Undergraduate Degrees in Music Theatre Accompanying

theatre production

Like the traditional Collaborative Piano degree, the Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Accompanying is grounded on an applied major in piano, with a focus on developing technique and performing ability. The eight semesters of applied piano study are complemented with two semesters of applied voice minor, four semesters of applied jazz piano and two semesters of applied conducting.

The first four semesters of major study follow the conventional pattern common to all piano major study. Beginning in the fifth semester, study is focused on music theatre repertoire and accompanying techniques.

The program is supported by a core of music theory, music literature and history, keyboard harmony, score reading, form and analysis, instrumentation, arranging and conducting. Complementing the program are general education studies in English, philosophy or religion, social and behavioral science and mathematics.

The successful musical theatre accompanist works constantly with singers, dancers and actors. The program provides a foundation for the skills needed through courses in lyric diction, anatomy and function of the singing voice, acting, directing, dance electives, theatre history and the history of American musical theatre.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the program is its wealth of practical experience. The Conservatory's musical theatre program is large and active. Each year, the Theatre Division produces two full-scale musicals and a touring revue or musical in concert. Furthermore, the musical theatre program includes a final recital in the form of a senior showcase. In the course of the musical theatre accompanying curriculum, the student will serve as rehearsal accompanist and pit keyboardist for a minimum of two musicals and the senior showcase.

The Conservatory is home to Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, a professional company that presents four large musicals with full orchestra each summer. Conservatory students are given first auditions for the acting and technical company, and its music students have first auditions for the orchestra. Current students and alumni have made up the majority of SSMT's actors, technical and management workers and musicians since its inception in 1984.