FSU launches new certificate to prepare musicians for careers in dance field
By Brianna Shaw | Published: Apr. 1, 2026 | 2:04 PM EDT | See orginal story at WCTV.TV
A new program at Florida State University is creating opportunities for students interested in careers at the intersection of music and dance.
The FSU School of Dance is partnering with the College of Music to launch a Dance Accompanying Certificate, aimed at giving musicians hands-on experience working with dancers and choreographers in academic and professional settings.
The program is the only university certificate of its kind in the nation with a specific emphasis on musical accompaniment for dance, according to the university.
Graduate Program Director at the FSU School of Dance, Daniel Smith said key skills like real-time improvisation and collaboration are not typically taught in traditional classical training, often leaving musicians and performers to learn through experience on the job.
“There are particular skill sets that are developed that are distinct from working with prerecorded music, like the ability to react in real time to choices that are being made by various musicians,” Smith said.
He said the new program is designed to better prepare students before they enter the field.
Smith said the goal is to help students gain practical experience and get their foot in the door in a competitive field.
The program is set to launch in the fall.
For more information, see the announcement at music.fsu.edu
