Music Major
Everyone has a song to sing. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we prepare our music majors to not only take the stage but work behind it, too. With a broad spectrum of courses and areas of focus, the Peter and Judy Jackson Music Program creates the musicians of tomorrow as well as the masters who teach and make performances happen. We’ll help you get into the rhythm and create the musical career of your dreams.
Why Choose a Music Major at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
Play that again: ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s acclaimed music program is accredited with the National Association of Schools of Music. We are recognized for our uniquely designed curriculum, which includes opportunities to study and perform music not only within the European Classical tradition, but also in distinctively American genres such as jazz, rock and pop, as well as music from other cultures.
Our students don’t just read about music theory in the classroom. They have the chance to let their skills shine and perform in professional settings. Music majors specializing in vocal performance can take part in our Musical Theatre Workshop and/or Opera Workshop and often participate in performances in the surrounding community as well. Many also take part in the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing student auditions, with spectacular results. In the spring of 2018, all nine participants from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ successfully advanced to the Mid-Atlantic Regional level.
Our program appeals to both the student who wants a fundamental cultural education and the student who seeks a career as a professional musician, a music teacher or in the music industry. We foster a supportive “one-on-one” environment designed to enable students to gain admission to graduate programs and desirable musical appointments.
Tracks/Concentration
The music program is designed for students who wish to combine the study of music with other interests in a vibrant liberal arts environment. The program provides an extraordinarily broad range of study options so students can enjoy their varied interests. Those students wishing to major in music will need to audition for admission to any of the tracks.
Music, B.A. Traditional Track/Education, M.A.T. Accelerated Master's
If you know your passion is to teach music, you may not want your future to wait. Our accelerated program allows you to beat the crowd and get a head start on your future. You can earn your B.A. in music and your Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with teaching certification in just five years. Our accelerated program allows you to take graduate credits as an undergraduate and to count those credits toward both your undergraduate and graduate degree programs. To learn more about the requirements for this program, check out the University catalog:
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Meet Jeffrey – Music Major
Hear how the music major offers a nurturing environment for developing musicians like Jeffrey.
Careers for Music Majors
Music makes the world go ’round. With a Bachelor of Arts in our music program, students may pursue tracks in teacher certification, vocal or instrumental performance, music technology or a traditional music curriculum. What can you do with a music degree? Give your creative skills a tune up at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, and we’ll prepare you for careers such as:
- Audio Engineer
- Composer
- Conductor
- Lyricist
- Recording Technician
- Sound Designer
- Talent Recruiter
Music Major Faculty with Real-World Experience
The goal of our faculty is to provide a diverse, well-balanced and extensive musical experience to prepare students for graduate study or a career in the field of their passion.
Meet Your Music Faculty:
John Wesley Wright
Operatic tenor John Wesley Wright is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his vocal performances. He has performed abroad, including a televised concert for the Belgian Royal Family at the Royal Palace of Belgium and for the Kennedy family at a JFK anniversary celebration in Ireland. He has served as the vocal coach for numerous students who auditioned for the National Association of Teachers of Singing, with many of his students earning first-place finishes.