Mission
The NCYU Department of Music aims to provide quality music education to students interested in the areas of performance, research, and education. Our department regularly schedules choir and orchestra performances. The curriculum's emphasis encourages students who are interested in performance and the related technical training. In the field of music education, we offer students practicum experience in both adult education and community extension programs.
Courses
For music majors, of the 128 credit hours required by the NCYU for graduation, 98 must be taken through the Department of Music. Of the 98 music credit hours, 55 are from required courses and 43 are as electives. The required courses include harmony, counterpoint, choir, orchestra, and graduate recital. Electives will include the required courses for the student's major instrument: piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and composition. Also available are courses in computer music, Jazz and Pop music bands, the four most important music methodologies, and music education practicum, which we offer both Elementary and Middle School teaching certificate training. The ability to communicate in verbal English is an important aspect to the department's curriculum.
Facilities
Our teaching facility is considered one of the finest in Taiwan. Our superb facilities include 4 well-equipped music appreciation classrooms, 2 group electric piano classrooms, 2 large lecture rooms, a computer room, an Orff method classroom, an orchestra rehearsal hall, a chamber music rehearsal room, a percussion classroom, a movement room, and 15 air-conditioned, sound-proofed teaching studios. Also available are 52 air-conditioned, sound-proofed student practice rooms, and a 278-seat recital hall complete with light and sound control. In addition, we have one Concert Hall with seating capacity of 1418, the best of its kind in the nation, not to mention our 8 Steinway Grand Pianos to meet the needs of our students and faculty members.
Ensembles
Performance is essential in the education of music majors. In addition to solo and chamber music, our department places special emphasis on ensemble playing. Our curriculum offers a diverse range of ensemble courses to help students flourish as musicians. Ensemble groups encompass Orchestra, Musicals, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band, and Pop Band. Regular performances grace our beautiful recital and concert halls on campus, and invitations extend beyond campus to formal venues and festivals. Notably, our ensembles have been honored with invitations to perform in China, Malaysia, Japan, the United States, and Germany.
Perspectives
The Department of Music is preparing itself to meet the challenges of the future. We tried earnestly to upgrade the equipment and facilities. We redesigned the curriculum so that the students would experience the finest performance ensembles and the most visionary and skilled professors, and also receive a well-rounded education. We especially endeavor to set up exchange programs with international musicians and reputable music institutions to provide outstanding benefits and performing opportunities to our students. Students aiming for a professional music career, or interested in becoming certified teachers would be delighted to discover, explore, and experience the NCYU Department of Music in all its wonderful facets.
Career Development
Graduates of our department have opportunities to go on for advanced studies in music and arts schools, or go on to careers as music teachers, professional orchestral performers, theater performers, music administrators, or music-related industries.