The required course of study to receive the NJMI Certificate of Completion begins with four levels of Music Theory (I-IV). Students are eligible to "place out" of these courses by taking a comprehensive exam for each level.
Following these courses, students must take two course clusters. There are six total course clusters, and each cluster has two courses.
The six clusters (and corresponding courses) are:
History (Survey of Classical Music, Survey of Jazz)
Students review the history of these important musical genres and examine how musical styles have adapted and evolved over time with an eye on future adaptations and evolution.
Entertainment (Survey of Video Game Music, Survey of Film Music)
Students examine how music has created essential elements of storytelling while briefly observing the process of composition for media.
Songwriting (Composing, Arranging)
Students learn the techniques to write and prepare music for performance in various ensembles, ranging from solo performances of original pieces to original treatments for larger groups.
Vocation (Music Business, Music Technology)
Students learn the ins and outs of how the money works in the music business and what tools can greatly assist musicians in the age of technology.
Jazz (Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Studio)
Students comb through the art of instantaneous creation of music and the minute details of being a jazz musician.
Education (Ensemble Direction and Pedagogy, Musical Theatre and Sound Design)
Students are exposed to techniques on how to get the most out of the controllable elements of musical endeavors.
All courses are designed to present the practical usage of the skills and how the understanding and application of the information prepares musicians for the trade of professional music. The four levels of theory create the foundation of musical understanding which is then applied across the canvas of the elective courses.
To demonstrate an example, a student at NJMI who plays jazz saxophone and who is looking to create a solid generic foundation prior to enrolling in a traditional four-year college might chart a course of study as such:
Year 1
Fall: Music Theory I
Spring: Music Theory II
Year 2
Fall: Music Theory III
Spring: Music Theory IV
Year 3
Fall: Survey of Classical Music
Spring: Survey of Jazz
Year 4
Fall: Jazz Improvisation
Spring: Jazz Studio
Students should absolutely ask questions or discuss options to help determine the best course of study.
Following these courses, students must take two course clusters. There are six total course clusters, and each cluster has two courses.
The six clusters (and corresponding courses) are:
History (Survey of Classical Music, Survey of Jazz)
Students review the history of these important musical genres and examine how musical styles have adapted and evolved over time with an eye on future adaptations and evolution.
Entertainment (Survey of Video Game Music, Survey of Film Music)
Students examine how music has created essential elements of storytelling while briefly observing the process of composition for media.
Songwriting (Composing, Arranging)
Students learn the techniques to write and prepare music for performance in various ensembles, ranging from solo performances of original pieces to original treatments for larger groups.
Vocation (Music Business, Music Technology)
Students learn the ins and outs of how the money works in the music business and what tools can greatly assist musicians in the age of technology.
Jazz (Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Studio)
Students comb through the art of instantaneous creation of music and the minute details of being a jazz musician.
Education (Ensemble Direction and Pedagogy, Musical Theatre and Sound Design)
Students are exposed to techniques on how to get the most out of the controllable elements of musical endeavors.
All courses are designed to present the practical usage of the skills and how the understanding and application of the information prepares musicians for the trade of professional music. The four levels of theory create the foundation of musical understanding which is then applied across the canvas of the elective courses.
To demonstrate an example, a student at NJMI who plays jazz saxophone and who is looking to create a solid generic foundation prior to enrolling in a traditional four-year college might chart a course of study as such:
Year 1
Fall: Music Theory I
Spring: Music Theory II
Year 2
Fall: Music Theory III
Spring: Music Theory IV
Year 3
Fall: Survey of Classical Music
Spring: Survey of Jazz
Year 4
Fall: Jazz Improvisation
Spring: Jazz Studio
Students should absolutely ask questions or discuss options to help determine the best course of study.