Program overview

By blending conservatory-based training with a strong, liberal arts foundation, musical direction students gain the technical and practical skills necessary as a pianist, accompanist, conductor or musical director to captivate audiences everywhere as musical leaders in the performing arts.

Singer performs solo

Program requirements

The musical theatre: musical direction program is focused on providing students with a well-rounded liberal arts education combined with applied-coursework to develop and exercise their learned musical abilities.

From passion to profession

With Rider’s B.M. in Musical Theatre: Musical Direction, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on innovate careers as professional music directors or in related careers focused on the music side of the industry.

Common careers:

  • Professional music director
  • Professional musician or recording artist
  • Band/choir director
  • Composer
  • Music teacher
  • Private music instructor
Rider alumnus performs in Once
It was over my four years that I got the chance to really develop myself as a stronger performer with the help of the faculty, and through all the opportunities like student performances, playing in a few pit orchestras, studying acting, movement, singing."
Jack Gerhard '19
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Cultivate your craft

Grow as a musician with the countless opportunities that Rider offers to ensure that our musical direction majors apply what they learn in performance. Hone your talents in our mainstage productions, concerts and workshops, and have access to our rehearsal, performing and recording facilities. Learn how to analyze a score and develop an artistic interpretation of a musical. Students will develop working relationships with directors, choreographers, actors and musicians. 

Hair Performance

Financial aid resources

Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.

Contact

Musical Theatre: Musical Direction (B.M.)

Todd Dellinger

Department Chair, Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Arts & Entertainment Industries Management

Department of Performing Arts

Fine Arts Building

tdellinger [at] rider.edu

609-896-5246

Academic Focus: Arts Administration

Facade of the Yvonne Theater in the background of pink blossoms