Salem is a special place. Students and alumnae will tell you that their
experience at Salem changed their lives, opening opportunities for learning
and discovery they never dreamed possible. You will find much more at
Salem than just outstanding music faculty, abundance of performance opportunities,
and excellent facilities.
Music Students at Salem enrich their Education through unusual opportunities.
As important as traditional classes, lessons and ensembles are, Salem
students have other opportunities to provide breadth and depth to their
education. These include:
Alexander Technique – Salem students have the unusual
opportunity of learning Alexander Technique from instructor Charles
Stein, one of the nation’s leading experts in this field. The
Alexander Technique teaches instrumentalists and singers to identify
and prevent unnecessary patterns of tension during practice and performance.
Study of the technique improves coordination, promotes ease and freedom
of movement, and helps the musician avoid strain and injury. Salem was
one of the first schools in the United States to teach this approach.
January Term – This special time provides Salem students
the chance to travel and to take courses not otherwise possibly in a
busy academic schedule. It is an ideal time to investigate new areas
of study, refine independent thinking skills, integrate theoretical
knowledge with practical experience, explore career options or pursue
research interests.
Global Awareness – There are nearly 60 students from
other countries on the Salem campus, providing students a wonderful
opportunity to get to know more about other cultures. The Study Abroad
and summer at Oxford programs, in addition to January term travel, give
Salem students numerous ways to enrich their education. A course, Introduction
to Music of the World, opens windows of understanding to non-Western
music.
Interdisciplinary Studies – Not all young women readily
fit into a pre-determined academic mold. Salem allows students to work
with an adviser in creating their own program of study. This may include
music, either as a principal or secondary focus.
Women in Music – Salem has been an innovative leader
in the musical education of women. A course in Women in Music explores
the contributions and roles of women in music as performers, teachers,
conductors and patrons.
Internships in Music – Salem places a great deal of emphasis
on students learning outside the classroom, in real-world settings.
Internships are an important part of that process. An internship offers
the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in class and to
explore career possibilities. Internships in music may include studio
teaching, Suzuki teaching, church music, or work with performing organizations.
