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BA/BFA Degree Curriculum Model for Instrumentalists
This schedule represents a suggested sample curriculum. Individual students’ curricula may differ, sometimes substantially, from this model, depending on transfer credits and performance on the placement tests.
The BA and BFA degrees are granted upon completion of at least 90 credits of applied music along with 90 credits of liberal arts, which includes the required Lang seminars and senior work, and can also include music history or other liberal arts credits.
Student progress is monitored on the basis of entrance evaluations, ensemble work, student juries (normally in the second half of the sophomore year), successful completion of the core curriculum, and the normal accumulation of course credits.
First Year
2 Instrumental Instruction (2 semesters)
2 Jazz Harmony and Theory I (2 semesters)
1 Theory and Performance I—Lab (2 semesters)
2 Theory and Performance I—Ensemble (2 semesters)
2 Ear Training I (2 semesters)
1 Piano Proficiency I (2 semesters)
3 History of Jazz (2 semesters)
1 Sight-Reading (2 semesters)
4 Lang writing seminars (2 semesters)
18 credits per semester
Second Year
2 Instrumental Instruction (2 semesters)
2 Improvisation Ensemble (2 semesters)
2 Jazz Harmony and Theory II (2 semesters)
2 Theory and Performance II (2 semesters)
2 Ear Training II (2 semesters)
8 Lang seminars (2 semesters)
18 credits per semester
Third Year
2 Improvisation Ensemble (2 semesters)
2 Instrumental Instruction (2 semesters)
2 Rhythmic Analysis I (2 semesters)
2 Fundamentals of Composition/Arranging (1 semester)
10–12 Lang seminars or other liberal arts (2 semesters)
18 credits per semester
Fourth Year
2 Improvisation Ensemble (1 semester)
2 Instrumental Instruction (1 semester)
4–8 Electives (2 semesters)
8–12 Lang seminars (2 semesters)
18 credits per semester
Fifth Year
2 Improvisation Ensemble (1 semester)
2 Instrumental Instruction (1 semester)
4–8 Electives (2 semesters)
8–12 Lang seminars (2 semesters)
18 credits per semester
*Must be passed with a grade of "B" or higher.
The Composition Major is a program of study preparing students to function in the increasingly eclectic world of composition. Jazz composition has exchanged materials and points of departure with 20th century concert music, as well as with numerous popular styles. Popular and fine art traditions have merged in some instances. Styles from cultures throughout the world continue to expand the formerly more restricted world of Western music. In many instances, technology has redefined the act of composition itself. Composers must confront a bewildering number of choices in attempting to define a personal style. The Jazz Composition Major helps the student address these issues.
The program begins with courses in Jazz theory, ear training, rhythmic analysis, classical theory and counterpoint, piano, and basic compositional skills. In addition to course work within New School Jazz, students will take some classes at Mannes College. Once this foundation is acquired, students experiment with a large number of theory and performance electives to define personal goals.
REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM
Jazz Theory I & II
Ear Training I & II
Theory & Performance I
Rhythmic Analysis
Piano I
Private Lessons
For descriptions of these classes, see GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
REQUIRED COMPOSITION CURRICULUM
Composer's Forum
1 credit
Ron Petrides
Each semester students will compose works for a selected genre (e.g., percussion ensemble, string quartet, vocal, etc.). Works from the existing literature will be analyzed. Guest performances will demonstrate techniques within the genre, where applicable. In addition, there will be a mid-semester and final reading of student works. Composer's Forum also includes other activities, such as the planning of the department concert and assisting students in outreach for external performances.
The following courses are part of the required composition proficiency curriculum per evaluation placement.
Classical Theory I
2 credits
(Mannes)
Intensive study of the simple procedures of tonal music. Writing of harmonic progressions and setting of melodies and figured basses using triads and seventh chords and their inversions. Writing of two-part counterpoint in all five species.
Classical Theory II
2 credits
(Mannes)
Further study of materials presented in Classical Theory I. Writing of four-part exercises using advanced voice leading techniques. Diatonic modulation. Introduction to chromaticism. Further studies in counterpoint.
Orchestration I & II
1 credit
(Mannes)
Study of the basic ranges and techniques of orchestral instruments and their uses and functions within the musical structure, as established by the important composers of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Assignments in writing for individual instruments and small combinations, as well as for small and full orchestra.
Fundamentals of Conducting
2 credits
(Mannes)
Basic conducting techniques and rehearsal procedures as applied to examples from the orchestral and choral literature. Sight-singing and score reading ability required. (Permission of instructor required.)
Additional theory/composition and performance required courses pages:
Introduction to Finale
Jazz Composition/Analysis II
Jazz Composition III
Arranging/Orchestration I & II
Advanced Composition/Arranging I & II
Principles of Tonal Music
Atonal Music Theory
PRIVATE LESSONS
Upon entering New School Jazz, all students are evaluated based on instrumental proficiency guidelines. Students must first demonstrate proficiency on an individual instrumental, either through the
initial evaluation or through progress in instrumental private lessons. Once they demonstrate this proficiency, they can focus their private lessons on composition. In some cases, the lessons may be divided between instrument and composition lessons, depending on personal needs.
SOPHOMORE JURY
In lieu of a performance jury, the student must submit a portfolio of compositions, including any tapes of performances. The content of the portfolio will be determined in consultation with the student's advisor. The work and arrangements in the portfolio must be at an acceptable level in order for the student to be allowed to proceed towards graduation.
ADMISSIONS
In lieu of a performance audition, students who wish to apply as composition majors must submit clearly notated scores and/or lead sheets of their work. The pieces submitted should include at least three (3) works of varying character and demonstrate at minimum an elementary competence of arranging. For this purpose, it is highly recommended that the applicant include any tapes of performances of electronic (sequenced) versions of notated pieces. In addition to original compositions, students must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument via taped performance. For example, the applicant may perform some of his or her own work. Any tape submitted should be no longer than 10 minutes. Other requirements for admission (transcripts, etc.) are the same as for the performance majors.
Ongoing Evaluation
Students are evaluated every semester based on the following criteria:
1. mid-term examinations, where applicable
2. mid-semester evaluation from all classroom faculty
3. final exams, performances, recordings, papers (final assignments will vary from class to class)
There will be two juries during a student's four-year course of study, as follows:
Senior Recital
To qualify for graduation, each senior must prepare a minimum one-hour performance demonstrating an acceptable level of mastery of his/her instrument or chosen field of concentration.
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - CLICK HERE
