Welcome
The study of music is one of the basic elements of a well-rounded liberal arts college experience. Research indicates that students who study music not only develop their own creative potential, but experience greater achievement in other academic areas as well. The music program at High Point University is unique in that it currently offers three Bachelor of Arts degree concentrations in music: General Studies, Vocal Music Studies and Keyboard Studies. A minor in music is also available.
A Focused Curriculum
All three degree programs have been designed so that your education is grounded in the principles and methods of performance practice and musicianship. The arts are fundamental to the Liberal Arts experience at High Point: they help define what it means to be human. Carefully designed courses allow you to acquire the specialized knowledge necessary to provide a firm foundation for your anticipated career path. Creative scholarship, personal growth and accomplishment, and the joy of discovery merge to create an understanding of the wholeness of life.
Graduates
Music majors at High Point University receive practical training through performance, research, competition, and internships. Here is a sample of what some of our graduates are doing now:
• pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in choral music
• singing with touring professional a cappella groups
• participating in summer stock and year-round regional musical theater
• accepting call-backs for national tours
• teaching music in schools
• accepting positions as church musicians
Student Focused Faculty
Faculty members at High Point University's Department of Music are committed to the academic and professional development of all student musicians. In fact, many students currently in the program are not music majors; they are dedicated student musicians. If you are a musician with interests beyond music, then High Point University's music program has a place for you. Faculty members hold terminal degrees from nationally accredited universities. They maintain professional affiliations, attend annual conferences in their field, and perform extensively in the US and abroad. Members of our faculty also continue to pursue current research in music. The use of new techniques, new ideas in performance practice and innovative materials keep their classrooms exciting and energizing.
Engaged Learning
Outside the classroom you can choose to participate in a variety of ensembles in the Triad Area that will prepare you for graduate study or provide you with useful relevant job experience. Area ensembles include two professional symphonies, a professional choir, and numerous choral ensembles and church choirs. These experiences provide real-life opportunities for engaged learning, internships and future jobs in the field. In recent years, HPU music students have completed internships in a variety of settings, some of which have resulted in employment:
• church organists
• church pianists
• voice section leaders
• musical theater singers and actors
• operas
• student teachers
Research Opportunities
At High Point University you have the option of developing the research topic of your choice. Topics may include but are not limited to the following:
• performance practice
• music history
• music technology
• music composition
• music literature
Individualized curriculums are available for interested students who wish to pursue careers in other specialized areas in music, such as music management and musical theater.