Multi-Focus Programs in Performance

The Multi-Focus Programs in Performance prepare students for the emerging career pathways of the 21st century—characterized by the remarkably eclectic spectrum of professional practices. These programs enable each performer to develop the high-level skills, knowledge and versatility that are required in today’s evolving artistic world. Students are presented with myriad performance opportunities, extensive studies of traditional and experimental music, and an excellent student-faculty ratio. They also have unique opportunities to look beyond the boundaries of music by working in interdisciplinary settings, new genres and previously uncharted areas.

Guided by a faculty of internationally acclaimed artists, students hone their skills through concentrated training and a demanding schedule of formal and informal concerts. These include solo recitals and performances by chamber groups and conducted ensembles (covering orchestral, choral and contemporary music repertoire), plus work in early music, opera, jazz, world music and experimental ensembles. As part of this training, students frequently rehearse and perform with faculty, both on and off campus.

The Multi-Focus Programs in Performance include several separate courses of study:

Winds/Brass/Strings/Harp Program
BFA/MFA

Students in this program study a variety of traditional techniques and repertoire, and perform in both solo and ensemble configurations. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary styles, diverse musical cultures, improvisation techniques, electronic and interdisciplinary media, and new hybrid genres. These studies are augmented by weekly seminars/workshops on performance practice and technique that are frequently led by distinguished visiting artists.

Piano/Keyboard Program

BFA, MFA

Offering advanced instruction for students of piano and keyboards, this program is structured to refine performing skills, explore new techniques and extend new artistic horizons. Instruction focuses on a broad spectrum of repertoire, from the Baroque to cutting-edge new music. Students enjoy numerous opportunities to perform classical and contemporary music in solo recitals and as part of chamber music groups and large ensembles.  The program also encourages students to investigate other keyboard studies such as harpsichord, jazz, systemic improvisation, interactive computer technology, and pedagogy.

Piano/Keyboard Specialization in

Collaborative Keyboard

MFA level only

This specialization allows advanced students to pursue a course of study that concentrates on all aspects of collaborative performance, including work in vocal and instrumental chamber music, conducted ensembles, opera, and repertoire and language studies.

Guitar Program

The Guitar Program features a highly flexible curriculum designed to familiarize students with the possibilities of the instrument and to develop the skills necessary for pursuing a professional career. This curriculum investigates the wide musical range of the instrument and helps each performer to develop a unique and personal style of playing.

Drawing on the resources of experienced faculty, students can create a customized multi-focus course of study drawing from classical guitar, Baroque style and improvisation, traditional and free jazz, composition, electro-acoustic practices, flamenco, traditional and modern Balkan, and traditional rock and blues. Students may study a wide array of instruments, including nylon string, steel string acoustic, electric and MIDI guitars, as well as lute, sarod and sitar.

Percussion/World Percussion Program

BFA, MFA

The Percussion/World Percussion Program provides a comprehensive survey of the percussion field. The curriculum covers traditional classical study, intense chamber music and percussion ensemble experience, improvisation, world music (including Persian, Latin, African, North Indian and Indonesian percussion), jazz, and electronic percussion. Students are especially encouraged to pursue their own individual objectives and to engage in creative cross-cultural and cross-stylistic collaborations, skillfully bridging Western classical, new music, jazz and global perspectives on music.

The extensive instrument collection used in this program includes all standard percussion instruments for orchestra and jazz; various world music instruments; and many non-traditional, custom-built and found instruments. Students also design and construct their own specialized percussion instruments.

Voice Program

BFA, MFA

The Voice Program offers comprehensive training and performing opportunities in classical vocal repertoire and contemporary art music, with a focus on developing a healthy and versatile voice. The flexible curriculum features intensive work on Western classical technique and also allows work with experimental vocal techniques, improvisation and non-Western vocal styles. The program incorporates courses in performance and acting techniques, foreign languages and diction, and vocal literature and pedagogy. The curriculum is further enhanced by coursework in composition and music technology and by frequent workshops with prominent guest artists.

Students routinely perform in recitals, Voice Box concerts, operas and opera scenes, music theater works, chamber music concerts and interdisciplinary projects, as well as with vocal ensembles, contemporary groups and world music ensembles.