris Masterclass Series.

Classical Vocalists are required to register for Vocal Repertoire & Performance (21M.410/515) for the Spring semester. Exceptions involve consultation with Vocal Advisor, Ryan Turner.

A limited number of recital slots are available to Scholars who wish to perform a full solo recital in the Spring. If a solo recital is granted, the student should register for Solo Recital (21M.490) in the Spring semester instead of Music Performance (21M.475/511).

The Fellows program is open to full-time MIT undergraduates who have already completed one year of private study as a Scholar, and all graduate students.

Classical Fellows will give a full solo recital in the Spring term.
Jazz Fellows will give one collective ensemble recital in the Fall semester and lead (as performer/arranger/composer) an ensemble recital in the Spring term.
If a Jazz Fellow is interested in an additional recital opportunity they must audition with Miguel Zenon by the last day of classes of the Fall semester.

All Fellows are required to register for Advanced Music Performance (21M.480 for undergraduates, 21M.512 for graduate students) for both Fall and Spring semesters (9+9). AMP is a performance class that meets once a week: Mondays 5-7pm (Classical) or Wednesdays 5-7pm (Jazz).

Performance Ensemble Options

Fulfill your E/HP performance ensemble requirement through any of our performance ensemble options in the areas of classical, jazz and world music.

Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Auditions are offered at the beginning of the Fall semester each academic year. See our Auditions page for more detailed information.

A limited number of Instrument lockers are available to students participating in MTA performance ensembles. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a locker, please fill out this form. If a locker is available for your instrument, you will receive an email confirmation with your assignment.

There are 8 practice rooms located in Building 4 (4-260), each of which is equipped with a piano. Students in MTA classes or ensembles are granted unrestricted (24/7) access.

Students auditioning for MTA performance ensembles are granted access from 7 AM to 11 PM through the end of the audition period each semester.

Percussionists are given access to the Kresge Percussion Studio (W16-002) for individual practice outside of rehearsal time.

Fall 2026 Emerson/Harris Scholars Group Recitals

Voice: Sunday, November 15th at 12pm in Killian Hall

Winds: Saturday, December 5th at 12pm in Killian Hall

Strings: Saturday, December 5th at 2pm and 4pm in Killian Hall

Piano: Sunday, December 6th at 12pm and 2pm in Killian Hall

Spring 2027 Emerson/Harris Scholars Group Recital

Winds: Saturday, May 1st at 12pm in Killian Hall

Strings: Saturday, May 1st at 2pm and 4pm in Killian Hall

Piano: Sunday, May 2nd at 12pm and 2pm in Killian Hall

Emerson/Harris Fellows Solo Recitals

Fellowship solo recitals take place on Fridays at 12pm, 3pm, and 5pm during the Spring semester. E/HP Fellows will be assigned a recital date towards the end of the Fall based on their provided availability.