ISP, or the Intensive Study Project, is a program for CMS students in grades 6-12 who wish to become more engaged in their musical journey at CMCB. ISP students participate in a program of varied musical activities, including: private lessons, ensembles (chamber and/or large ensembles), music theory/ear training classes, and ISP seminar, the focus of which is the completion of an individual project on a musical subject of the student’s choosing.
The 2023-2024 ISP Program will begin on Saturday, September 23rd.

The ISP Curriculum Includes:
- Private lessons with a CMCB instructor (required)
- Ensemble or Chamber Group
- Music Theory Course
- Attendance at 3 ISP Seminar meetings occurring throughout the year to work towards final project (Saturdays, time TBD)
- Departmental Seminar (strongly encouraged)
- 10 Volunteer Hours per year (strongly encouraged)
ISP Scheduling
While private lessons and volunteer hours may take place throughout the week, the Seminar, Ensemble, and Theory components of ISP take place at CMCB on Saturdays. See below to find out more about these programs and how they may fit in with your schedule.
Ensemble/Chamber Group
- Intermediate String Ensemble (Saturday, 11:30-1:00 PM)
- Chamber Orchestra (Saturday, 3:15-5:30 PM)
- Chamber Group (Scheduled individually based on students)
Music Theory Course
- Music Theory 1 (Saturday, 3:00-3:45 PM)
- Music Theory 3 (Saturday, 11:00-11:45 AM)
Departmental Seminar
- Piano Seminar (Saturday, 1:00-2:00 PM)
- String Seminar (Saturday, 1:00-2:00 PM)
- Wind Seminar (Saturday, 1:00-2:00 PM)
For more information about ISP, check out the ISP Information Sheet and sample student schedule attached below. To apply for the 2023-2024 ISP Program, fill out our online Student Application, or complete a paper form, available in the Front Office. Please email Paulius Pancekauskas, at pancekauskas@cmcb.org or Manuel García-Barió, at garciabaro@cmcb.org with any questions.