Music Degrees Online

The Salem School of Music offers a healthful, stimulating environment in which you will obtain a unique blend of excellent professional and liberal-arts training. Through this training, you will develop your talent to its fullest potential and prepare yourselves for the world beyond Salem: professional internships, graduate school, study abroad and/or the job market.

The School of Music also provides cultural leadership and educational opportunities for Salem Academy and College and for Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. Through concerts, workshops, audience-building and general music education, the School of Music seeks to contribute to the cultural vitality of our region and to secure a healthy future for the study and performance of music.

Degrees
Opportunities to study in the School of Music include pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree in performance (with a concentration in flute, organ, piano, or voice), the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major consisting of the degree requirements in music together with those of another major. You may also earn a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in music or a minor in Music Theater.

Non-Major Classes
For students who are interested in studying music, but do not plan to become music majors, there is a range of courses that fulfill the Basic Distribution Requirement in the Fine Arts. These include Women in Music, American Musical Theater, Introduction to Music, and Introduction to Music of the World.

Individual Lessons
Music lessons in flute, organ, piano and voice, as well as the standard orchestral instruments and guitar, are available to both music majors and non-music majors.

Your Program
For a detailed list of course offerings and requirements, please click on the link to the right.

In addition to the academic pursuit of music, you will also have opportunities to learn and add breadth and depth to your music education. Some of these opportunities are:

Alexander Technique -The Alexander Technique teaches instrumentalists and singers to identify and prevent unnecessary patterns of tension during practice and performance. Salem was one of the first schools in the United States to teach this approach.

Arts Management – Music students are highly encouraged to study arts management, offered through a separate department at Salem College.

Women in Music - Salem has been an innovative leader in the musical education of women. A course entitled “Women in Music” explores the contributions and roles of women in music as performers, teachers, conductors and patrons.

Community Music School - The Salem College Community Music School offers private instruction in music to children and adults. Through the Early Childhood Music program, Salem offers music instruction to very young children, from infants through age 7. Music majors have the benefit of observing and participating in Community Music School programs as part of their training.

Your Faculty
A music school is only as good as its faculty; the most important aspect to your education is the teachers who guide your development. At Salem, you will study with the best performers and composers with the highest level of recognition not only in this part of the United States, but throughout the country and even worldwide.

Salem’s music professors are not only superb as teachers; they also are active professionally, some as performers, others as composers or in other ways. But of most importance to you will be the fact that they know how to teach and take teaching seriously.

Faculty members are:
Reeves Shulstad, Assistant Professor and Director, School of Music
Doug Borwick, Professor of Arts Management and Music
Barbara Lister-Sink, Professor of Piano, Artist in Residence
Barbara Caprilli, Assistant Professor of Music
Dr. Thomas Swenson, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of the the Salem College Community Music School
David Wells, Choral Conductor/Coordinator of Music Education
Debra Reuter Pivetta, Instructor

Your Experience
When you major or minor in music, you will of course have excellent individual classes, group classes, workshops and ensembles to help you improve your skills and prepare for the future. Other opportunities open to you in the music program are:

January Term - This special time each year in the academic calendar gives you the chance to travel; investigate new areas of study; refine independent thinking skills, integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, explore career options or pursue research interests.

Global Awareness - There are nearly 60 students from other countries on the Salem campus, providing students a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about other cultures. Study abroad opportunities and a course called Introduction to Music of the World opens windows of understanding to non-Western music.

Interdisciplinary Studies - You may choose to work with an adviser to create your own program of study. This may include music, either as a principal or secondary focus.

Access to the Arts
Being located in Winston-Salem, known as the “City of the Arts” in North Carolina, means you’ll have access to not only on-campus performances - through Salem’s Cultural Events committee - but also events offered through the North Carolina School of the Arts, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University and the Winston-Salem Arts Council.

Regional professional orchestras, opera companies, theaters and choral ensembles offer a wide range of excellent music. In addition, world-class recitalists and ensembles regularly visit Winston-Salem. These include the Bel Canto Company; Piedmont Chamber Singers, Opera Company and Classic Guitar Society; and the Piedmont Triad Symphony.

The national American Singers Opera Project (ASOP) recently held a two-week workshop on the Salem campus attracting aspiring opera singers from all over the country.

Your Results
Salem places a great deal of emphasis on learning outside the classroom, in real-world settings. Internships are an important part of that process. An internship offers you the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in class and to explore career possibilities. Internships in music may include studio teaching, Suzuki teaching, church music, or work with performing organizations.

The quality of a music degree is determined by what doors it opens for advanced study and career opportunities. When you graduate with a major or minor in music, you will be prepared to continue your music studies at the best graduate schools or go on to teach music in an educational setting; perform onstage; join orchestras or ensembles; and other career paths.

The Department of Fine Arts offers six majors that lead to the Bachelor of Arts degree: Art History, Art Education, Art Studio, Music, Music Performance and Graphic Design. Minors are available in Art History, Art Studio, Graphic Design, Music and Music History. Certification in Art Education is also available through a joint program with the Education Department.

Admission to a major or minor in the Department of Fine Arts is based on an audition or portfolio review, an interview, and the recommendation of the Department faculty. Admission as either an Art Studio or Music Performance major is selective and reserved for those students who display strong artistic promise.

Fine Arts majors have the opportunity to enter a variety of fields such as arts administration, design and production. Other opportunities may require taking on a minor in Anthropology, Communication, Computing and Information Science, English, History, Business Management, Philosophy or Physics. Such multidisciplinary study may lead to a position in advertising, journalism, public relations, or public art organizations. Students are encouraged to consider graduate work in performance, studio art, art history, art or music therapy, or design.

The proximity to Pittsburgh allows students access to nationally recognized art and music organizations. Field trips to performances, museums, and special exhibitions are an integral part of departmental courses. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and College ensembles. The College Concert Series draws world-class performers. The College also has its own art collections and art gallery where students may study works of art directly. The combination of coursework with “hands-on” experience will better prepare students for art or music careers.

Music Department Learning Objectives
Students should be able to demonstrate skill with various instruments and musical styles.
Students should be able to use discipline-based vocabulary when they critique their own work, as well as the work of others.
Students should be able to identify characteristics of historical styles.
Students should be able to demonstrate familiarity with theoretical questions related to their work and discipline.
Students should have an understanding of possible career paths and professional practices within their discipline.

The Department of Fine Arts offers six majors that lead to the Bachelor of Arts degree: Art History, Art Education, Art Studio, Music, Music Performance and Graphic Design. Minors are available in Art History, Art Studio, Graphic Design, Music and Music History. Certification in Art Education is also available through a joint program with the Education Department.

Admission to a major or minor in the Department of Fine Arts is based on an audition or portfolio review, an interview, and the recommendation of the Department faculty. Admission as either an Art Studio or Music Performance major is selective and reserved for those students who display strong artistic promise.

Fine Arts majors have the opportunity to enter a variety of fields such as arts administration, design and production. Other opportunities may require taking on a minor in Anthropology, Communication, Computing and Information Science, English, History, Business Management, Philosophy or Physics. Such multidisciplinary study may lead to a position in advertising, journalism, public relations, or public art organizations. Students are encouraged to consider graduate work in performance, studio art, art history, art or music therapy, or design.

The proximity to Pittsburgh allows students access to nationally recognized art and music organizations. Field trips to performances, museums, and special exhibitions are an integral part of departmental courses. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and College ensembles. The College Concert Series draws world-class performers. The College also has its own art collections and art gallery where students may study works of art directly. The combination of coursework with “hands-on” experience will better prepare students for art or music careers.

The Department of Music offers a bachelor of arts degree in music, a minor in music and three subject endorsements: choral, instrumental and general.

The study of music encourages students to explore the value of music in their lives. Students who study music at Saint Martin’s University have the advantage of a strong music program within a liberal arts setting. Courses in music integrate the study of music literature, history and theory with musical performance to develop intellect, familiarity with a variety of cultures, interpersonal relationships and poise.

The course of study for a music minor provides opportunities for students to study from technical, cultural and performance perspectives.

The Department of Music offers a bachelor of arts degree in music, a minor in music and three subject endorsements: choral, instrumental and general.

The study of music encourages students to explore the value of music in their lives. Students who study music at Saint Martin’s University have the advantage of a strong music program within a liberal arts setting. Courses in music integrate the study of music literature, history and theory with musical performance to develop intellect, familiarity with a variety of cultures, interpersonal relationships and poise.

The music major prepares students to be involved in a variety of musical pursuits, including teaching in a studio setting, teaching music in grades K-12, participating in a variety of performance organizations and serving as a musical conductor. The program also provides preparation for advanced study in performance, music theory and literature.

The study of music encourages students to explore the value of music in their lives. Students who study music at Saint Martin’s University have the advantage of a strong program in music within a liberal arts setting. Courses in music integrate the study of music literature, history and theory with musical performance as a means of developing intellect, familiarity with a variety of cultures, interpersonal relationships and poise.

The University’s music department offers a bachelor of arts degree, a minor and three State of Washington teacher certificate endorsements in music: choral, instrumental and general. Saint Martin’s is noted for small class sizes, rigorous education and a close working relationship with faculty members.

As part of the major, minor and endorsement courses of study, students are required to pass a functional keyboard proficiency examination. Students with prior piano training can meet this requirement by passing the piano proficiency examination. All other students will take applied piano instruction. After they have declared a major, minor or endorsement, music students also are required to participate in a major ensemble as well as applied lessons in their major instrument/voice each semester. Those students awarded music scholarships are required to be actively involved in the appropriate large and small performance ensembles within the music department and to maintain high academic standards.

Music students receive a comprehensive education in their field, including study in music theory, conducting, music education, music history and literature, music theatre, liturgical music, and all areas of applied performance studies. Each student also specializes in piano, organ, guitar, voice, or an orchestral instrument.

Two music degrees are offered at St. Ambrose–a bachelor of arts with a major in music and a bachelor of music education.

The bachelor of arts degree in music is tailored to students who intend to continue their studies in graduate school, pursue a music-related career, or perform professionally. Within this program, students with special interests are encouraged to develop individualized fields of study. Professors and students work together to design program in any number of specialized areas, including liturgical music, music business, music therapy and arts management.

The bachelor of music education degree prepares students to teach band, orchestra, chorus and general music in grades K-12. Music education majors work one-on-one with faculty ensemble directors, and they also conduct in public performances–opportunities not available at many schools.

Within the liberal arts framework, the Music Department offers a major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.), intended for students who wish a broad education in music. Students are expected to have a high level of musical competence in performance of their major instrument.

Music Major Emphases
There are four fields of emphasis from which to choose:
Performance
Music Theory/Composition
Instrumental Education
Vocal Education

Loras College offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in music education. We offer quality instruction in all instruments and voice to students of wide-ranging interest, not limited to those seeking a musical career. The program offers several choral and instrumental ensembles for all Loras students, regardless of major. These groups, along with an active musical faculty, contribute to the cultural fabric of the college and community.

Music Program Vision/Goals
All students participating in the creative process are constantly involved as active learners. The training of a musician demands that the student engage many different faculties concurrently, all with the goal of reaching the whole potential of the creative or re-creative process.

In determining the worth of musical study or the components thereof, students are challenged to be reflective thinkers. Although musicians are always involved in the activity of their art, we are demanded to constantly reflect upon how and why we act, teach, and perform.

Graduating ethical decision makers will be the foundation of this institution’s and department’s contribution to the world around us. As music is a discipline strongly tied to its historical foundations, students are continually made aware of the traditions which are an inseparable part of out identity.

It is almost impossible to separate a musician from his/her art: the art is a part of who we are and continually a part of what we do, whether “on the job” or not. As an active calling or an avocation, musicians remain after their graduation responsible contributors in diverse professional, social and religious roles.

Prepares for what types of jobs or Graduate Study:
The Bachelor of Music program with certification in Education prepares students to serve as music teachers in elementary and secondary schools. In cooperation with the Loras Department of Education, we have developed a comprehensive program for our future educators.

The Bachelor of Music program with an emphasis in performance, prepares students for advanced study. Students from Loras have entered prestigious graduate programs across the country. This program also helps prepare for private (lesson) teaching. Loras graduates also are serving as liturgical ministers, music therapists, and studio musicians. A music degree also can prepare a student for careers in arts administration, and even medicine! It is well documented that many health care programs actively seek out those who come forward with demonstrated discipline as well as compassion for all people—hallmarks of a musical person.

The Music Department teaches music not only as a liberal art but also for professional pursuits, offering courses for students in all majors. Many students choose to satisfy the fine arts requirement by taking Music for the Listener, which is offered every semester, or by taking one of several courses in music history, which range from medieval to modern music.

The department also offers specialized course work leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major or a minor in music, a minor in music technology, and a major in music merchandising. Students who major in music may choose to concentrate on applied vocal or instrumental music, music theory and composition, or music history. This track prepares students for graduate study or to pursue music as a performer and teacher.

Music merchandising majors combine their musical studies with courses in business and marketing to prepare themselves for music business careers such as music retailers, sales representatives, sound technicians, talent agents, and in symphony and opera management. Although available to all Lewis Unviersity students, the newly implemented minor in music technology is an innovative option to music merchandising majors interested in recording, software design, and electroacoustic composition. The music merchandising program also involves an internship experience, often at world class companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Courses in music theory and history are taught by experienced full-time faculty who are creatively active as composers, performers, conductors, and scholars. Computer assisted instruction is an essential component in the study of music theory. Students also take private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral instruments with instructors who are active in music performance in the Chicago area.

Music majors and minors have the opportunity to perform in one of the university’s many ensembles every semester. The department maintains a symphony orchestra, a college choir, a vocal jazz ensemble, a gospel choir, a jazz band, a guitar ensemble and a wind ensemble. These ensembles are directed by full and part-time faculty who have established themselves as respected conductors at the local, regional, and national level. All these ensembles perform every semester and are open to members of the community as well as to students in all majors. Some require an audition.

Every semester the department, in cooperation with the Arts and Ideas program, sponsors a series of concerts presented by guest artists, faculty, alumni, and students, as well as performances by the resident music ensembles. Music majors in both tracks are invited to participate in or attend these concerts, which are provided without additional charge to students.

Financial aid is available for music study at Lewis University in a number of forms. In addition to the financial aid available through the university, the Music Department offers a limited number of Talent Scholarships to promising students who intend to major in music. These scholarships are not based upon financial need but on musical ability and potential as demonstrated in an audition for the faculty. Talent Scholarships may be combined with grants, loans, and work-study programs available from other sources.