» Department of Fine and Performing Arts » Music » Courses
The Keyboard Program at Northwest Missouri State University offers a professional, supportive atmosphere for student development. A highly committed faculty provides individual attention in a nurturing environment. Intensive individualized instruction is offered on piano, organ and harpsichord. The Northwest campus and surrounding community provide many performance opportunities, including solo and chamber music recitals. There are also boundless opportunities to accompany singer and instrumentalists in lessons and recitals. Keyboard students even perform as members of departmental ensembles.
The Keyboard Studies program supports deserving students with substantial scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on performance abilities - regardless of major.
Piano students at Northwest enjoy excellent practice facilities and many performance opportunities. Our students have performed as featured soloists with ensembles on and off campus, including the Jefferson City Symphony and the Northwest Wind Symphony.
Piano students can also pursue various chamber music opportunities that exist in the Department of Music. These ensembles are formed by interested students who are coached by one of our distinguished music faculty members. From piano duets and two-piano literature, to chamber music for piano with winds or strings, students at Northwest Missouri State University can form chamber ensembles to meet their needs and interests.
Students can study organ at Northwest. Skills as an organist equip students for work as church musicians and teachers. At Northwest, you can gain skills in service playing while training on the "king of instruments." Many opportunities for "real-life" experience in service playing are available in the community. The University owns a 20-rank McManis organ which is available for student use.
To complete our well-rounded keyboard program, Northwest offers harpsichord instruction. This historical keyboard instrument offers a unique experience in music study. The University's Kingston double-manual Flemish harpsichord is one of the best instruments of its kind in the state.
