Exploration in Music
Do you enjoy making and studying music? The Bachelor of Arts in Music program is for students who enjoy performing and want to make a career of sharing the gift of music with the world. Whether your goals include teaching in a private studio, performing professionally, or something else, you will graduate prepared for the fast-paced world beyond.
Available Majors, Minors, and Concentrations
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree is appropriate for the student who has a high interest in music, wants to learn more theoretical and historical aspects, and wants to continue and improve in performance. This degree offers the possibilities of minoring or double majoring in another area of interest and of taking a wide variety of general core electives. The purpose of the degree does not necessarily promote vocation in a music field after graduation, but promotes lifelong advocacy and enjoyment of the art. The degree is completed in four years.
Majors
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music, with Music Theory emphasis
Minors
Music
Jazz Studies
Musical Theatre
Honors
Music Performance Honors Program
Requirements
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program devote nearly half of their coursework to specialized instruction in music and music performance. Courses include
- Applied lessons
- Large ensemble performances
- Chamber music performances
- Music theory
- Music history
- Ear training
- Piano
- Conducting
Students in this degree present one solo recital in their senior year.
The Music Theory emphasis helps students expand their expertise in music theory, analysis and composition. The degree prepares students for continued music studies in theory or music-related creative endeavors. Students take additional courses in orchestration, composition and counterpoint. Students with the Music Theory emphasis may write a thesis paper in place of the recital requirement.
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
- Private Lesson Instructor
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Concert Producer / Promoter
- Arts Administrator
- Military Musician
- Church Organist
- Artist Management
- Music Business Entrepreneur
Faculty
Jerry Gatch
Associate Professor of Music, Director of Bands
Jonathan Hall
Chair of Music | Assistant Professor of Music
Cory High
Adjunct Professor of Percussion
Sarah Masterson
Associate Professor of Music
Barry McGinnis
Professor of Music, Woodwinds and Music History
Wanda Neese
Staff Accompanist—Secondary Piano
Elisabeth Ramirez
Accompanist for Voice and Choirs
Chris Sheppard
Coordinator of Vocal Music | Associate Professor of Music
David Santiago
Director of Athletic Bands | Assistant Band Director
