Hofstra University’s Department of Music offers undergraduate students the finest in collegiate opportunities. Hofstra music majors graduate with a combination of classroom instruction and professional experiences that are highly regarded in today’s competitive job market.
Each one of the seven music major tracks (history/literature, Jazz and commercial music, BA music, music performance, music theory/composition, music education and music business) presents students with a conservatory-based foundation in history, theory, and ear-training. Hofstra’s large ensembles – band, orchestra, and choir – provide outstanding performance opportunities under nationally-known conductors. Applied instrumental or vocal lessons may be taken with some of the finest teachers in the New York metropolitan area.
Numerous opportunities exist both on and off campus for our students to expand upon their core undergraduate education by interning within the professional work force or participating in professional-level activities. For example, Music Business majors have worked with major corporations in the music business, such as MTV, Atlantic Records, Sony Corp., D’Addario Strings, and Cherry Lane Publishing.
Examples of Recent Student Internships
Atlantic Records
Carnegie Hall
Cherry Lane Publishing
D’Addario Strings
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Korg USA
MTV
New York Philharmonic
Redlight Music Management
Saturday Night Live
Sony Corp.
Warner Bros.
Professional Experiences on Campus - Outside the Classroom
For Performance majors there are large and small ensembles as well as soloist opportunities, where they may contribute their talents. An annual concerto competition presents an undergraduate with the chance to perform with a full orchestra. Additionally, every spring the Music Department presents a fully staged opera, with all leads and choral members cast from the undergraduate population. Operas range from Monteverdi’s L’Coronation de Popea (2009) to Strauss’s Die Fledermaus (2010), Mozart’s Don Giovanni (2011), Handel’s Alcina (2012) and Gilbert & Sullivan's Princess Ida (2013).
Music Education students enjoy collaborative opportunities with public schools in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Hofstra’s NAfME (National Association for Music Education) chapter sponsors the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) major ensemble festival on-site and assists with piano festivals at Nassau Community College. Additionally, NAfME received a 2010 national award for outstanding collegiate organization at Hofstra .
How to Obtain an Internship
MUS 191: “Music Merchandising Field Study” is an internship course in which Music Merchandising majors may enroll. Students report at least one day (eight hours) per week to a place of business within the music industry. Evaluation and direction are given by both the employer and instructor.
For more information contact the Music Department at 516-463-5490.