Expand the menus below to view course details, as well as important logistics information for students.
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Sunday: 6 - 9 p.m.
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 - 8:30 p.m. (selected evenings)
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Instructor: Donald Nally and guests
Breath, gesture, and listening are the fundamental building blocks of the advanced conductor. This course will focus on their coordination as a means of connecting to ensemble musicians and audiences. Conducting music appropriate to a wide range of choirs, students will have daily podium time in a masterclass environment, further develop their ears, methods of analysis and score preparation, leadership and guidance effectiveness, and point of view. Additionally, lecture/discussions will cover new repertoire, repertoire from underserved composing populations, and philosophies of ensemble leadership. This course will culminate in a concert open to the public.
Sunday: 6 - 9 p.m.
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 - 8:30 p.m. (selected evenings)
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Instructor: Donald Nally and guests
The Choral Festival explores masterworks of the choral repertory, primarily through intense rehearsals and a culminating performance, augmented by discussions and practice of score preparation, study, collaboration, and performance. The week invites musicians to convene and experience the unique culture and atmosphere that has characterized Westminster Choir College for nearly 100 years, with emphasis on listening, ensemble and community building, vocal production, choral techniques, point of view, and excellence of performance. Lectures and discussions will augment the immersive environment in which all work together toward a performance of great music.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kathy Price and guests
FA 110
Westminster's Voice Pedagogy Institute is a focused, intensive program that gives a detailed overview of science-informed and experience-driven voice pedagogy. Participants each year include singers, voice teachers, coaches, speech-language therapists and other professional voice users who wish to deepen their knowledge and become better teachers. Emphases are on both classical and commercial singing styles. Participants enjoy interactive "look-in lessons" led by the faculty.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lynnel Jenkins, Sarah Perry, Tom Shelton
Special Topics in Choral Pedagogy explores approaches to pedagogy and vocal technique within the choral setting and how a structured approach to building voices is the foundation for a choral program of excellence. This course will serve as a seminar to explore various topics in Choral Pedagogy.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain practical experience in working with elementary/middle school-aged children with in choral and general music settings. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by diverse learners. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, participants will develop the skills and strategies necessary to create inclusive and engaging music experiences. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to create inclusive and empowering choral programs that celebrate the unique musical potential of all learners.
Key topics will include:
The course will feature a demonstration choir of elementary/middle school children.
All students should have received an invitation via their Rider email to join the course on Canvas, the university’s learning management system. View frequently asked questions about the use of Canvas as a learning tool.
Students taking the course for credit and students auditing the course will have the same classroom experiences.
Auditors are entitled to full participation in daily course activities but will not receive academic credit. Auditors may also be exempted from some assignments at the discretion of the course instructor.
Students wishing to change from audit to credit must do so before the start of class.
Email [email protected] if you would like to change your status.
If taking a course for credit, an undergraduate degree is required. Applicants are required to submit an official transcript showing that an undergraduate degree has been conferred. No prerequisites are needed to audit an adult summer course.
View Rider University's campus map (PDF) for parking lots and building locations.
All students taking classes on campus during the Summer Sessions are required to have a parking permit. Current commuting and resident Rider students who have a parking permit for the spring 2024 semester may continue to use that permit throughout the summer as it is valid through August 31. Those who do not have a permit, as well as new and visiting students, must purchase a summer parking permit. Permits are available online and may be picked up at the Department of Public Safety, located in West House at the south entrance of campus.
Purchase a summer parking permit
For more information about purchasing a parking permit and parking regulations, please visit the Parking webpage.
Housing is available in single-occupancy rooms with air conditioning.
Meals are available at Daly Dining Hall, both for those on a meal plan, and for those paying individually by cash or card. Starbucks is also open for limited hours during the summer months. Other food options are located on Main Street in Lawrenceville or on the Route 1 corridor.
Please bring a lunch or plan to eat in Daly Dining Hall. There will not be time to leave campus during the lunch break.
Schimek Family Fitness Center: The fitness center is located in the Student Recreation Center. Day passes are available for $15 at the main desk.
The campus also has numerous paved walkways, a trail system and direct access to the Johnson Trolley Line trail. Downtown Lawrenceville is a 1-mile walk from campus.