The component structure is used in courses in the performing arts (music, dance, theatre). These courses are specially structured to integrate theory and practice and to allow student and don to design a program best suited to the student’s needs. Working with their dons and an adviser in the appropriate discipline, students select a combination of several components that together constitute one full course.

Music

A typical music course includes work in at least four components, one of which is the central area of study (instrumental performance, composition, or voice) around which the rest of the program is planned. The other components include a theory and/or history course, a performance ensemble (chorus and/or orchestra, chamber music, etc.), and concert attendance. More advanced components focus on specific periods of music history, particular music forms, and more specialized musical theory and applications.

Dance

In consultation with faculty, dance students develop programs that integrate creative, technical, and intellectual dance practices. Students are required to participate in at least one physical practice class five days a week, choosing from contemporary dance styles, classical ballet, West African dance, Yoga, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, and other kinetic forms offered on a year-to-year basis. Dance students are required to study improvisation and/ or composition each semester and are encouraged to study dance history as they enter the program. Functional anatomy based on the work of Irene Dowd is recommended as students continue their dance studies. Additionally, students may make a selection from such components as music for dancers, lighting design and stagecraft, teaching conference, and performance projects as offered. Individual programs combine personal choice and logical progression within the dance curriculum.

Theatre

Beginning students enroll in Gateway to Theatre, two courses that introduce them to the history of theatre and to a wide range of technical theatre skills. All students work with the theatre faculty to construct an individualized program called a Theatre Third, which consists of several components—selected from such areas of study as acting, directing, design, playwriting, and courses in developing original interdisciplinary material—based on the student's level and focus.

Visual Arts

The visual arts faculty offers study in painting, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, printmaking, drawing, digital imagery, and visual fundamentals. Visual arts courses are taught in the seminar/ conference format. However, students may supplement their seminar and conference work with work in a variety of workshops to expand their skills, to widen their experience, and to form stronger bonds across disciplines. Workshop topics typically offered include Figure Drawing, Color Theory, Photoshop, Woodworking, and Experimental Printmaking. Some visual arts courses will require a workshop. Film/new media students are required to attend the craft labs.

As a general matter, any student using equipment in Heimbold must take a technical workshop before using such equipment.