The Creative School
Founded in 1884, the DePauw University School of Music is one of the oldest music schools in the United States. In fall 2024, it will transform, becoming part of a larger “Creative School.” While this development is exciting, what exactly does it mean for the future of music at DePauw?
FAQ
What is the Creative School?
At DePauw University, the Creative School will pull together five artistic disciplines: music, theatre, film, visual art, and writing. The full school will offer a variety of combined programs, experiences, and events.
What are the primary benefits of attending a Creative School?
DePauw’s Creative School will embed interdisciplinary curiosity, exploration, and collaboration across its framework. This priority aligns squarely with the ideals of a liberal arts education.
Why are interdisciplinary perspectives valuable to musicians?
Just a few of many potential benefits:
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Collaboration across disciplines cultivates powerful, transferable skills, in addition to personal curiosity and growth.
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Events and projects synthesizing multiple art forms attract larger audiences and stand out from a competitive field.
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Working across disciplines leads to a wider personal/professional network.
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Innovation typically requires taking ideas from one place and applying them elsewhere. Therefore, interdisciplinary artists are well positioned to become critical thinkers and boldly creative problem solvers.
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Interdisciplinary collaboration teaches practitioners to communicate clearly about their field with non-experts.
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Exploration and experimentation can be incredibly fulfilling and fun.
How will being part of a Creative School impact my experience as a music student?
Here is what will not change: Our distinctive emphasis on championing 21st Century Musicians (21CM) who are outstanding, flexible, exploratory, community engaged, and relevant. To learn more, click here.
Within the Creative School, however, there will be more opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary courses, projects, events, spaces, research, and beyond. While these pursuits are not new to DePauw (for example, the wildly successful, student-driven Art Walk), the quantity of such activities will increase.
Will any new music programs be introduced?
Yes, indeed! A Music Creation and Technology Minor joins our roster of options, which also includes a Music Theatre Minor, Jazz Studies Minor and a Music Minor for non-majors.
How will graduating from a "Creative School" look on my resume?
In truth, graduate schools and employers are unlikely to consider the name of your umbrella program. Whether you graduate from a “School of Music,” “Conservatory of Music and Dance,” “College of the Arts,” “Performing Arts Division,” or “Creative School” is largely irrelevant. Much more important is your individual degree, skill level, and unique roster of experiences/undertakings.
That said, some decision makers may be intrigued by the title “Creative School,” particularly because of the unique priorities it implies. Musicians with interdisciplinary perspectives may have a competitive edge over those who do not.