Music Degrees Online

The Music Department’s Bachelor of Arts Program, recently accredited with the National Association of Schools of Music, presents the study of music as an integral part of a liberal arts education. Working closely with other departments in the University’s nationally acclaimed Fulton School of Liberal Arts, the Music Department provides a wealth of musical opportunities for students of any major.

Along with our special commitment to interdisciplinary studies, we strive to broaden musical offerings to include opportunities to study and perform music, not only within the European Classical tradition, but also distinctively in American genres such as Jazz, rock and pop, as well as “World Music” and international folk styles.

The diversity of our course offerings is reflected in a wide range of performance opportunities open to all students regardless of competence. Membership in an ensemble is determined by audition, and ensemble scholarships are available. Ensembles regularly maintained include the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, University Chorale, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Musical Theatre, or the community’s Salisbury Chorale.

In addition to a core of full-time faculty, the Department maintains an extensive affiliate staff of teacher/performers who provide beginning-to-advanced instruction in voice and every instrument. Scholarships are available

The department offers both a major and a minor in music. The Bachelor of Arts program begins with introductory courses on fundamentals and basic theory, history of Western and non-Western music, and composition using modern electronic technology.

A solid basis in music theory is provided by a sequence of courses that integrates the study of harmony, counterpoint, composition, and analysis.

You’ll receive one-on-one guidance from faculty. Being familiar with your interests and ability, instructors can precisely challenge your musicianship, whether it is through small or private classes or by creating a performance group that suits your instrument and level. Ensembles are ideal for developing and refining musical skills. Student composers often have their original pieces premiered by campus ensembles or played and critiqued by professional musicians-in-residence.

After achieving a solid grasp of traditional music concepts, many students examine an idea more carefully through independent study, advanced courses, or an honors thesis. Advanced courses touch on such topics as history, literature, orchestration, and arranging skills, with special seminars on particular composers, particular periods, or interdisciplinary topics such as poetry and music.

Both majors and minors are asked to demonstrate piano proficiency by examination. The department also encourages students to take courses in other subject areas that complement their principal area of interest in music.