The Horn Studio here at NSU is a welcoming and tight-knit community consisting of both graduate and undergraduate horn majors and non-majors. NSU is the perfect size university to offer students the individualized support they need but big enough to give them the opportunity to grow to their full potential! With one-to-one horn lessons, lots of ensembles, frequent guest artists and much more, NSU will give you the education and experience you need. The goal of a college education should always be to ensure your future success. Our NSU Horn Studio Alumni are evidence of that! Our graduates have gone to pursue careers as teachers, composers, sound technicians, orchestral/band/chamber performers or are continuing their education in graduate school. Your success is our top priority!

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying to NSU or would like further information please contact Dr. Alexis Sczepanik at sczepanika@nsula.edu or visit our admissions website here https://www.nsula.edu/futurestudents/how-to-apply/

Undergraduate Degrees

Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music

Graduate Degrees

Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education

Ensembles

Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Winds
Wind Symphony
Wind Ensemble
Magale Concert Band
Fredericks Concert Band
NSU Community Horn Choir
NSU Horn Quartet
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Chamber Music

Audition Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

• 2 pieces showing technical and lyrical ability. This can include solos or etudes.
• 2 octave major and minor scales
• Sight reading may be asked

Graduate Programs

• 2 pieces showing technical and lyrical ability. This can include solos or etudes.
• 3 standard orchestral excerpts of your choice.
• 2 octave major and minor scales
• Sight reading may be asked

Horn Professor: Dr. Alexis Sczepanik

Dr. Sczepanik is the Assistant Professor of Horn at Northwestern State University. Dr. Sczepanik is 4^th horn with the Rapides Symphony and regularly performs with orchestras throughout the South including the Shreveport Symphony, Texarkana Symphony, Marshall Symphony, and South Arkansas Symphony. Prior to joining the NSU faculty in Fall of 2022, Dr. Sczepanik held teaching positions at Ouachita Baptist University, Midwestern State University, Weatherford College, and served as a Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas. A native of Texas, Dr. Sczepanik holds a D.M.A from the University of North Texas, a M.M. from The University of Texas at San Antonio, an a B.M. from Texas State University.

Dr. Alexis Sczepanik
Assistant Professor of Horn
Northwestern State University
sczepanika@nsula.edu
Office: 312 (A.A. Fredericks)

The Life of a NSU Horn Major

Weekly one to one horn lessons with Alexis Sczepanik
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Weekly Horn Choir rehearsal
Opportunities to perform in horn Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops

Tuition Costs

NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble an IN-STATE tuition waiver regardless of where you are from. After scholarships and financial aid, many of our students are able to attend NSU at little or no cost. Please check with admissions for current tuition costs.

Scholarships and Assistantships

ALL admitted horn students participating in NSU ensembles will receive scholarships based on merit and financial need. We also have competitive graduate assistantships available!

Graduate Assistantships

Each year, NSU offers graduate students the opportunity to apply for an Assistantship. This entitles that student to a $12,000 annual stipend in return for 20 of hours work each week. Please contact the Horn Professor for further information.

If you would like more information on NSU, the horn studio or to set up an audition, please contact Dr. Sczepanik at:
sczepanika@nsula.edu