About the Honors Program
Suzanne Lehrer, Director
Julia Kovalev, Academic Coordinator
The Honors Music Program (HMP) of Westminster Conservatory is central New Jersey’s leading pre-college program for talented young classical musicians. HMP develops musical artistry and scholarship through its comprehensive curriculum and its vibrant, supportive community. Students attend their classes on Saturdays at the Rider University campus. An exceptional faculty of performers, composers, and scholars inspire students and offer unmatched personal attention.
Students must attend a 45- or 60-minute weekly private lesson in addition to HMP. Students may choose to study with a private teacher on the Conservatory faculty or with an outside teacher.
The HMP core curriculum includes a course sequence in Music Theory, Music History, Jazz, Vocal repertoire and diction (for singers) and Chamber Music (for singers and instrumentalists) supplemented by rotating electives in classes such as musical theater, conducting, composition, world music, and 21st century music history.
Conservatory-wide recitals, outreach concerts, master classes, and workshops presented by distinguished artists are offered in addition to major specific performances and performance evaluations.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, only middle and high school students will be accepted into the Honors Music Program.
The Honors Music Program offers primary courses of study in three areas:
- Instrumental Performance
- Vocal Performance (Classical or Musical Theater)
- Theory and Composition
Instrumental Performance Major
The Honors Music Program’s performance major is aimed towards students who are interested in mastering their chosen instrument. In addition to the core curriculum, Instrumental Performance Majors will participate in additional recitals, performance classes and chamber music.
Vocal Performance Major
The Honors Music Program provides a highly specialized track specifically designed for Vocal Performance Majors, created to teach proper vocal technique, repertoire and language skills. In addition to the core curriculum, Vocal performance majors take classes in Vocal repertoire, Language and Diction, Vocal Skills and a Vocal Seminar. New this year: Musical Theater focus.
Theory and Composition Major
This unique program is designed to engage and challenge students who are interested in Music Theory, Analysis and Composition. In addition to the core curriculum, Theory and Composition majors take classes in Composition, Counterpoint and Orchestration.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please email the director at hmpdirector@rider.edu.
2026-2027 tuition: $3000 (3 weekly classes)
