Music

College Program

Curriculum

The music program at NWSA seeks to educate and train the student as a complete musician through professional preparation in performance, theoretical and historical studies. Our Bachelor of Music degree programs cultivates skills for students in the vocal, instrumental, and piano tracks by individual instruction and ensemble membership.

Instrumental students focus on technical and interpretive development as individuals. They learn how to shift roles from soloist to ensemble performer through participation in recitals and in large and small ensembles, with repertoire from the baroque to the present day. Semester by semester, they acquire a personal repertoire of works in multiple styles, and the versatility needed to perform such a wide range of works.

Piano students prepare for careers as performers and/or to advance to further study at the graduate level. The piano faculty teach a broad range of established repertoire and technique that trains pianists to be confident and expressive performers as well as knowledgeable, well-rounded musicians. Students develop ensemble skills through chamber music and other shared performance experiences and a basic knowledge and understanding of pedagogical methods and practices.

Vocal students focus on bel-canto vocalism, expressive communication of text, and acting. Special attention is given to preparation for auditions and competitions and development of a personal repertoire of concert, sacred, symphonic and operatic works. As students mature vocally, they perform frequently in public to build confidence and to expand their interpretive and theatrical skills.

New World School of the Arts’ specialized opera/voice concentration is unique and rare among Bachelor of Music degree programs in the nation. The curriculum offers undergraduate music students the opportunity to perform mainstage leading roles in fully staged opera productions and opera scenes, accompanied by stellar piano collaborators and the music division’s opera orchestra.

In the Composition Major, students study the fundamentals of technique, styles, and devices throughout the history of Western music to contemporary art music. Utilizing traditional methods and technology students are encouraged to find and express their individual style and voice through composition. Through regular forums and master classes and performance opportunities, students stay current in the field and are given the opportunity to present their compositions in public performances.

Bachelor of Music Degrees

Vocal Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - Spring

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore Year - Spring

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - Spring

Elective Credits

7 credits of electives must be chosen at the upper division.

**Vocal Pedagogy offered on alternative summers

Students must take 30 additional hours of General Education courses.

1. General Education courses may be taken during the major terms or during the summer terms.
2. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits hours in General Education during the academic year.
3. Students must complete their AA requirements by the end of the 3rd year.
4. *MUH 3211 or MUH 3212 fulfill the MDC Core Humanities requirement.

Lower Division Credit Total: 38

Upper Division Credit Total: 60

Academics: 30

Total Credits: 128

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Instrumental Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - Spring

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore Year - Spring

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - Spring

Elective Credits

15 credits of electives must be chosen at the upper division.

Students must take 30 additional hours of General Education courses.

1. General Education courses may be taken during the major terms or during the summer terms.
2. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits hours in General Education during the academic year.
3. Students must complete their AA requirements by the end of the 3rd year.

*MUH 3211 or MUH 3212 fulfill the MDC Core Humanities requirement.
** If signed up for MUN1210, must also sign up for chamber music credit

Lower Division Credit Total: 34

Upper Division Credit Total: 60

Academics: 30

Total Credits: 124

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Piano Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - Spring

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore Year - Spring

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - Spring

Elective Credits

15 credits of electives must be chosen at the upper division.

Students must take 30 additional hours of General Education courses.

1. General Education courses may be taken during the major terms or during the summer terms.
2. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits hours in General Education during the academic year.
3. Students must complete their AA requirements by the end of the 3rd year.

*MUH 3211 or MUH 3212 fulfill the MDC Core Humanities requirement.

Lower Division Credit Total: 32

Upper Division Credit Total: 60

Academics: 30

Total Credits: 122

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Composition Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - Spring

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore Year - Spring

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - Spring

Elective Credits

15 credits must be taken at the upper division.

Students must take 30 additional hours of General Education courses.

1. General Education courses may be taken during the major terms or during the summer terms.
2. Students must earn a minimum of 12 credits hours in General Education during the academic year.
3. Students must complete their AA requirements by the end of the 3rd year.

*MUH 3211 or MUH 3212 fulfill the MDC Core Humanities requirement.

**Composition students accepted with piano as secondary instrument are exempt from class piano 1-4 based on audition proficiency.

Lower Division Credit Total: 40

Upper Division Credit Total: 60

Academics: 30

Total Credits: 130