The Music Department provides an engaging environment for the student musician as well as for the general student. Instruction in music is available to all students, regardless of major, and our music ensembles and private music lessons afford them experiences that are personal and central to the liberal arts college experience. The department offers numerous curated events, including concerts and masterclasses that feature students, faculty, and renowned guest artists.
The Music Department is an active participant in interdisciplinary and community-focused activities across campus and in regional and international arenas, offering students leadership and performance opportunities ranging from local churches to international concert venues.
Major Program. The music major at Wesleyan College is designed to assist the student to develop her full potential as a musician/scholar. The curriculum offers a broad background that will develop and refine musicianship and performance skills while providing the student with principles that lead to a fuller intellectual grasp of the art.
Major Requirements:
Music Core Curriculum (21 total credit hours):
Plus, select one concentration from three options of: General, Performance, or Pre-Music Therapy.
2. Performance Concentration (24 credit hours - 45 total credits):
*Note: In the semester before registering for MUP 471 Senior Recital, the student must audition for the faculty to continue in the Performance Concentration. If the student does not demonstrate ability to continue in the Performance Concentration, the student will be changed to a General Concentration.
3. Pre-Music Therapy Concentration (39 credit hours – 60 total credits):
Integrative Experience. Each student will complete an Integrative Experience in which she enhances her capacity for integrative thinking through an interdisciplinary capstone experience that encourages her to make connections between her major and her general education. This experience will help her reflect on the methods, approaches, and/or content of her major discipline and give her an opportunity to connect her discipline with both her general education and with the world outside the classroom. The integrative experience requirement is fulfilled in the music major by MUS 470: Senior Seminar.
Professional Development: Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 400 Professional Development Experience and PDE 401 Professional Practice Seminar.
Minor Program. The music minor at Wesleyan College is designed to assist the student with an interest in another major to begin to develop her potential as a musician/scholar. It seeks to encourage students at many levels of ability to explore the rewards of intense study in the discipline, including the areas of performance, music theory, history, and literature.
Musical Theatre. Students with interest in Musical Theatre are encouraged to choose the music major with the theatre minor or the self-designed interdisciplinary major.
Music Education. Students with interest in Music Education are encouraged to double major in Music and Education or major in Music and minor in Education.
Resources for Non-Majors. Music courses available to all students include private music instruction, music ensembles, and a variety of special topic courses. Numerous concerts, recitals, workshops, and master classes by guest artists are offered for the benefit of students and the community.
Postgraduate Opportunities. Students who major in music may pursue graduate study in a variety of specialized music areas such as performance, church music, music history, or music teaching. Many find employment in a church as singer, organist, and/or choir director. Graduates often establish studios for private teaching. The training and discipline received through music study can provide an excellent foundation for graduate work in humanities and social science areas as well.
Concerts and Recitals/Attendance. Opportunities abound for the student to hear music at Wesleyan.
The Music Department considers attendance at concerts, masterclasses, and recitals to be an essential part of the music student's education.
Performing Opportunities. Master classes are offered regularly in voice, organ, and piano. Performance classes and department recitals provide the student opportunities to perform before an audience of her peers. The Concert Choir, Wesleyannes, and Percussion and Instrumental Ensembles offer additional performance opportunities for students.
Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1-5PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10AM-2PM.
Event listing
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