Rider University: School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts

In Rider’s School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts, the arts come together to expand artistic possibilities. Here, you’ll explore your creative purpose in a connected community of emerging talent. Our enriching academic environment encourages experiential learning and opportunities for collaboration with students, faculty leaders and industry professionals.

Westminster Choir College

Westminster Choir College prepares students for careers as performers and as music leaders in schools, universities, churches and professional and community organizations.   Degree programs for undergraduates include a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education, Voice Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.M.) with primary instrument study in piano, organ and voice.

School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts

Through programs that provide a historical, aesthetic, practical and professional perspective, the School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts nurtures and challenges the artist within all of Rider's students.  The School offers many opportunities for students – regardless of major – to participate in the arts and degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Arts & Entertainment Industries, Dance, Dance Exercise, Game & Interactive Media Design, Musical Theatre, Music Production, and Theatre; Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre: Music Direction; and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre.

All Westminster Choir College and the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and the B.A. in Theatre require and admission audition.  Complete requirements can be found at www.rider.edu/ugauditions.

Performance opportunities are key to the learning experience and you will find six annual main stage theatre productions, two operas, seven choirs, countless student recitals and many other performing groups.  Classes are taught by respected and accomplished artists who are active and connected in their fields.

Just an hour by train to New York City and an hour by car to Philadelphia our central New Jersey location is ideal for opportunities to study and learn from visiting artists and guest lecturers and also to take advantage of the shows, operas, performances, galleries, museums and cultural opportunities the area can provide in addition to the rich internship and part-time employment opportunities available.