Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

- 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850

Perched atop South Hill in Ithaca, New York, the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is a beacon for aspiring performers, educators, and creators in the performing arts. For generations, this institution has been a cornerstone of artistic excellence in the region, offering conservatory-style training within the framework of a comprehensive liberal arts college. The school, which was officially formed by the merger of the School of Music and the Department of Theatre Arts in 2022, represents a forward-thinking approach to arts education, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration and preparing students for the multifaceted careers of the 21st century. It's a place where talent is meticulously cultivated, and where a passion for the arts is transformed into professional practice. From the rigorous B.F.A. in Musical Theatre to the comprehensive B.M. in Music Education, the school is dedicated to providing students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed on stages, in classrooms, and in studios around the world.

The school's legacy is deeply rooted in the history of Ithaca College, which began in 1892 as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. This rich history is a testament to its enduring commitment to the performing arts. The faculty, many of whom are active professionals and scholars in their fields, provide an unparalleled level of instruction and mentorship. They are not just teachers; they are mentors who guide students on a personal and artistic journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for a life in the arts. The school's mission is to empower students to become not only great performers, but also versatile, adaptable, and creative problem-solvers. This holistic approach to education, which combines intensive training with a broad liberal arts curriculum, is a hallmark of the Ithaca experience. For locals in the New York region, the school also serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting hundreds of public concerts, recitals, plays, and dance productions each year. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for the community to witness the immense talent and hard work of the students and faculty.

The commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment is evident in all aspects of the school. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with a community that values every artistic voice. With a wide variety of majors, minors, and ensembles, there are countless opportunities for students to pursue their interests and discover new passions. The focus on providing hands-on, experiential learning is a key feature, with students gaining practical experience through numerous performance opportunities, master classes with world-renowned artists, and production roles. This combination of rigorous academic training and real-world application is designed to prepare students for the complexities of a professional career in the arts.

The Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is located at 953 Danby Rd in Ithaca, NY 14850. The campus itself is set in a beautiful natural environment, but it's important to be prepared for the local climate, as one reviewer noted that it "gets pretty cold in the winter." For visitors and students, the location is conveniently accessible, with clear signage and well-maintained roads leading to the campus. The school is particularly committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests, whether attending a performance or a tour, can navigate the facilities with ease. The school's main buildings, including the Whalen Center for Music and the Dillingham Center for Theatre and Dance, are central to the campus and are designed to facilitate an exceptional learning and performance environment.

The accessibility features reflect the institution's commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can participate in and enjoy the arts. For New York residents and prospective students, the ease of access to the campus is a significant convenience. The well-structured campus allows for seamless movement between practice rooms, classrooms, and performance halls, all designed to support the student's rigorous training schedule.

The school offers a vast array of services and programs for both students and the public.

• Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: The school provides a diverse curriculum including a variety of majors like Music Performance, Music Education, Musical Theatre, Acting, Theatre Production and Design, and more. Graduate programs are available in Composition, Conducting, and Performance.

• Private and Ensemble Instruction: Students receive private lessons from expert faculty and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of ensembles, from symphony orchestras and choirs to jazz and contemporary music groups.

• Public Performances and Events: The school hosts over 400 public performances each year, including student recitals, faculty concerts, plays, musicals, and dance productions. These events are a significant cultural contribution to the New York community and are good for kids and families to attend.

• On-Campus Facilities: The school offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including three concert halls, four recording studios, and over 90 practice rooms with pianos, as well as costume, scenery, and lighting shops for theatre students.

• Professional Development: The curriculum and extracurricular opportunities are designed to prepare students for professional careers, with a strong network of alumni on Broadway, in professional symphonies, and in educational institutions across the country.

The features and highlights of the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance showcase its status as a leading institution in the performing arts.

• Conservatory-Style Training: The school provides an intensive, pre-professional education in a conservatory-style setting, ensuring students receive a high level of technical training.

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The combination of music, theatre, and dance under one school allows for unique cross-disciplinary collaboration and learning, which better prepares students for the real world of professional artistry.

• World-Class Faculty: Students learn from a dedicated group of scholars, performers, and educators who are active in their respective fields, providing both expert instruction and invaluable mentorship.

• Exceptional Facilities: The campus boasts second-to-none facilities, from professionally-equipped performance halls to specialized studios and labs for everything from sound recording to theatrical design.

• Strong Alumni Network: The school has a vast and supportive network of alumni working in top professional capacities around the globe, providing students with invaluable connections for their careers.

• Community Engagement: Through its numerous performances and events, the school enriches the cultural landscape of the New York region and offers a valuable resource for the public.

For inquiries about admissions, events, or general information, you can contact the school using the information below.

Address: 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Phone: (607) 274-7300

What is worth choosing about the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance? It is the unparalleled combination of rigorous conservatory training and a broad-based liberal arts education. This unique model produces well-rounded artists who are not only technically proficient but also intellectually curious and adaptable. The school’s reputation for producing top-tier talent for Broadway, major orchestras, and educational institutions is well-deserved. The sheer number of performances and events, as well as the world-class facilities available, provides an environment of constant creation and learning that is unmatched. The commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community also makes it a progressive and welcoming place for all. For a prospective student or a family looking for a high-quality arts education, the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers a transformative experience that prepares the next generation of artists and leaders to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA