Beyond the Classroom - Department of Performing Arts - Music - Christopher Newport University

Department of Performing Arts - Music

Beyond the Classroom

As a music major, you’ll have countless opportunities to develop and realize your talents as an artist outside of class. There’s always something going on in the music program!

Our musicians and ensembles frequently undertake study abroad to learn and perform, and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, home to some of the most stunning and historic performance venues in the world. These trips include not only performance, but also coursework, undergraduate research and internship opportunities.

We partner with the Ferguson Center for the Arts to present guest artists and masterclasses throughout the academic year. Past masterclasses have featured artists such as:

  • Marvin Hamlisch
  • Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis
  • Chanticleer
  • Count Basie Orchestra
  • New York Voices
  • And many more!

These opportunities allow you to learn more about yourself, strengthen your skills and talents, and meet and interact with leading musicians and scholars.

Music faculty and students also put on numerous festivals throughout the year in several genres, including wind, choral, jazz, contemporary and many more.

Through the Excel program, music students learn to develop the mind, body and spirit. We’re with you every step of the way as you prepare for the future, keep yourself fit, and build positive relationships on and off the stage through the following activities:

  • Creating practice routines
  • Managing performance anxiety
  • Bonding with peers
  • Protecting against hearing loss
  • Handling instruments and equipment safely
  • Leading a healthy lifestyle
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Pursuing career enhancement opportunities
  • And more!

In addition, throughout the year, we offer courses, workshops, lectures, and internships that will help you develop into a healthy and vibrant musician and citizen.

In collaboration with nearby Riverside Hospital, we regularly bring medical professionals to campus to work with students on a variety of topics, such as vocal health, keyboard posture, tendonitis for string players and performance anxiety management. These experts can help you learn best practices and healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime.

Students can also participate in observation opportunities throughout the Riverside Health System, and showcase your talents by entertaining patients and their families at various Riverside facilities.

Christopher Newport is home to several chapters of music student and professional organizations that sponsor a wide range of scholarly and social activities, trips, and more, including:

  • American Choral Directors Association
  • American String Teachers Association
  • National Association for Music Education
  • Sigma Alpha Iota
    National music fraternity for women
  • Society of Composers
  • Kappa Kappa Psi
    National co-ed band fraternity
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
    National music fraternity for men
  • Pi Kappa Lambda
    College music honor society
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