Students in the Music Program at NMSA are guided by master teachers. Students will explore areas of fundamental musicianship, music theory, music history, and play both as a soloist and as a member of a wide variety of student ensembles. Daily instruction includes classroom-based learning, regular rehearsals and performances that are designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn the fundamental qualities of a being an active performing musician. Ensembles will be created based on student enrollment and the individual level of accomplishment of each student. All courses will strive to build positive attitudes, responsibility, trust, teamwork, cooperation, confidence, compassion, and a sense of humor – skills and values that will serve musicians well throughout their educational and professional lives.
As a student in the Music Program at NMSA, you will be guided by teachers who are masters of their art form and who will help you achieve your potential. You will explore areas of fundamental musicianship, music theory, music history, and play both as a soloist and as a member of a wide variety of student ensembles. Daily instruction includes classroom-based learning, regular rehearsals and performances that are designed to provide you with the opportunity to learn the fundamental qualities of a being an active performing musician. Ensembles will be created based on student enrollment and the individual level of accomplishment of each student. All courses will strive to build positive attitudes, responsibility, trust, teamwork, cooperation, confidence, compassion, and a sense of humor – skills and values that will serve musicians well throughout their educational and professional lives.















Music Fundamentals I
Music Fundamentals II
Music Lab
In Junior & Senior year, musicians will choose a specialization on which to focues, including: Jazz Studies, Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Composition & Contemporary Music. Students will also perform a Senior Recital (30 minutes of music) or complete a Senior Project as the capstone to their area of specialization. Juniors may also propose to perform an optional Junior Recital (15 minutes of music). All recitals and projects will be supervised by the Chair of the Music Department and two other members of the NMSA Music faculty of the student’s choosing.
Jazz Studies
Instrumental Performance
Vocal Performance
Composition & Contemporary Music
Senior Recital
Senior Project
Junior Recital (optional)
Applied Instruction
Applied Lessons are weekly lessons with a specialized lesson instructor. Instruction cultivates students’ technique and musicianship through assigned studies of technical exercises and solo repertoire. Applied lessons are made available for all students who matriculated to NMSA prior to the 2018-19 school year, and they are provided for students in the Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, and Jazz Studies tracks. Students who matriculate in the 2018-19 school year or afterwards will receive applied lessons in their junior and senior years. .Any student may opt out of Applied Lessons at any time with approval by the Chair of the Music Department.