Interlochen Online: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At this time, we are not able to offer scholarships for private lessons, courses, or certificates through Interlochen Online.

To enroll in an Interlochen Online private lesson, course, or certificate program, visit our Education Community.

With private lessons, you may sign up for as many lessons as you like, up to 52 weeks.

If you wish to participate in a certificate program, you may enroll in the program directly for a discounted package rate, or enroll in courses on an a la carte basis and apply them towards the certificate program.
 

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students in our online programs. We believe that all students should have equal access to our learning materials and activities, and that an inclusive learning environment benefits everyone.

Here are some of the accessibility features that we have incorporated into our online courses:

• Our platform is compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• We use captioning for all videos.
• We use headings and other structural elements to help users navigate the course content more easily.
• We use color contrast in combination with other design elements to ensure that course content is easy to read and understand.
• We provide alternative text for images and graphics.
• We use plain language and avoid jargon or overly technical language wherever possible.

If you would like to request an accommodation for one of our courses or certificate programs, or would like to share any concerns or suggestions regarding accessibility, please contact online@interlochen.org so that we may assist you.

Once you have registered, Interlochen Online private lessons, courses, and certificates are not refundable, though in some cases we may be able to apply payment to another Interlochen program. Please see the Interlochen Online Enrollment Agreement for further information.

For general information, join our mailing list. For all specific questions or for further information, email online@interlochen.org or call 231.276.5990.

All Interlochen Online courses are $299.

As part of the course, you can participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the instructor and interact with fellow students in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The instructor will make every effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The instructor will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient.

You will interact regularly with your instructor throughout the course. Within the learning environment, you can send messages and questions to your instructor and peers, and you will also receive and provide feedback in this same way.

Read more about the Interlochen Online Learning Experience.

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be flexible, with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You can meet with your instructor and fellow students in a weekly one-hour class meeting, and you will have regular interaction with them throughout the week, including personalized feedback from your instructor on your assigned work. The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.

Read more about the Interlochen Online Learning Experience.

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

You can expect to spend about five hours per week on a course. Course weeks begin on Monday (except when Monday is a holiday) and end on Sunday. You can pace out your week in whatever way works best for you, but we recommend spending a bit of time each day on the course, much like you would practice an instrument. Typically, each week’s creative project is due by Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Beginning Jan. 22, 2024, students will receive letter grades for all Interlochen Online courses. (Prior to that date, students received either Complete or Incomplete statuses for their participation in courses.) Instructors will provide each student with detailed, specific, and constructive feedback on their work. Each course successfully completed requires 20 hours of work over four weeks. You may request a letter that reflects this information by contacting online@interlochen.org. Students under 18 who complete a certificate program can request an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Interlochen Online courses require a computer (preferred) or mobile device with internet access. Some courses may have additional requirements, which can be found in the “What you need to participate” section on each course page on the website. Basic system requirements include the following:

• Screen Size
  • Our learning platform is best viewed at a minimum screen size of 11+ inches. If you want to use a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the mobile apps for Canvas to access your course (once in the app, select “Interlochen Online” as your school) and Zoom to participate in live class meetings.
• Operating Systems
  • macOS 10.13 or newer (Interlochen recommends Apple products)
  • Windows 10
  • chromeOS
  • Apple iOS or Android
• Computer Speed and Processor
  • Use a Mac or PC 5 years old or newer if possible. While it is possible to use an iPad or mobile device, the experience will be better for you on a laptop or desktop. 
  • If using a laptop, it should have the following specifications:
    • At least 4GB of RAM
    • At least 2GHz processor
• Internet Speed
  • Minimum of 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload

All Interlochen Online certificate programs are $799.

Students may also enroll in courses on an a la carte basis and apply them towards a certificate program later. In this scenario, students are not eligible for the discounted package rate, and the total cost of the certificate program will come to $897.

Certificate programs offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into a chosen artistic discipline while showcasing the student’s accomplishments with a credential from Interlochen. Each certificate program is composed of three four-week courses. Depending on the chosen program, courses may be taken sequentially, concurrently, or in a student-determined order.

Upon successful completion of a certificate program, students will receive a personalized certificate, both physical and digital, that can be shared on the student’s social media accounts, résumé, college applications, or LinkedIn profile.

In addition, certificates allow students under 18 to earn academic credit (.5 credits per program). Interlochen Online courses are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Students under 18 can request an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Each certificate program is composed of three four-week courses. Depending on the chosen program, courses may be taken sequentially, concurrently, or in a student-determined order.  There is no defined time frame in which a program must be completed, but for the best educational experience, we recommend that students not let too much time pass between courses.

Students who have completed a course that is included in a certificate program may apply that course towards the certificate program.

Students are required to complete all three courses in a certificate program.

Beginning Jan. 22, 2024, students will receive letter grades for all Interlochen Online courses. To earn the certificate and high school credit, students under 18 must receive a passing grade in each course of the program. The credit earned will reflect the average of the three grades. Students under 18 can request an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Interlochen Arts Academy does accept credit awarded to successful Interlochen Online certificate program students. Arts Academy students may help reduce the cost of their annual tuition by supplementing their studies with Interlochen Online certificate programs.

All Interlochen Online private lessons are $100/lesson.

Yes! Once you complete your private lesson registration, you will be given a link to a form to make your request to study with a specific instructor. While we cannot guarantee that the instructor will have compatible availability, we will do our best to honor your request. Current Interlochen Online instructors can be found here. If you do not have a specific instructor in mind, you will be assigned a private lesson instructor by the Interlochen Online team. All of our instructors are excellent and well-regarded, teaching with Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Arts Camp, and/or institutions of higher education.