William Paterson University of New Jersey

Jumpstart your music career

Our outstanding Department of Music prepares you for careers in classical performance, jazz performance and composition, sound engineering arts, music education, music and entertainment industries, and popular music. Our music students work directly with world-renowned faculty who are also in-demand performers. They benefit from exceptional student performance opportunities with ensembles, both on campus and throughout the New York metropolitan area. They also gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art music production and recording studios. 

Faculty
The University’s full-time faculty are highly distinguished and diverse teachers, including 35 Fulbright scholars, two Guggenheim Fellows, and recipients of numerous other awards, grants, and fellowships. Faculty are actively engaged in a wide range of scholarly contributions, including books, book chapters, conference proceedings, and articles in journals; performances, productions, and exhibitions; as well as lectures, presentations, and workshops at academic conferences and other settings.

Experiential learning
William Paterson University’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to support the institution’s focus on experiential learning and provide students with preparation for careers and graduate study. This includes HD-ready TV and radio broadcast studios; music recording and audio production facilities; film, animation, and graphic design labs; and so much more.

Theater
The Shea Center for Performing Arts is an intimate 922-seat theater built in 1965. The theater boasts a customized, state-of-the-art sound system, computerized lighting system and a unique seating/stage configuration that ensures a close performer/audience connection. Shea Center is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible.

Campus life
On William Paterson University’s scenic Wayne campus, you'll share an active college experience with students from every background and perspective. We have more than 100 clubs and organizations, 28 fraternities and sororities, 13 NCAA Division III athletic teams, and 31 club sports and intramural activities—so there's always something exciting going on. Our beautiful residence halls house 2,4000 students, providing safe and comfortable environments for studying and participating in activities and making it easy to stay connected to everything happening on campus. You'll build professional connections and lifelong friendships with your fellow Pioneers.

Alumni success
The institution’s more than 76,000 alumni can be found throughout New Jersey, the nation, and the world, using their William Paterson degrees and experiences as a springboard to professional accomplishment and personal growth. They are leaders in the arts, business, health care, sports, entertainment, media, and education. They are public servants, artists, musicians, teachers, scientists, television personalities, authors, politicians, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs. Their achievements reflect the University’s mission and commitment to preparing graduates for success in their careers, communities, and lives.