The Performance and Composition Major offers educational opportunities in the Western classical music tradition, which is the basis for all modern music education. The instruction consists mainly of individual lessons for students in their area of specialty, with related theoretical and performance courses supporting such instruction.
Vocal Music Course
The objectives of the Vocal Music Course are to teach basic related practical skills and theories, with a focus on the nurturing of individuals who can become promising vocalists or music educators. The chorus, ensemble and opera classes are also of high standard, students being given numerous opportunities for concert performances.
Piano Course
Guidance on performance techniques such as solo, duet, chamber music and vocal accompaniment comprise the various training aspects of this course. Students are also encouraged to participate actively in practice performances and off-campus concerts for the surrounding community with the aim of promoting cultural awareness.
Strings Course
The violin, viola, cello and contrabass are the four instruments which students can focus on within the Strings Course. Emphasis is placed on individual tuition to develop musical sensibility in each student and also on active participation and practice at on- and off-campus orchestral concerts. The goal of this course is to cultivate individuals who will be able to create the musical context of the 21st century.
Wind, Brass and Percussion Course
In the woodwind program, included are the flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. The brass program is divided into French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba. For the percussion program, students study various instruments as well as keyboard skills. Students acquire practical techniques in each instrument.
Composition Course
In the process of studying composition theory and music analysis, students are required to present original compositions to be performed at concerts. The curriculum also includes training and practice classes in various instruments and in electronic music.
Music Culture Studies Major
Music Culture Studies Major performs research and education that serves comprehensively to sustain the disciplines above in both a theoretical and creative context. It is divided into a Musicology Course and an Okinawan Culture and Arts Management Course.
Musicology Course
The curriculum is built upon the fundamental knowledge of and research methods in music and culture and progresses to offer classes on criticism, musicology theories, fieldwork methods, and critical writing. Having acquired a deep understanding of music and performing arts, students are required to present graduation theses.
Okinawan Culture and Arts Management Course
The curriculum is built upon the fundamental knowledge of and research methods in music and culture and progresses to offer classes and seminars on stage planning and production featuring Okinawan music and performing arts. The program also provides internship opportunities at various concert halls and facilities for the accumulation of knowledge and experience in arts management.
Ryukyuan Performing Arts Major
OPUA is the only school in the academic world at which a major is entirely devoted to education in and the study of the Okinawan traditional performing arts. Several public performances are organized by this major in order to give students opportunities to present the fruit of their intensive study of these arts.
Ryukyuan Classical Music Course
The course consists mainly of the study of classical Ryukyuan music, the uta-sanshin (songs accompanied on the three-stringed lute), and Ryukyuan koto (the zither-like instrument). For a deeper understanding and richer interpretation of the main subjects and for performances, there are varied theory and practice classes.
Ryukyuan Dance and Kumiodori Course
In this course, students make an intensive study of Ryukyuan dance and kumiodori. In addition, there are other elective practice classes, for example, instruction in makeup and a class on comparative studies in various performing arts, each designed to encourage students to take a broad perspective in understanding Ryukyuan performing arts.
