What We Emphasize

• Our artist-level faculty knows that the richest learning for music students comes in those exacting, exhilarating moments of "getting it all together" in actual performance.
• To achieve those moments, one must excel in individual lessons as well as classes in music theory, music history, pedagogy, jazz studies and other areas.
• A variety of group and individual learning situations that include: solo recitals and high-level ensembles such as chorale, opera theatre, symphony orchestra, symphony band, jazz ensemble, and chamber ensembles.

How We Teach

• Our classes are small and our intimate faculty-student ratio will provide you with constant teacher interaction and advice.
• Our teacher training will involve you in education courses combined with supervised mentoring and intern assignments, culminating in concerned job placement.
• You can rest assured that you’ll never get lost in a large class and never be given a vocal or instrumental lesson by some disinterested grad assistant.
• Moreover, in sharp contrast to most large universities where you would have to wait four years while a graduate student sings the lead in a production or takes those coveted first-chair instrumental parts, our students have the opportunity to be involved early and stay involved throughout their college career!

What You’ll Learn

• Outside the classroom, our ensembles present concerts throughout the academic year.
• You’ll also experience the enthralling world of live music through a highly professional concert series.
• We offer you modern facilities with large teaching studios, ensemble rehearsal halls, and well-equipped practice areas.
• In addition, you will perform in our 1800 seat Branscomb Auditorium.

 How You’ll Benefit

• The Department of Music is here to support your career training and goals and your anxious parents who see you electing a "scary" artistic field for training!
• Our track record has an exceptional record in placing music education graduates, assisting students in applying for acceptance at prestigious graduate schools, and supporting careers in performance and music business professions.
• Despite our intense, high-level training, we’re often told that our graduates are different from those in large "music factories." They are well-rounded individuals who know how to relate to the wide world beyond a music manuscript.