Sullivan Conservatory of Music

The Mercyhurst University’s Sullivan Conservatory of Music offers private lessons to students of all ages in the Erie area. It is named after Sister Helen Jean Sullivan, who, for over fifty years, kept music alive at Mercyhurst. She served as the director of the music department from 1954 to 1973 and then founded the conservatory, for which she was the director of until her retirement in 2005. The conservatory was renamed in her honor in 2008.

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Our goal at the Sullivan Conservatory is to provide exceptional music education while nurturing a life-long love of music. Not only do we strive to push our students to know his/her potential as musicians but also in other areas of life. Lessons are taught by professional musicians who are active performers in the community. Students learn on the Mercyhurst University campus in the D’Angelo Performing Arts Department, while our recitals are held in the beautiful Walker Recital Hall in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. We offer two programs—traditional lessons and Suzuki Strings, which you can learn more about on this website and/or by contacting the Sullivan Conservatory director below.

Traditional Lessons

The Sullivan Conservatory offers traditional lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, flute, voice, trumpet, trombone, and piano. A request for an instrument not listed is welcome but is not guaranteed. The approach to this style of instruction uses a variety of method books based on the needs of the student and the direction facilitated by the instructor.

Traditional instruction includes one private lesson a week lasting 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length. There is no age requirement; however, younger students should be able to demonstrate appropriate maturity and desire to learn in order to start lessons. Additionally, student participation in conservatory recitals is strongly encouraged but is not required.

Pricing

There are 32 lessons during the academic year.

Standard Lesson Rates:

• 30-minute lesson: $25
• 45-minute lesson: $37.50
• 60-minute lesson: $50

There are two of our faculty who are specialists and have a higher rate. If you are interested in piano or cello, contact them directly for their specific pricing.

One of our instructors is a current student and has a discounted rate. If you are interested in voice, contact them directly for their specific pricing.

There is a yearly registration fee for all students:

• One child: $30
• Each additional child (up to five) = $10 each

Discounts Available:

• Single Payment per Semester: Receive a four percent discount when you pay for each semester in one installment (two payments per year) - Applies only to academic year.
• Single Annual Payment: Receive a 10 percent discount when you pay for the entire year in a single payment - Applies only to academic year.
• Sibling Discount: Families with more than one child will receive an additional four percent discount when paying either per semester or per year in a single installment.

2026-27 Academic Year Calendar

Note:

• The academic year runs from September–May, with 32 lessons total (16 per term).
• There are more weeks than lessons to allow flexibility for makeups and breaks, which should be discussed with your instructor in advance.

See conservatory policies for specific details about absences, makeup lessons, and the like.

Linda and Eleanor's rates vary and Susan offers a student rate; please inquire about specifics.

If an instrument is not listed above, call to inquire about availability.