Lessons and Master Class
Weekly private lessons and studio master classes are at the center of the undergraduate curriculum. The faculty of the School of Music consists of distinguished, practicing professionals. Each member of the faculty is highly qualified through experience and continued professional activity to offer individual attention and personal guidance.

Recitals
All undergraduate students are required to prepare and perform a solo recital in their senior year. Piano and organ students are required to perform recitals in both junior and senior years. Students in the voice program may substitute a major role in an opera production for a recital.

Theory, Ear Training and Keyboard
Theory, ear training and keyboard classes are required for the first two years of the undergraduate program. Upon arrival, all college freshmen and transfer students are given placement examinations in each of these areas to ensure proper enrollment according to their level of skill.

Style and Literature Courses
Style and literature courses are offered in the third and fourth years of the undergraduate program. These courses survey the history, styles and aesthetics of the various periods from Medieval/Renaissance to Contemporary music.

Career Development Seminar
Career Development Seminar is a course designed for students in their final year of study at NCSA. Topics include auditions and interviews, contracts, and similar issues related to the “business” side of the music profession.

Performance Attendance
All undergraduate students are required to attend a minimum of three School of Music Performance Series (SMPS) concerts per term in addition to the weekly Wednesday Performance Hour. Grading is based solely upon attendance.

Intensive Arts
Intensive Arts at the School of the Arts is a program that is unique among arts institutions. During the two-week period following Thanksgiving break, lessons, master classes, workshops and interdisciplinary electives on an accelerated schedule substitute for the regular class schedule.

Specialized Enrichment Courses
Specialized Enrichment Courses are special courses offered for specific undergraduate degrees (e.g., students in the guitar program take Guitar Pedagogy and Guitar History and Literature; students in the voice program take Vocal Diction, Stage Make Up, and Acting, etc.). This type of supplemental course offers undergraduate students additional opportunities to study and work with their mentors, the studio faculty.

Ensembles
Students are required to participate in School of the Arts ensemble performances (Brass Ensemble, Cantata Singers, Chamber Music, Contemporary Music Ensemble [SACE], Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble). Placement is determined by juried auditions.