BA Music

“…that’s where the music has to be—on the edge—in between the known and the unknown…”
—Steve Lacy

At Naropa University, the practice of music encompasses the whole musician: the ear and its sensitivity to pitch and rhythm, the intellect and the intricacies of music theory, the body and technical demands of playing an instrument, and the contemplative and expressive world of the heart. The study of music history, jazz and world music traditions give students an appreciation of the richness of the world's music heritage. Our goal is to make music that is a force for positive change in the world.

Creative Freedom

Students are encouraged to make music that is most meaningful to them; music that is versed in style and genre and transcends both to become personal. Past student projects have expressed across many forms, from techno to free jazz, to songwriting and multi-media performances.

Technical Skills

Study in four, progressive semesters of Musicianship include ear training, harmonic analysis, rhythmic acuity, and music theory. A basis of Western music provides the foundation for exploration into Chinese, East Indian, Japanese and African classical traditions. Improvisation and composition are integral parts of the curriculum, further grounding learning in the creative process.

Faculty

Naropa University is honored to have faculty from across the globe representing the diversity of the language of music. Faculty in Naropa's Music Program includes individuals from Senegal, India, Ghana and the United States, all of whom are experienced if not acclaimed performers in their own disciplines, nationally and internationally. Click here to view faculty bios.

Multicultural Perspectives

Both Musicianship and Music History classes present the music of different cultures including African, Afro-Cuban, East Indian, Japanese, Balinese and Brazilian and, as well as the music of the European classical and world Jazz traditions. Performance ensembles include the Naropa Chorus, Jazz, African Marimba, African Drumming, Guitar and Balinese Gamelan Orchestra, as well as interdisciplinary ensemble projects that include dance and theater.

Improvisation, Composition
and Recording Technology

Creativity is grounded in the practice of improvisation— making music in the moment—and extends to the craft of composition and creative uses of music technology including recording, sequencing and sampling. Students learn to utilize their natural creativity, curiosity and resourcefulness to make music that is a force for positive change in the world.