Undergraduate Study in Music
The Music Program offers conservatory-level studies for students aspiring to professional careers, as well as superb instruction for those who love music and want to study it within the context of a liberal arts program.
Each student is strongly encouraged to explore those areas of musical interests that are particularly important to him or her. Music Program students work within a fully integrated curriculum that combines studies in music with the liberal arts. In addition to rigorous, highly individualized training that integrates theory and practice, students take supporting courses in philosophy, history, sciences, mathematics, visual arts, dance, theater, languages and literature to help them develop a far deeper understanding and insight in their chosen field. We find that this broader exposure opens many more doors for our students while enhancing creative and critical thinking. Writing across the curriculum—which is at the core of a Sarah Lawrence College education—is as central to the performing arts as it is to the liberal arts because it is as important to be articulate and self-expressive verbally as it is artistically.
The Music program is structured to integrate theory and practice. Students select a combination of component courses that together constitute one full course (called a Music Third). A minimal Music Third includes four components:
- Individual instruction (instrumental performance, composition, or voice), the central area of study around which the rest of the program is planned;
- Theory and/or history (see requirements below under “Courses”);
- A performance ensemble (see area requirements below under Courses”);
- Concert attendance/Music Tuesdays requirement (see below under “Courses”).
Components focus on specific periods of music history, particular music forms, and more specialized musical theory and applications. The curriculum also includes world music and jazz programs as well as courses in advanced classical studies. Students, in consultation with the faculty, plan the music program best suited to their needs or interests. Our emphasis is on self-directed study—not competitive performance. We believe that this approach results in as high a level—or even greater level—of performance and engagement and allows for more creativity and experimentation. Advanced students may, with faculty consent, elect to take two thirds of their course study in music. Auditions are used to determine placement only, because we believe each person should be self-motivated, which makes the audition irrelevant in a traditional sense.
It's a Grand Night For Singing!
A musical welcome to Karen Lawrence on the occasion of her inauguration as 10th president of Sarah Lawrence College.
See photos from the concert and listen to performances by music faculty, students, and guests with a special appearance by The Leslie Pintchik Trio.