Music - Bachelor of Arts

The music program promotes an understanding and appreciation of musical expression as part of a liberal arts education. Students increase their knowledge of theory and history across diverse musical cultures. Music majors develop their abilities through ear-training, sight-singing, harmony, orchestration, composition, and conducting. Music majors and other community members have a wide range of performance opportunities through college choirs, instrumental ensembles, and individual recitals. These performers develop a wide musical repertoire that reinforces spiritual values, promotes the university’s mission, and provides an important outreach to local and regional audiences. Graduates may go on to be professional musicians; composers; arrangers; producers; music teachers; or creative associates in film, theatre, or television.

All music majors are required to participate in jury examinations in their primary performance area. Non-music majors registered for private lessons may be required to perform a jury examination at the discretion of the instructor. Jury examinations are held to measure the student’s progress at the conclusion of each semester. Students who have presented and passed their senior recitals during the semester may be excused from jury examinations.

Private instruction is available to qualified students on all orchestral and band instruments, voice, guitar, and keyboards. Students enrolling in private instruction for the first time should contact the Music Department to arrange an audition. One-credit private instruction courses require one-half hour lesson per week. Two-credit courses are for music majors only and require a one hour lesson per week. A corequisite enrollment in an appropriate music ensemble is required for students registered for private instruction in voice, brass, woodwinds, orchestral strings, and percussion. Private instruction course numbers will be repeated for each semester of study. A maximum of four semesters of lower-division private instruction may be applied to the music degree.

Recommendation to upper division private instruction is made only if the student’s proficiency as a performer bears promise of future artistic qualities as a soloist. It is at this level that the music major normally begins preparation for his/her senior recital. After successful completion of the upper-division jury, a student must be enrolled for a minimum of three semesters before being allowed to give the senior recital.