Woodwind
The NSU Flute Studio is a vibrant, busy and exciting place to study and develop your skills as a musician and flute player. With one-to-one flute lessons, lots of ensemble opportunities, frequent guest artists and much more, NSU will give you the education, experience and support you need to grow to your full potential.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Flute studio or would like further information please contact the Flute Professor, Dr. Stephen Clark as soon as you can at clarks@nsula.edu.
Undergraduate Courses
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Minors in Music
Graduate Courses
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra
Wind Symphony
Chamber Winds
Flute choir
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Chamber Music
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles. This can include pieces or studies.
Some 2 octave major and minor scales
Please contact the Flute Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Students
2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles.
2 orchestral excerpts
Full range major and minor Scales (low c to high C)
Please contact the Flute Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Flute Professor: Dr. Stephen Clark.
Stephen joins NSU in Fall 2023 having had a substantial career performing around the globe for many years. Having played as a Principal Flute with many orchestras including Glyndebourne Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra and Sun Symphony in Vietnam, he is established as an in-demand soloist internationally and made his Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2018. He is the first prize of several international flute competitions and has been invited to perform at most of the major flute festivals in America including the National Flute Association Convention, Florida Flute Festival, Mid-Atlantic Flute Festival, Mid-South Flute Festival as well as many abroad. He has been the Guest Artist at countless festivals and universities and has given masterclasses around the world. Stephen is the author of The Flute Gym and in 2016, he was invited to join the Recording Academy of America and is now a voting member for the Grammys. Stephen is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and plays exclusively on Yamaha flutes.
“My goal as Professor at NSU is to make sure that every flute player in my studio is made to feel welcome, happy and inspired. I take enormous joy in creating a studio that is supportive and encouraging as well as a studio of individuals who are not afraid of committed practice and hard work. I want every student to reach their full potential and to work towards achieving all of their professional goals whether as a performer, educator, arts administrator or as is the case for many students taking a minor in music, keeping their flute playing as a much-loved hobby in their life. The flute students at NSU are encouraged to work together and learn from each other as well as forming strong and important friendships bonded by our shared love of music”.
– Dr. Stephen Clark
Dr. Stephen Clark
Assistant Professor of Flute
Northwestern State University
clarks@nsula.edu
Office: 324 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of an NSU Flute Player
Weekly one to one flute lesson with Stephen Clark
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Weekly Technique Class
Monthly Piccolo Class
Opportunities to perform in all flute Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a music program IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Please check with admissions or the Flute Professor for current tuition costs but this is usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities with NSU tuition currently being around only $4000 a semester.
Scholarships
ALL flute students participating in NSU ensembles will receive scholarships. Please contact the Flute Professor for further information.
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 hours work in the flute studio assisting the Flute Professor. Please contact the Flute Professor for further information.
Save the Date: NSU Flute Festival – January 21st 2024!!
If you would like more information, please contact Stephen Clark at:
clarks@nsula.edu
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Flute for the day and see for yourself why this flute studio is a great place to be! Contact Dr. Clark to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
The NSU Oboe Studio is a wonderful place to grow as a musician, reed-maker and person. With state-of-the art equipment available for your use, and ample one-on-one time with your professor, our studio is a welcoming place to learn with your peers and reach your potential.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Oboe studio or would like further information please contact the Oboe Professor, Leah Forsyth as soon as you can at forsythl@nsula.edu.
Undergraduate Degrees
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music
Graduate Degrees
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra
Wind Symphony
Chamber Winds
Quintets and other Student Chamber Ensembles
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- 2 pieces of contrasting styles (lyrical and technical) that showcase your strongest playing. This can include repertoire or etudes.
- Major Scales
Please contact the Oboe Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Programs
- 2 pieces of repertoire showing a variety of styles/time periods.
- 2 orchestral excerpts
- Full range major and minor Scales
Please contact the Oboe Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Oboe Professor: Leah Forsyth
Leah Forsyth serves as the Assistant Professor of Oboe at Northwestern State University, and holds the positions of Principal Oboe with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra in Alexandria, LA, and Second Oboe with the Texarkana Symphony. She performs regularly with the Shreveport Symphony as well as other orchestras throughout Louisiana and Texas. Prior to joining the NSU faculty, she served as an Oboist with the United States Army Field Band in Washington DC.
Professor Forsyth is a founding member of the Three Reeds Duo with husband and saxophonist Paul Forsyth. Three Reeds has performed internationally, and commissioned many new works featured on their two albums, Signals Cross (2016) and Metamorphosis (2019), available on all streaming platforms.
A native of Central Ohio, Ms. Forsyth holds a B.M. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory and an M.M. from Florida State University where she studied with Dr. Mark Ostoich and Dr. Eric Ohlsson respectively. When not making reeds, Leah can be found gardening and being an animal rescue advocate.
“The oboe studio at Northwestern State is a fun, collaborative and supportive environment! Oboe players at NSU all have the opportunity to work directly with me multiple times a week in private lessons, studio class and reed-making class. I love performing with my Oboe/Saxophone duo and coaching chamber ensembles as well teaching the studio. Whether your aspirations include teaching, performing, working in the music industry, or a combination of these things, our lessons will give you a strong foundation to beginning your musical journey. Our Oboe studio is a friendly and supportive and inclusive place!”
– Leah Forsyth
Leah Forsyth
Assistant Professor of Oboe
Northwestern State University
forsythl@nsula.edu
Office: 320 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of a NSU Oboe Player
Weekly one to one oboe lessons with Leah Forsyth
Weekly Studio Class
Weekly Reed-making class
Access to professional Reed-making equipment
Participation in large ensembles
Opportunities to perform in oboe Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble, IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Tuition costs are NSU are usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities. Spring 2024 Tuition costs (before scholarship) can be found at this link: https://stdocproviderdataprod001.blob.core.windows.net/677/FeeSheet-FeeBreakdown-2023-24-rev5-1-23.pdf
Please contact the Oboe Professor if you would like further information.
Scholarships
ALL oboe students participating in large NSU ensembles (marching bands, concert bands and orchestras) are eligible for scholarships on the basis that they are enrolled as a full-time student and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Please contact the Oboe Professor for further information.
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 hours of work each week. Please contact the Oboe Professor for further information.
If you would like more information, to set up an audition or to discuss your future at NSU, please contact Leah Forsyth at:
forsythl@nsula.edu
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Oboe for the day and see for yourself why this oboe studio is a great place to be! Contact Prof. Leah Forsyth to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
The NSU Clarinet Studio is a vibrant community where aspiring clarinetists converge to refine their craft and embrace the diverse world of woodwind music. Guided by experienced faculty, students delve into a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses technical precision, expressive interpretation, and ensemble dynamics. From the classical elegance of Mozart to the rhythmic complexities of contemporary pieces, the clarinet studio explores a wide range of musical genres. Through personalized instruction, masterclasses, and collaborative performances, students not only hone their individual skills but also foster a sense of unity and musical synergy within the studio. The NSU clarinet studio stands as a dedicated space where the beauty of the clarinet’s timbre meets a commitment to musical excellence, shaping versatile musicians for a variety of musical pursuits.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Clarinet studio or would like further information please contact the Clarinet Professor, Dr. Malena McLaren as soon as you can at mclarenm@nsula.edu.
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
Wind Symphony
Chamber Winds
Clarinet choir/quartets/trios
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Chamber Music
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- 1-2 pieces of free choice repertoire or etudes showing a variety of styles. This can include Solo and Ensemble rep or All-State etudes.
- Some 2 octave major scales
Please contact the Clarinet Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Programs
- 2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles.
Please contact the Clarinet Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Clarinet Professor: Dr Malena McLaren
Malena McLaren is the Professor of Clarinet at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of New Mexico, and a Doctor of Music Arts degree from the University of North Texas. Her teachers include Keith Lemmons and Dr. James Gillespie. Malena has performed chamber and solo repertoire throughout the US, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, England, Spain, and Belgium. She is a core member of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Malena’s scholarly works include two articles in The Clarinet. She has performed in solo recitals at the International ClarinetFest® conferences. In 2011 she received the Magale Endowed Professorship to perform and conduct archival research in Madrid, Spain. She served as Coordinator of the ICA Research Presentation Competition from 2014-2016 and currently serves as the Louisiana ICA State Chair. Malena was invited to perform a lecture recital at the 2015 ClarinetFest® in Madrid, Spain and perform at the 2018 ICA ClarinetFest® in Belgium. She also gave a lecture presentation at the 2021 ICA ClarinetFest®, presented at the 2022 Clareidoscope Virtual Festival. Malena gives recitals and presentations/lectures regularly and enjoys collaborating with colleagues and students.
“My favorite part of every day is working with my students. I strive to make sure each student knows they are welcome and in a safe place to grow and develop their clarinet playing and musicianship. I am proud of how supportive the Clarinet Studio is while creating an environment that encourages each student to strive to reach their best. I want each student to feel comfortable finding their strengths in the music field, whether it’s Music Business, Arts Administration, Performance, Music Education, or a minor in music enhancing another field of study. I am proud of the bond the Clarinet Studio shares, and I love seeing the students work hard (and have fun along the way)!”
– Dr. Malena McLaren
Dr. Malena McLaren
Professor of Clarinet
Northwestern State University
mclarenm@nsula.edu
Office: 223 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of a NSU Clarinet Player
Weekly one to one clarinet lesson with Dr. McLaren
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Clarinet Choir
Opportunities to perform in clarinet Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Opportunity to help plan and organize Clarinet Symposiums and events
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble, IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Tuition costs are NSU are usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities. Spring 2024 Tuition costs (before scholarship) can be found at this link: https://stdocproviderdataprod001.blob.core.windows.net/677/FeeSheet-FeeBreakdown-2023-24-rev5-1-23.pdf
Please contact the Clarinet Professor if you would like further information.
Scholarships
ALL clarinet students participating in large NSU ensembles (marching bands, concert bands and orchestras) are eligible for scholarships on the basis that they are enrolled on a full-time basis, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Please contact the Clarinet Professor for further information.
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 hours of work each week. Please contact the Clarinet Professor for further information.
If you would like more information, to set up an audition or to have a chat about your future at NSU, please contact Dr. Malena McLaren at:
mclarenm@nsula.edu.
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Clarinettist for the day and see for yourself why this clarinet studio is a great place to be! Contact Dr. McLaren to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
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The Northwestern State University Saxophone Studio comprises saxophone students of Dr. Paul J. Forsyth, Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies. These students, most of whom are Music Majors, help makeup the saxophone sections within the four NSU Concert Bands, the NSU Jazz Orchestra, the NSU Jazz Combos, the NSU Saxophone Quartets, and the “Spirit of Northwestern” Marching Band. The Saxophone Studio is active in performances throughout the school year including the annual NSU Saxophone Studio Recital and NSU SaxFest. At the NSU SaxFest, we have welcomed guest artists from around the world including Derek Brown, Joe Lulloff, Arno Bornkamp and Kenneth Tse. Please click here for more information regarding the upcoming SaxFest. The event is free and open to the public.
Whether it is ensemble concerts, student recitals, the NSU SaxFest, or the Saxophone Studio Recital, NSU Saxophone students are actively performing for the Natchitoches community throughout the year.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Saxophone Studio or would like further information please contact the Saxophone Professor, Dr. Paul Forsyth as soon as you can at forsythp@nsula.edu.
Undergraduate Degrees
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music
Graduate Degrees
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
NSU Wind Symphony
Concert Bands
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
NSU Jazz Orchestra
NSU Jazz Combos
NSU Saxophone Quartets
NSU Saxophone Choir
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- Major Scales
- Etude(s) and/or Solo Excerpt(s) that demonstrates lyrical and technical abilities
If the student is comfortable with jazz, then a jazz excerpt/improvisation in addition to the above materials is certainly welcome.
Please contact the Saxophone Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Programs
- Major and Minor Scales
- 15-30 minutes of Classical repertoire that showcases contrasting styles and abilities
If the student is comfortable with jazz, then improvising over a tune of the student’s choice is recommended.
Please contact the Saxophone Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Saxophone Professor: Dr. Paul Forsyth
Equally adept at both the classical and jazz repertoire, saxophonist Dr. Paul J. Forsyth has performed and taught at numerous concert halls, universities, and conferences around the world. Dr. Forsyth has been featured as a soloist and chamber musician at North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences, World Saxophone Congresses, John Donald Robb Composer Symposiums, and International Saxophone Symposiums. Also he has been instrumental in commissioning numerous new works for solo saxophone, saxophone quartet, and saxophone/oboe duo. As a chamber musician, Paul Forsyth is a member of two renowned ensembles, the Three Reeds Duo and the Iridium Quartet. Each ensemble has multiple recordings, the most recent albums being Metamorphosis and Skylines respectively. As a top-call saxophonist in northern Louisiana, he has performed with such performers as Regis Philbin, Lew Soloff, the Temptations, and Bobby Vinton. From 2017-2018, Paul Forsyth served as the NASA Competition Committee Chairman.
Paul Forsyth joined the faculty of Northwestern State University in the fall of 2007 and currently serves as Professor of Saxophone. In the past, he has been on the faculties of Albion College, Spring Arbor University, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He received his doctoral and master’s degrees in saxophone performance from Michigan State University and his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Tennessee. His primary professors include Joseph Lulloff, Diego Rivera, Ron Blake, and Mark Tucker. Dr. Forsyth is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
Dr. Paul Forsyth
Professor of Saxophone
Northwestern State University
forsythp@nsula.edu
Office: 322 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of a NSU Saxophone Player
Weekly one to one saxophone lesson with Dr. Forsyth
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Saxophone Choir
Opportunities to perform in saxophone Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble, IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Tuition costs are NSU are usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities. Spring 2024 Tuition costs (before scholarship) can be found at this link: https://stdocproviderdataprod001.blob.core.windows.net/677/FeeSheet-FeeBreakdown-2023-24-rev5-1-23.pdf
Please contact the Saxophone Professor if you would like further information.
Scholarships
ALL saxophone students participating in large NSU ensembles (marching bands, concert bands and orchestras) are eligible for scholarships on the basis that they are enrolled on a full-time basis, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Please contact the Saxophone Professor for further information.
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 hours of work each week. Please contact the Saxophone Professor for further information.
If you would like more information, to set up an audition or to have a chat about your future at NSU, please contact Dr. Paul Forsyth at:
forsythp@nsula.edu
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Sax for the day and see for yourself why this clarinet studio is a great place to be! Contact Dr. Forsyth to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
