Expanding Horizons
The Department of Music is committed to fostering the creativity of all students by increasing the breadth of their musical knowledge and experience Our unique curriculum integrates theory and practice, encouraging students to see the connections between their individual study, participation in ensembles, and course work. In its commitment to breadth, the Department provides many opportunities for study and performance abroad, hosts an annual international piano competition, and houses an active student chapter of the College Music Society. High Point students also interact with a wide range of guest artists, including prestigious scholars, professional health clinicians, and performers from the international concert, opera, music theater, jazz, and popular music stages.
Focused Curriculum
Throughout their time at High Point, students work with internationally recognized performing artists, and may participate in a wide variety of ensembles. Our faculty regularly mentor unique and innovative student projects in both research and performance. After building a foundation in basic musical literacy, students complete a four-semester Musicianship curriculum that integrates music theory, history, literature and aural skills. These courses illustrate the development of music in an organic and holistic manner, and incorporate analytical and historical projects related to the students solo and ensemble repertoire. In their later study, students may explore a variety of topics in the discipline in order to tailor their education to their individual interests.
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
- Operas
- Musical theater singers and actors
- Student teachers
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate research is especially encouraged at High Point, and the department works in collaboration with HPU Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works to promote both student work and student/faculty collaborations. The department houses a chapter of the College Music Society and actively mentors project development, research, writing, and submission of proposals in the Musicianship courses. HPU students have attended and presented at CMS regional conferences since 2016.
Getting Involved – Instrumental Ensembles
- Brass Ensemble
- Brass Quintet
- Cello Ensemble
- Clarinet Choir
- Flute Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Pep Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- Saxophone Ensemble
- String Quartet
- University Band
- University Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
Getting Involved – Vocal Ensembles
- Chamber Singers
- Chapel Choir
- Musical Theatre Scenes
- Opera Scenes
- University Singers
- Women’s Chorus
Getting Involved – Student-Led Ensembles
- Genesis Gospel Choir
- Off-Beats
- Petal Points
- Toccatatones
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 music
- Performing with touring professional groups
- Participating in summer stock
- Performing with regional musical theaters
- Accepting call-backs for national tours
- Teaching music in schools
- Accepting positions as church musicians
Featured Graduate Profiles:
Nick Pierle, ’16 – Attending graduate school for his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at East Carolina University
“Before every performance, Dr. Foster says, ‘Here at High Point University, we believe in the power of music to transform the lives of many and it begins with you.’ This quote has impacted where I am now because I believe that I will be able to impact the lives of many through music as I continue to develop my conducting skills at ECU.”
Thomas Lyons, ’16 – Pursuing a master’s degree in Church Music at Trinity Lutheran Seminary
“Always remember your major! So many times, I have found myself struggling to come up with how to write a paper or work on a project for class. I would recommend to look back to your home major and make connections with what you know and how it can connect with your projects.”
The Department of Music offers the B.A. degree in Music. To graduate from High Point University with this degree, students must complete the following:
B.A. in Music
| Major Requirements |
50 credits |
| University Core Requirements |
50 credits |
| Electives |
28 credits |
TOTAL
|
128 credits
|
Requirements for the B.A. in Music with a concentration in Voice (50 credits)
Theory/History/Aural Skills (22)
- MUS 1001. Aural Skills I (1)*
- MUS 1002. Music Theory I (2)
- MUS 1101. Aural Skills II (1)**
- MUS 1102. Music Theory II (2)
- MUS 2001. Musicianship I: Music Theory/History of Medieval – Renaissance (4)
- MUS 2101. Musicianship II: Music Theory/History of Baroque – Classical (4)
- MUS 3000. Musicianship III: Music Theory/History of the Romantic Era (4)
- MUS 3100. Musicianship IV: Music Theory/History of the 20th & 21st Centuries (4)
*This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1002.
**This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1102.
Ensemble (6) Choose six credits from the following:
- MUS 1300. Chamber Singers (1)
- MUS 1310. University Singers (1)
- MUS 1311. Women’s Chorus (1)
- MUS 1320. Chapel Choir (1)
Primary Instrument (8)
- MUS 1200. Voice Lessons (2)
- MUS 2200. Voice Lessons (2)
- MUS 3200. Voice Lessons (2)
- MUS 4200. Voice Lessons (2)
Performance Studies (8)
- MUS 1400. Diction for Singers I (2)
- MUS 2400. Diction for Singers II (2)
Choose 2 courses from the following:
- MUS 3400. Vocal Pedagogy I (2)
- MUS 3410. Conducting I (2)
- MUS 3540. Musical Theatre Literature (2)
- MUS 4400. Advanced Vocal Pedagogy & Literature (2)
- MUS 4410. Conducting II (2)
- MUS 4430. Group Vocal Technique (2)
DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES (12)
IN ADDITION, EACH VOICE MAJOR MUST COMPLETE:
- Half recital at the 3000 level.
- Full recital at the 4000 level.
- Keyboard proficiency exam.
- Concert attendance as outlined in the Music Student Handbook.
Requirements for the B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Piano or Organ (50 credits)
Theory/History/Aural Skills (22)
- MUS 1001. Aural Skills I (1)*
- MUS 1002. Music Theory I (2)
- MUS 1101. Aural Skills II (1)**
- MUS 1102. Music Theory II (2)
- MUS 2001. Musicianship I: Music Theory/History of Medieval – Renaissance (4)
- MUS 2101. Musicianship II: Music Theory/History of Baroque – Classical (4)
- MUS 3000. Musicianship III: Music Theory/History of the Romantic Era (4)
- MUS 3100. Musicianship IV: Music Theory/History of the 20th & 21st Centuries (4)
*This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1002.
**This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1102.
Ensemble (6) Choose six credits from the following:
- MUS 1300. Chamber Singers (1)
- MUS 1310. University Singers (1)
- MUS 1311. Women’s Chorus (1)
- MUS 1320. Chapel Choir (1)
- MUS 1335. Wind Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1340. Percussion Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1341. Jazz Ensemble (1)
Primary Instrument (8)
- MUS 1210. Piano Lessons (2)
- MUS 2210. Piano Lessons (2)
- MUS 3210. Piano Lessons (2)
- MUS 4210. Piano Lessons (2)
or
- MUS 1220. Organ Lessons (2)
- MUS 2220. Organ Lessons (2)
- MUS 3220. Organ Lessons (2)
- MUS 4220. Organ Lessons (2)
Performance Studies (8)
- MUS 3430. Piano Pedagogy & Literature (4)
Choose 2 courses from the following:
- MUS 1400. Diction for Singers I (2)
- MUS 2400. Diction for Singers II (2)
- MUS 3400. Vocal Pedagogy (2)
- MUS 3410. Conducting I (2)
- MUS 3420. Instrumental Literature & Pedagogy (2)
- MUS 3540. Musical Theatre Literature (2)
- MUS 4400. Advanced Vocal Pedagogy & Literature (2)
- MUS 4410. Conducting II (2)
- MUS 4430. Group Vocal Technique (2)
Departmental Electives (6)
In addition, each B.A. Piano/Organ major must complete:
- Half recital at the 3000 level
- Full recital at the 4000 level
- Keyboard proficiency exam
- Concert attendance as outlined in the Music Student Handbook
Requirements for the B.A. in Music with a Concentration in Instrumental Studies (50 credits)
Theory/History/Aural Skills (22)
- MUS 1001. Aural Skills I (1)*
- MUS 1002. Music Theory I (2)
- MUS 1101. Aural Skills II (1)**
- MUS 1102. Music Theory II (2)
- MUS 2001. Musicianship I: Music Theory/History of Medieval – Renaissance (4)
- MUS 2101. Musicianship II: Music Theory/History of Baroque – Classical (4)
- MUS 3000. Musicianship III: Music Theory/History of the Romantic Era (4)
- MUS 3100. Musicianship IV: Music Theory/History of the 20th & 21st Centuries (4)
*This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1002.
**This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1102.
Ensemble (6) Choose six credits from the following:
- MUS 1331. University Band (1)
- MUS 1335. Wind Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1337. University Orchestra (1)‡
- MUS 1341. Jazz Ensemble (1)^
‡Required of string majors.
^Credit given to guitar majors only.
Primary Instrument (8)
- MUS 1200. Instrumental Lessons (2)
- MUS 2200. Instrumental Lessons (2)
- MUS 3200. Instrumental Lessons (2)
- MUS 4200. Instrumental Lessons (2)
Performance Studies (8)
- MUS 3420. Instrumental Literature & Pedagogy (2)
- MUS 4830. Career in Music Seminar (1)
Choose 5 credits from the following:
- MUS 3410. Conducting I (2)
- MUS 4410. Conducting II (2)
- Small Instrumental Ensemble:
- MUS 1340. Percussion Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1341. Jazz Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1342. String Quartet (1)
- MUS 1343. Flute Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1344. Brass Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1345. Clarinet Choir (1)
- MUS 1346. Brass Quintet (1)
- MUS 1347. Cello Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1348. Saxophone Ensemble (1)
- MUS 1349. Guitar Ensemble (1)
Departmental Electives (6)
In addition, each B.A. Voice major must complete:
- Half recital at the 3000 level
- Full recital at the 4000 level
- Keyboard proficiency
- Concert attendance as outlined in the Music Student Handbook
Holistic Learning
As a part of the HPU Global Experience: An American Celebration of Music in Italy, students took a 10-day tour throughout Italy performing at some of the most renowned cathedrals and basilicas including St. Peter’s Basilica, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Siena Cathedral, Santa Maria de Ricci, Florence Cathedral and St. Mark’s Basilica. Students have also toured Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. During the spring 2017 semester, choir students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the Prague Institute and performing all across Europe on the weekends.
