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Inspire the Next Generation
Music opens a world of possibilities, and the call to share the gift of music is worth answering. Newberry enjoys a rich tradition of not only making music, but also of preparing students for purposeful vocation as music teachers. Our graduates possess the skills and dispositions to provide knowledgeable, compassionate leadership to inspire the next generation.
Available Majors, Minors, and Concentrations
The Music Education program works closely with the Department of Teacher Education, sharing many goals, conceptual frameworks, and disposition requirements for students. The Bachelor of Music Education provides licensure for teaching pre-kindergarten through high school. Students choose either choral or instrumental music as a concentration, but will graduate prepared to teach in all areas and grade levels.
Majors
Bachelor of Music Education
Concentrations
Choral Music
Instrumental Music
Minors
Music
Jazz Studies
Musical Theatre
Honors
Music Performance Honors Program
Requirements
Music Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Education include courses in music history, music theory, ear training, piano, conducting and performance.
Concentration Requirements
Each student will take courses that focus specifically on refining their skills as a musician and a teacher, including applied lessons, instrument and vocal methods, music technology, studio classes, large ensemble performances, pedagogy, chamber music and a senior recital.
Education Requirements
Students in the Music Education program also will complete courses in the Department of Education, culminating with a semester of student teaching, during which students gain real-world classroom experience.
The Music minor is designed for students who are interested in music, but who major in another discipline. Courses include applied lessons, music theory, music history, ear training and large ensemble performance.
The Jazz Studies minor is designed for music majors, but non-majors also may enroll with departmental permission. Some of the courses required for the Jazz Studies minor may have prerequisites that require additional coursework for non-music majors.
The Musical Theatre minor is designed for majors including, but not limited to Music and Theatre. Requirements for the minor include 20 credit hours, with an 18-hour option for Music majors, in acting, stagecraft, applied voice lessons, large ensemble performances, and opera and musical theatre workshops.
Along with faculty and staff, the Music Student Handbook provides supplemental information to help guide you to degree completion and to careers beyond. View the handbook here.
Career Possibilities
- Band Director
- Private Lesson Teacher
- Church Choir Director
- Choral Director
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Professional Musician
- Orchestra Director
- Church Organist
- Music Business Entrepreneur
- General Music Teacher
Faculty
Jerry Gatch
Associate Professor of Music, Director of Bands
Sarah Masterson
Associate Professor of Music
Barry McGinnis
Professor of Music, Woodwinds and Music History
Wanda Neese
Staff Accompanist—Secondary Piano
Chris Sheppard
Coordinator of Vocal Music Programs | Associate Professor of Music
David Santiago
Director of Athletic Bands | Assistant Band Director
