Intensive Programs in Music

For the advanced music student, it is possible, although challenging given the complexities of the French musical system, to take 8 credits in music. The advanced student must enroll in two additional components in theory and/or history and/or performance.

Students in intensive programs also take one SLC seminar of their choice and a required French language course (see Sample Intensive Programs).

Two intensive programs are available:

Intensive Program in Jazz

INFIMM/CIM—Studies in jazz include all instruments and voice, theory, history, performance, world music, gospel choir; recording, media and computer labs; interdisciplinary programs with dance and theater; study, rehearsal and social spaces; individual practice rooms
The INFIMM/CIM program is a full-year program. In some cases, it is possible to study jazz during the fall term only.

Sample Program at INFIMM/CIM (8 credits per semester, for 15 to 20 class hours per week)

  • History of Jazz and Contemporary Music
  • Initiation to Jazz Technique
  • One Course in Technique (instrumental or vocal)
  • Harmony
  • Solfege – Aural Skills
  • Rhythmic Solfege/ Rhythmic Culture
  • Sight-Reading
  • Group Workshop

Intensive Program in Classical Music

Ecole Normale de Musique—Highly competitive school that accepts advanced American students by audition. All instruments and voice; solfege; theory and analysis; composition; history; individual and ensemble performance; master classes; individual practice rooms.
The Ecole Normale de Musique program is a full-year program.

Sample Program at the Ecole Normale de Musique (8 credits per semester, for 15 to 20 class hours per week)

  • Music History
  • Analyzing 20th Century Music
  • Counterpoint
  • Piano
  • Piano Accompaniment
  • Chamber Music

Application Process

All students applying to the music program in Paris must be approved by and receive initial guidance from the Director of the Sarah Lawrence College Music Program. Students will audition and be interviewed for individual instruction at the specific institutions to which they are applying when they arrive in Paris. Instrumentalists and vocalists will perform a piece of their own choosing. They may be asked to play a technical exercise. They should also be prepared to take diagnostic tests in solfege, theory and harmony, including sight-reading, sight-singing and dictation. Each candidate will be placed at a level of study corresponding to his or her abilities. Final programs will be arranged and approved by the SLC Paris Program Director.

For further information about intensive programs in music, please contact:

Chester Biscardi
Director, Music Program
Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708-5999
(914) 395-2334