Newcomb Department of Music Celebrates Curriculum Expansion
Tulane’s Newcomb Department of Music has undertaken its first major curriculum overhaul in decades, responding to the evolving interests of current and prospective students eager to explore and shape the sonic landscapes of daily life. Curriculum innovations include reimagining the jazz studies program as Black American Music (BAM) and introducing a new specialization in Music and Technology (M&T). While working towards these changes, Tulane began to bolster its faculty in BAM and M&T with the addition of acclaimed composer Courtney Bryan, renowned trumpeter Ashlyn Parker, and dynamic percussionist Peter Varnado — enhancing student resources and deepening connections to New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. These efforts are helping Tulane's music program position itself as a national hub for students seeking to merge their passion for music with a forward-looking professional education.
Additional program updates include streamlining the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music into one degree with five possible pathways — allowing students to pursue specific career options that integrate professional areas such as composition, performance, and musical theater, alongside BAM and M&T. In addition, updated core requirements now reflect the diversity of today’s global and popular musical traditions and the transformative role of technology in the music industry.
To further strengthen the music studies, musical theater, and music business offerings, the department recently welcomed internationally recognized ethnomusicologist Ana Maria Ochoa; actor, director, writer, and producer Laura Waringer; and producer and seasoned percussionist Taku Hirano. These professors are leaders within their specialty and are poised to reinvigorate Tulane’s musical legacy.
Launched in the fall of 2024, these reforms are already showing results — with a rise in music majors and minors within just one semester. These positive outcomes are thanks in part to the Department of Music’s faculty working more closely with each student to ensure their success while enrolled and post-graduation.
Black American Music ensemble students perform at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Musical Robots - read more about the Music & Technology program, as featured in the Tulanian magazine and watch the video below.
