College Program

Dance students at studio in a class

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 - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MUS 1211 Diction in Singing I 2
MUT 1111 Music Theory I 3
MUT 1241 Sight-singing/Ear Training I 1
MVK 1111 Class Piano I 1
MUO 1501 Opera Workshop 1
MVV 1311 Applied Voice I 2
MUM 2623C Midi Electronic Music I 2
12

Freshman Year - Spring

Freshman Year - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MUS 1241 Diction in Singing II 2
MUT 1112 Music Theory II 3
MUT 1242 Sight-singing/Ear Training II 1
MVK 1112 Class Piano II 1
MUO 1501 Opera Workshop 1
MVV 1311 Applied Voice I 2
10

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MUO 1501 Opera Workshop 1
MUT 2116 Music Theory III 3
MUT 2246 Sight-singing/Ear Training III 1
MVK 2121 Class Piano III 1
MVV 2321 Applied Voice II 2
8

Sophomore Year - Spring

Sophomore - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MUO 1501 Opera Workshop 1
MUT 2117 Music Theory IV 3
MUT 2247 Sight-singing/Ear Training IV 1
MVK 2122 Class Piano IV 1
MVV 2321 Applied Voice II 2
8

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUS 3243 Italian for Singers 3
MUT 3611 Form & Analysis 3
*MUH 3211 Survey of Music History I 3
MUO 3652 Opera Theater Ensemble 1
MVV 3431 Voice III 3
MVV 4640 Vocal Pedagogy ** 3
16

Junior Year - Spring

Junior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUS 4235 German for singers 3
MVV 3970 Junior Recital 1
*MUH 3212 Survey of Music History II 3
MUO 3652 Opera Theater Ensemble 1
MUL 4630 Symphonic/Chamber Vocal Lit 3
MVV 3431 Voice III 3
14

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUS 3225 French for singers 3
MUL 4662 History and Literature of the Opera 3
MUO 3652 Opera Theater Ensemble 1
MUG 4104 Basic Conducting 2
MVV 4441 Voice IV 3
12

Senior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUO 365 Opera Theater Ensemble 1
TPP 4920 Actors Workshop I 3
MVV 4441 Voice IV 3
MVV 4971 Senior Recital 1
MUL 4600 History and Literature of the Art Song 3
11

Elective Credits

7 Elective Credits Are needed
Course Course Name Credits
HUM 3512 Art in Society 3
MUS 4635 Aesthetics in Music 3
MUS 4905 Projects & Problems 1-3
MUL 4361 Romantic Literature 3
MUH 4016 History of Jazz 3
MUC 4572 Music 1900 - 1945 3
MUC 4573 Music since 1945 3
MUL 4500 Symphonic Literature 3
MUL 4561 Chamber Music Literature 3
MUT 4601 Score Reading 2
TPP 4972 Actors Workshop II 3

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

**Vocal Pedagogy offered on alternative summers

Students must take 33 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


Instrumental Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Applied Instrument 2
MUN 1210 Symphony Orchestra** 1
MUT 1111 Music Theory I 3
MUT 1241 Sight-singing/Ear Training I 1
MVK 1111 Class Piano I 1
MUM 2623C MIDI Electronic Music I 2
10

Freshman Year - Spring

Freshman Year - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Applied Instrument 2
MUN 1210 Symphony Orchestra** 1
MUT 1112 Music Theory II 3
MUT 1242 Sight-singing/Ear Training II 1
MVK 1112 Class Piano II 1
8

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_2___ Applied Instrument 2
MUN 1210 Symphony Orchestra** 1
MUT 2116 Music Theory III 3
MUT 2246 Sight-singing/Ear Training III 1
MVK 2121 Class Piano III 1
8

Sophomore Year - Spring

Sophomore - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_2___ Applied Instrument 2
MUN 1210 Symphony Orchestra** 1
MUT 2117 Music Theory IV 3
MUT 2247 Sight-singing/Ear Training IV 1
MVK 2122 Class Piano IV 1
8

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MV_3___ Applied Instrument 3
MUG 4104 Basic Conducting 2
*MUH 3211 Survey of Music History I 3
MUN 3213 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
MUN 3463 University Orchestra 1
MUT 3611 Form & Analysis 3
13

Junior Year - Spring

Junior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MV_3___ Applied Instrument 3
*MUH 3212 Survey of Music History II 3
MUN 3213 University Orchestra 1
MUN 3463 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
MUT 3321 Arranging for Voices/Instruments 3
MV_ 3970 Junior Recital 1
MUT 4421 Tonal Counterpoint 3
15

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MV_4___ Applied Instrument 3
MUL 4561 Chamber Music Literature 3
MUN 3213 University Orchestra 1
MUN 3463 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
8

Senior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MV_4___ Applied Instrument 3
MUL 4500 Symphonic Literature 3
MUN 3463 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
MUN 3213 University Orchestra 1
MV_ 4971 Senior Recital 1
9

Elective Credits

15 Elective Credits Are needed
Course Course Name Credits
MUL 4662 History and Literature of Opera 3
MVB 4640 Brass Instruments Pedagogy*** 3
HUM 3512 Art in Society 1-3
MVW 4640 Woodwind Instrument Pedagogy*** 3
MUS 4905 Projects & Problems 1-3
MVS 4640 String Instruments Pedagogy*** 3
MUS 4635 Aesthetics of Music 3
MUL 4361 Romantic Literature 3
MUH 4016 History of Jazz 3
MUC 4572 Music 1900-1945 3
MUC 4573 Music since 1945 3
MUT 4601 Score Reading 2

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

Students must take 33 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


Piano Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 1311 Applied Piano I 2
MUT 1111 Music Theory I 3
MUT 1241 Sight-singing/Ear Training I 1
MUM 2623C MIDI Electronic Music I 2
MUN ____ Ensemble 1
9

Freshman Year - Spring

Freshman Year - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 1311 Applied Piano 2
MUT 1112 Music Theory II 3
MUT 1242 Sight-singing/Ear Training II 1
MUN ____ Ensemble 1
7

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 2321 Applied Piano II 2
MUT 2116 Music Theory III 3
MUT 2246 Sight-singing/Ear Training III 1
MVK 1213 Applied Organ I 1
MUN 1460 Chamber Music 1
8

Sophomore Year - Spring

Sophomore - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 2321 Applied Piano II 2
MUT 2117 Music Theory IV 3
MUT 2247 Sight-singing/Ear Training IV 1
MVJ 1210 Applied Jazz Piano 1
MUN 1460 Chamber Music 1
8

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 3431 Piano III 3
MUG 4104 Basic Conducting 2
*MUH 3211 Survey of Music History I 3
MUN 3454 Two-Piano Literature 2
MVK 3702 Accompanying 2
MUT 3611 Form & Analysis 3
15

Junior Year - Spring

Junior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUT 3321 Arranging/Orchestration 3
MVK 3431 Piano III 3
*MUH 3212 Survey of Music History II 3
MVK 3702 Accompanying 2
MUT 4421 Tonal Counterpoint 3
MVK 3970 Junior Recital 1
15

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 4441 Piano IV 3
MVK 4640 Piano Pedagogy 3
MVK 3702 Accompanying 2
8

Senior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MVK 4441 Piano IV 3
MUL 4400 Piano Literature Seminar 3
MVK 4971 Senior Recital 1
7

Elective Credits

15 Elective Credits Are needed
Course Course Name Credits
MUL 4662 History & Literature of Opera 3
HUM 3512 Art in Society 3
MUS 4905 Projects and Problems 1-3
MUL 4561 Chamber Music Literature 1-3
MUL 4500 Symphonic Literature 3
MUL 4801 Music of Bach 3
MUL 4802 Music of Mozart 3
MUS 4635 Aesthetics of Music 3
MUH 4016 History of Jazz 3
MUC 4572 Music 1900 - 1945 3
MUC 4573 Music since 1945 3
MUT 4601 Score Reading 2

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

Students must take 33 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


Composition Emphasis

Freshman Year - Fall

Freshman Year - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUC 1201 Composition 1 2
MUT 1111 Music Theory I 3
MUT 1241 Sight-singing/Ear Training I 1
MVK 1111 Class Piano I** 1
MUM 2623 MIDI Electronic Music I 2
MUN___ Ensemble 1
11

Freshman Year - Spring

Freshman Year - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUC 1202 Composition II 2
MUT 1112 Music Theory II 3
MUT 1242 Sight-singing/Ear Training II 1
MVK 1112 Class Piano II** 1
MUM 2624 MIDI Electronic Music II 2
MUN___ Ensemble 1
11

Sophomore Year - Fall

Sophomore - First Semester (Fall)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUC 2101 Composition Skills III 2
MUT 2116 Music Theory III 3
MUT 2246 Sight-singing/Ear Training III 1
MVK 2121 Class Piano III** 1
MUN___ Ensemble 1
9

Sophomore Year - Spring

Sophomore - Second Semester (Spring)
Course Course Name Credits
MV_1___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUC 2102 Composition Skills IV 2
MUT 2117 Music Theory IV 3
MUT 2247 Sight-singing/Ear Training IV 1
MVK 2122 Class Piano IV** 1
MUN___ Ensemble 1
9

Junior Year - Fall

Junior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUN 3463 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
MUG 4104 Basic Conducting 2
*MUH 3211 Survey of Music History I 3
MV_3___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUC 3231 Composition I 3
MUT 3611 Form & Analysis 3
13

Junior Year - Spring

Junior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUN 3463 Chamber Music Ensemble 1
MUT 4421 Tonal Counterpoint 3
*MUH 3212 Survey of Music History II 3
MV_3___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
MUT 3321 Arranging/Orchestration 3
MUC 3232 Composition II 3
14

Senior Year - Fall

Senior Year - First Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUC 4241 Composition III 3
MUT 4601 Score Reading 2
MUC 4572 Music From 1900 to 1945 3
MV_4___ Secondary Applied Instrument 1
9

Senior Year - Spring

Senior Year - Second Semester
Course Course Name Credits
MUC 4951 Sr. Composition Recital 3
MUC 4242 Composition IV 3
MUC 4573 Music Since 1945 3
9

Elective Credits

15 Elective Credits Are needed
Course Course Name Credits
HUM 3512 Art in Society 3
MUL 4662 History and Literature of Opera 3
MUS 4635 Aesthetics of Music 3
MUH 4016 History of Jazz 3
MUL 4500 Symphonic Literature 3
MUL 4400 Piano Literature Seminar 3
MUL 4561 Chamber Music Literature 3
MUL 4901 Music of Bach 3
MUL 4802 Music of Mozart 3
MUS 4905 Projects and Problems 1-3

15 credits must be taken at the upper division.

Students must take 33 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