All Dana Hall students (6th through 12th grade) are welcomed and encouraged to study instrumental and/or vocal music at the School of Music. All music offerings, including private instruction and ensembles, are considered part of the Performing Arts Department of Dana Hall and adhere to the performance/academic standards set by Dana Hall.  More than 300 students (both Dana Hall and community) participate in private, weekly lessons with a Dana Hall School of Music faculty member. There are more than 25 members of the music faculty and all are professional musicians and educators drawn from the Boston area. 
Please note that private lessons require additional tuition beyond the academic tuition.

Additionally, Dana Hall students can enroll in a music ensemble and/or workshops at no extra cost. Ensemble offerings include Chamber Music Groups (all instruments accommodated), Rock Band and Flute Choir.  Music workshop offerings vary and may include music theory, master classes, musicianship and keyboard workshops. Other offerings are added at the discretion of the Music School and Performing Arts Department. Any Dana Hall student participating in an ensemble must be enrolled in private music instruction in their primary instrument or voice.

All students: The Music School adheres to Dana Hall’s trimester academic schedule (approximately three 10-week periods). Enrolled students receive one weekly private lesson (30, 45 or 60 minutes) in each trimester  Private lessons are available in a wide variety of instruments including piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, harp, percussion and voice, as well as a range of different musical styles including classical, jazz, rock, folk, music theatre and pop. Lesson times are available during the school day and after-school Tuesdays through Fridays. Additionally, lesson times are available on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Upper School Students only
Dana Hall Upper School students (9th through 12th grade) can enroll for a half credit or on a pass/fail (no credit) basis. Students enrolled for a half credit earn a letter grade and evaluative comments at the end of each trimester. Students earn a half credit and final course grade from the Performing Arts Department upon successful completion of the course. Students enrolled for no credit lessons receive a pass/fail grade and evaluative comments at the end of each trimester. All grades (letter or P/F) will appear on the Dana Hall transcript. The Director of the School of Music places all Dana Hall students with an appropriate Music School faculty member. However, Dana Hall students can request a teacher change at any point in the year if there are schedule conflicts and/or any other irresolvable issues.  

Lesson Requirements (Half Credit): In order to earn a half credit, students must complete the full three trimesters of private lesson study. In addition, half credit students have the following requirements:

• Weekly private lesson of 45 or 60 minutes (no 30 minute lessons)
• Keep a weekly practice journal to track progress
• Attend one group music workshop per trimester
• Attend one faculty or special guest recital each trimester
• Participate in one student recital before the end of the academic year

Lesson Requirements (Pass/Fail): Students will earn a pass/fail grade at the end of each marking period and all grades will appear on the Dana Hall transcript. In addition, pass/fail credit students have the following requirements:

• Weekly private lesson of 30, 45 or 60 minutes
• Keep a weekly practice journal to track practice time
• Attend one faculty or special guest recital each trimester

Attendance at music workshops is encouraged but not mandatory. 

Middle School Students only
Dana Hall Middle School students (6th through 8th grade) can enroll for private lessons. Middle School students earn a pass/fail grade and evaluative comments at the end of each trimester. The Director of the School of Music places all Dana Hall students with an appropriate music school faculty member. Lesson times are available after-school Tuesdays through Fridays as well as Saturdays and Sundays. In some cases, lesson time may be during the school day with the permission of the Middle School.