Arts

Performing Arts

Performing ArtsConfidence Through Self-Expression

Through performing arts, our faculty seek to engage, enrich, and inspire students. In Lower School, students gain a familiarity with a wide variety of vocal and instrumental music and movement practices. 

Middle School begins with an arts rotation that allows students to build confidence and embrace individuality through numerous performance opportunities. As students progress through Middle School, they begin narrowing their focus on their passions by choosing the electives that best fit their artistic goals. 

In High School, we offer a breadth of courses that allow students to explore new creative interests, while also being encouraged to delve deeply into their passions and truly master their craft.

Programs & Opportunities

  • Dance

    USN nurtures students through movement by fostering their creativity and igniting their minds in the dance program. Recognizing the power of dance to reveal the past, celebrate the future, instruct, heal, and communicate, our dance program encourages students to develop and express purposeful and powerful movement and stage presence through dance.

  • Instrumental Music

    The instrumental music program allows students to experience a wide variety of culturally significant and educationally relevant styles of instrumental music. Private lessons, small and large group study, and improvisation strongly supports personal and social growth through creative expression and polished performance. Students strive for excellence while developing an understanding of and respect for the history, theory, techniques, and performance of instrumental music.

  • Theater

    USN provides a complete and multi-faceted theater education, exposing students to technical, acting, playwriting, dramaturgical, and directorial opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom through Middle and High School courses. Our inclusive theater program gives students hands-on skills that will help them not just as performers and creators, but as students in the classroom and beyond.

  • Vocal Music

    The vocal music program provides a nurturing atmosphere where students explore and find their true voices while expanding and improving their musicianship, no matter the level of experience. A variety of courses allow students to explore vocal health, music history, songwriting, performing, and more. Music literacy, knowledge of vocal styles and genres, and an awareness and appreciation of our musical heritage are fostered.

Performance OpportunitiesTake the Stage at Every Age

Performance opportunities are integral to allowing students to grow their confidence and artistry. Each division allows families opportunities to witness students' work on stage during exciting events and school traditions throughout the year. The presence of an audience brings performers to life with energy and enthusiasm unlike any rehearsal and allows students to develop their creative voice with the support of their community.
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List of 3 items.

  • Lower School

    • Kindergarten Family & Friends Day
      A hallmark event of kindergarten at USN, our youngest scholars perform a series of songs and dances including the beloved Turkey Trot during this November event. Members of the senior class who attended USN since kindergarten join their youngest schoolmates for this charming dance and leave kindergartners filled with awe at what their 13 years on Edgehill can hold. 

    • Songfest
      In December, Lower School families are invited into the music classroom to join their students in a singalong featuring holiday songs from cultures and religions across the globe.

    • Celebration Days
      Lower School students are invited to share a talent or hobby with their classmates during their music enrichment class each spring. Students play instruments, sing songs, tell jokes, share collections, and much more during this time of celebration of their individual strengths and interests.

  • Middle School

    • Middle School Musical
      The kick-off to a new academic year, Middle School students begin rehearsing over the summer for this annual event, which takes the stage the first week of school. Auditions take place in the spring of the previous academic year, and interested incoming students are encouraged to be a part of the production. 

    • Mini Musical
      Middle School theater enthusiasts have the opportunity to bring a show to life in a tight turnaround and gain additional performance experience by presenting a shortened version of a musical to an audience of Lower School students.

    • End of Semester Concerts
      Middle School and High School band and dance students invite family and friends to witness their work at the end of each semester in concerts featuring a variety of acts. Dancers often present original choreography, while band students showcase their range playing different styles, genres, and original compositions.

  • High School

    • High School Musical & Spring Play
      High School’s Peabody Players present two mainstage productions each year. Students bring a popular musical to life each winter and follow it up with an early spring play. 

    • Classical Night
      Once each semester High School’s Chamber Ensemble delights a crowd with a series of performances. These special performances often feature talented faculty or younger students accompanying the ensemble.

    • End of Semester Concerts
      Middle School and High School band and dance students invite family and friends to witness their work at the end of each semester in concerts featuring a variety of acts. Dancers often present original choreography, while band students showcase their range playing different styles, genres, and original compositions.
  • Curriculum Curriculum
    13 grades, unlimited possibilities. Teaching & Learning Academics
  • Creativity Creativity
    Creativity, inspiration, collaboration. Create with usArts
  • Competition Competition
    Transformational teamwork. Go Tigers!Athletics

Contact USN

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.