Career Studies Courses

Sacred Music Seminar

ORG 221–222*; 1 s.h./term
ORG 231–232*; 1 s.h./term

A practical course in developing the skills of a successful church or synagogue musician. One year is devoted to improvisation and service playing; the other covers choral techniques and worship planning. Required of all organ students.

Conductors' Forum

CND 301–302; 1 s.h./term

A yearlong course that helps conducting majors develop various career and personal skills needed to become a successful conductor, including leadership, career management, orchestra administration and management, artistic planning and programming, and verbal communication. The course includes opportunities to meet various guest conductors, speakers, and artists in an informal classroom setting.

Community Artists Program (CAP)

CRS 301–302; 3 s.h./term

A guided independent study in which five to seven students are matched with Curtis faculty, staff, and alumni mentors who help them to design and implement a unique performance project that combines artistry with invention, leadership with advocacy, and citizenship with community. Mentors guide students to resources, challenge their assumptions, introduce them to key people, serve as a sounding board, provide advice, and generally help students to make the most of this special opportunity.

The 21st-Century Musician

CRS 363; 1 s.h./term

An exploration of how the classical music industry works and how students can tailor their skills to create their own varied, rewarding, and sustainable professional paths. Topics include obtaining a job, orchestral life, freelancing, grant-writing, and managing money, time, and stress. Required of Bachelor of Music and Diploma students in one of their last two years.