Honors Music Program

Suzanne Lehrer, Director
Julia Kovalev, Academic Coordinator
John Paul Velez, Jazz Coordinator

Interested in auditioning for the 2025-2026 Honors Music Program?

Sign up for the May 3 Open House

Founded in 1985, The Honors Music Program (HMP) of Westminster Conservatory is central New Jersey’s leading pre-college program for talented classical young musicians. HMP develops musical artistry and scholarship through its comprehensive curriculum and its vibrant, supportive community. Students ages 8 to 18 attend their classes on Saturdays at the Conservatory’s Princeton campus. An exceptional faculty of performers, composers, and scholars inspire students and offer unmatched personal attention. By graduation students are prepared to pursue advanced study or careers in music.

Students must attend a 45- or 60-minute weekly private lesson in addition to HMP. Students may choose to study with a private teacher on the Conservatory faculty or with an outside teacher.

The HMP core curriculum includes a course sequence in Music Theory, Ear Training, Music History, Jazz, and Dalcroze supplemented by rotating Music History and Theory electives. Semester grades are awarded in all courses and a transcript is maintained. Conservatory-wide recitals, outreach concerts, master classes, and workshops presented by distinguished artists are offered in addition to major specific performances and performance evaluations. The core curriculum consists of the following classes.

• Music Theory
• Ear Training
• Music History
• Dalcroze
• Jazz
• Chamber Music

In addition, electives have been available in the following areas (offered on a rotating basis)

• Counterpoint
• Conducting
• Composition
• Orchestration
• Special Topics (subjects vary by instructor)
• 20th Century Theory
• Form and Analysis

The Honors Music Program offers primary courses of study in three areas:

• Instrumental Performance
• Vocal Performance
• Theory and Composition

Instrumental Performance Major

The Honors Music Program’s performance major is aimed towards students who are interested in mastering their chosen instrument. In addition to the core curriculum, Instrumental Performance Majors will participate in additional recitals, performance classes and chamber music.

Vocal Performance Major

The Honors Music Program provides a highly specialized track specifically designed for Vocal Performance Majors, created to teach proper vocal technique, repertoire and language skills.  In addition to the core curriculum, Vocal performance majors take classes in Vocal repertoire, Language and Diction, Vocal Skills and a Vocal Seminar.

Theory and Composition Major

This unique program is designed to engage and challenge students who are interested in Music Theory, Analysis and Composition. In addition to the core curriculum, Theory and Composition majors take classes in Composition, Counterpoint and Orchestration.