Discover Your Passion, Perform Your Story
Northwestern State is an exciting and vibrant university which takes great pride in its Music program. Students from across the University participate in and attend many of the events sponsored by the NSU Department of Music.
Our numerous performing ensembles (bands, choirs, orchestras, etc.) consist of both Music majors and students majoring in other fields of study. Concerts, recitals, touring groups, guest artists and ensembles all contribute to an exciting and vibrant cultural life on campus and throughout northwest Louisiana.
Take your time and explore this website, taking in all of the performing opportunities and music degrees we offer. Contact one of the NSU Music Faculty or Administration and discuss your interests. Visit our campus, schedule an audition, tour our outstanding facilities, find out about scholarship possibilities, attend a concert, rehearsal, class, or private lesson. You owe it to yourself to discover the possibilities that await you in this exciting field.
Welcome!
Welcome to the NSULA Department of Music at the Mrs. H. D. Dear, Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts!
Here you can find information on our degree programs, our outstanding faculty, upcoming concerts, and facilities for Music here at Northwestern State University. CAPA’s Department of Music offers a fully-accredited Bachelor of Music Education degree, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in Performance, Sacred Music, or Music Business. A fully-accredited Master of Music degree with concentrations in Performance or Education is also offered. The Department of Music at Northwestern State University also provides multiple opportunities for majors and non-majors to participate in a variety of musical activities on the University level.
Northwestern’s School of Creative and Performing Arts has been recognized as an “Area of Excellence” among Louisiana colleges and universities. This is a reflection upon our outstanding faculty, excellent facilities, and strength of our programs, all of which are described and profiled on this website. NSU students have an opportunity to perform in exciting vocal and instrumental ensembles such as the NSU Choirs, Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony, Wind and Jazz Ensembles, and the 300-member “Spirit of Northwestern” Marching Band. Scholarships are available for musically gifted students, regardless of their major course of study, who want to perform in NSU ensembles or as keyboard artists.
If you want to be involved in music, regardless of your major, there is a place for you at Northwestern. If you want to major in music, NSU is an excellent choice for assisting you in developing your talent and skills. Look through our website and learn more about our program. If I can answer questions or provide additional information regarding our programs, ensembles, scholarships, or faculty, please contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Ms. Terrie Sanders
Department Chair, Department of Music, School of Creative and Performing Arts
Northwestern State University
Office: 318-357-4522
Fax: 318-357-5906
sanderst@nsula.edu
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a friendly, vibrant, student-oriented institution of higher learning committed to preparing students to adapt to change throughout life. The University places the highest premium on excellence in teaching. It also maintains a firm commitment to the economic, social and cultural development and diversification of the state and the region.
Consistent with this mission, the School of Creative and Performing Arts seeks to assist students in acquiring skills and knowledge necessary to meet their professional, social and personal needs. Through the interaction of the arts, the School desires to broaden the possibilities of self-development for all students and extend its influence culturally in the region served by the University.
Music is one of four artistic disciplines represented in the School of Creative and Performing Arts, the others being Fine and Graphic Art, Theatre and Dance, and New Media, Journalism, and Communication. The Music Department desires though its various programs to achieve the following:
Prepare students for careers in music. Encourage development of creativity and performance capabilities of students and faculty. Provide cultural enrichment and artistic services to the individual student, university, and community.
In realizing these goals, the School must provide a comprehensive musical course of study that prepares the student for the ever-changing climate of the music profession. Through applied work, the music student is offered the opportunity to work individually with professors, providing expert training in technical and artistic skills. Faculty and students refine these skills through numerous performance opportunities, involving the various large ensembles, as well as chamber music and recital performances.
The music faculty, staff, students and administrators should be anxious to make their service and scholarship available to the community and region. The School believes the earnest pursuit of this mission will have a strong effect in promoting and cultivating the arts in our community and will greatly enhance Northwestern State University’s influence throughout the region.
The Department of Music, as part of the School for Creative and Performing Arts, is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and its guidelines.
Northwestern State University’s degrees in Music and Music Education are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). They are designed to prepare students for professional careers or the pursuit of higher degrees in their chosen field of music or music education
With the beautiful and acoustically exciting Magale Recital Hall at the heart of the Creative and Performing Arts Center, Northwestern State has some of the most outstanding performing and rehearsing facilities in the South. A magnificent 40-rank Reuter organ graces Magale Recital Hall which has a large concert stage, two 9-foot Concert Grand Pianos, an Eric Hertz harpsichord, and seats approximately 400. The red oak decor and a design for listening to live concerts make this one of the most gratifying performance venues in the South.
NSU also boasts numerous classrooms, a state-of-the-art Multi-media Center, large individual studios for private lessons, and separate and unique rehearsal halls for each band, choir, and orchestra all provide a positive and functional environment for instruction, learning, and rehearsing.
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
The Spirit of Northwestern is more than a marching band—it’s the heartbeat of Demon spirit. With powerful performances at football games, campus events, and national showcases, this 300-member ensemble blends musicianship, precision, and energy that inspires pride across the NSU community. From the field to the stage, the Spirit of Northwestern creates unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.
- Drums on the Cane: September 13, 2025
- Classic on the Cane: November 1, 2025
NATCHITOCHES-NORTHWESTERN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra brings together talented students, faculty, and community musicians in powerful performances that enrich both Northwestern State University and the surrounding region. Under the leadership of Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, the Symphony performs classical masterworks alongside contemporary compositions, highlighting artistry, collaboration, and musical excellence.
From intimate chamber concerts to large-scale productions, the Symphony provides students with invaluable professional training and performance experience while inspiring audiences through dynamic and memorable programs.
String Instrument Scholarships: Scholarships are available for qualified string players. Students are encouraged to audition to join one of NSU’s premier performing ensembles. To schedule an audition, please contact:
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, Director of Orchestral Activities
NSU Choirs
With more than 150 singers across five ensembles, the NSU Choirs offer one of the most dynamic choral programs in Louisiana. Open to both music majors and non-majors, students gain real-world experience through diverse repertoire, innovative performances, and mentorship from exceptional faculty and guest artists. From international tours to local showcases, NSU Choirs prepare students for success in music education, vocal performance, sacred music, and beyond. Sing your story with Northwestern State University Choirs.
To schedule an audition, please contact:
Dr. Shane Thomas, Director of Choral Activities
thomassh@nsula.edu | 318-357-5755
August 18 First Day of Classes
August 30 All-State Day | 9am – 3pm | CAPA
October 3 Choral Festival | 9am – 6pm | Magale Recital Hall
October 14 Chamber Choir Fall Concert | 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall
October 17 Chamber Choir LA-ACDA Performance | 7pm | New Orleans
October 24-25 Fall Opera | 7:30pm | Magale Recital Hall
October 26 Lyrica and Orpheus Fall Concert | 3:00pm | Magale Recital Hall
November 13-15 Regional NATS Conference
November 16 Cane River Singers Performance | 3:00pm | Magale Recital Hall
December 3-5 Christmas GALA | A.A. Fredericks
December 9 Chamber Choir Lessons and Carols | 7:30pm | Minor Basilica
December 16 Messiah Sing-Along | 5:00pm | Trinity Episcopal Church
*schedule is subject to change
Audition Requirements
- At least one prepared solo. Voice majors in Music Performance, Education, or Business will be expected to sing 2 solos with 1 in a foreign language. Suggested repertoire is an Italian Art Song or Aria, English Art Song, a solo you would sing for Solo and Ensemble Festival
- We will take you through a series of vocal exercises to explore your vocal range.
- Sight-reading: you will be asked to sight-read short examples ranging in difficulty.
- You will be asked to sing back brief melodies to test your tonal memory.
- Please remember to bring a copy of your music for the accompanist.
Louisiana Piano Series International
The Louisiana Piano Series International series brings world-class pianists to Natchitoches, offering inspiration to Northwestern State students and enriching the local community through outstanding cultural events.
NSU Music Academy
Established in 2014, the NSU Music Academy serves the Natchitoches area and offers lessons in guitar, percussion, piano, and voice. Lessons are taught both face to face and online and they are provided by Northwestern State graduate and undergraduate students in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. Piano lessons are for those from age six as well as adults and voice lessons are for those eight and up. Each semester ends with a concert recital at NSU’s Magale Recital Hall.
