Florida State University School of Dance Announces New Certificate Program in Dance Accompanying
By: Jamie Rager | Published: March 17, 2026 | 10:43 am | See original story at news.fsu.edu
The Florida State University School of Dance will launch a one-of-a-kind certificate program this fall, providing formal training for musicians interested in working in the dance field.
Created in partnership with the College of Music, the new Dance Accompanying Certificate is designed to develop the skills, experience and musical adaptability needed to work alongside performers and choreographers in academic institutions, conservatories and professional studios.
“This certificate offers students a rare hands-on opportunity to develop both the musical and collaborative skills needed to work with dancers,” said Daniel Smith, School of Dance assistant professor and director of the certificate program. “Dance accompanying is a sophisticated musical practice that requires creativity, artistic awareness and a deep sensitivity to movement.”
The program is the only university certificate of its kind in the nation with a specific emphasis on musical accompaniment for dance. It is also noteworthy in its openness to a wide range of instrumentalists, including those formally or informally trained at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
“Programs devoted specifically to training musicians to accompany dance are exceedingly rare,” Smith said. “FSU, with its strong dance and music programs, is in a prime position to provide this specialized training to many kinds of musicians, benefiting our students as well as the field at large.”
Students in the program will gain hands-on experience accompanying School of Dance classes under the guidance of experienced music faculty from both the School of Dance and the College of Music.
Applications for the program open this fall.
To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the College of Fine Arts website at dance.fsu.edu and click “explore our programs.”
About the New Certificate
The Dance Accompanying Certificate cultivates a responsive and collaborative approach to music-making. Students learn to align musical structure with movement phrasing, shape dynamics to support physical intention, and improvise within clear formal frameworks. Emphasis is placed on real-time analysis, stylistic fluency, communication with instructors, and professional studio practices. By the end of the program, students are equipped not only with practical accompanying experience, but also with a deeper understanding of the artistic partnership between music and dance—an expertise that broadens both their employability and their creative perspective.
Program Highlights
- 12 credit hours that are typically completed in 4 semesters
- Hands-on dance accompanying experience within the School of Dance
- One-on-one mentorship from renowned faculty musicians
- Open to graduate and undergraduate students
Who should apply?
- Musicians with formal training who want to expand their skillset, increase their improvisational abilities, and deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary art.
- Musicians with informal training who are curious about how their abilities can translate to employment opportunities and creative experiences.
Ready to start?
First enroll in MUS 3934/5939, Foundations of Dance Accompanying, then apply for the Certificate in Dance Accompanying. Visit the School of Dance website for additional information.
UPDATE
This story was also reported on April 1 by WCTV.tv
