Program Overview

The Department of Music at High Point University challenges students to not only refine their technical skills through lessons and ensemble participation, but also to improve their musicianship through multiple solo and ensemble performances. All current and prospective students who have a background in music are encouraged to consider either a major or minor in music or double majoring in music and another subject area.

A Focused Curriculum

The music curriculum offered at High Point University is unique, innovative and reflective of the highest standards in collegiate music instruction. By utilizing an integrative learning style, our curriculum gives students a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the art of music-making in the 21st century.

We have developed a new method of teaching by integrating the disciplines of music theory, music history, aural skills, and music literature into a single, four-semester sequence of “music core” classes. The sequence of courses presents the essentials of music theory and aural skills, while exploring the development of music in history, and continuously applying the theoretical concepts of music to actual performances. This integrative learning style enables students to understand the development of music in an organic and holistic manner, and teaches them how what they learn in the classroom is directly applicable to their work on their individual instrument and ultimately, to the stage.

Additionally, our curriculum allows each student to take free departmental electives in their junior and senior years that can enhance their specific areas of interest. In this way, we can fully prepare our students for however they choose to use the B.A. degree in music after leaving HPU. Some potential areas of secondary emphasis are Music Business, Jazz Studies, Sacred Music, Musical Theatre, Opera, Music Technology, Music Education, etc. Because students are given so much flexibility within the degree program, the possibilities for secondary areas are almost limitless.What are our Graduates doing?

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

BA in Music with Concentration in Piano or Organ: (50 credits):

MUSIC CORE 16 credits

• MUS 1000. Music Core I (4)
• MUS 1100. Music Core II (4)
• MUS 2000. Music Core III (4)
• MUS 2100. Music Core IV (4)

ENSEMBLE 8 credits selected from:

• MUS 1310. University Singers
• MUS 1300. Chamber Singers
• MUS 1320. Chapel Choir
• MUS 1340. Instrumental Ensembles

PERFORMANCE AND MUSICIANSHIP 14 credits

• 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)

—or –

• MUS 3430. Piano Pedagogy (2)
• MUS 3510. Piano/Organ Literature (2)
• MUS 3410. Conducting I (2)

DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES 12 credits

IN ADDITION, EACH BA INSTRUMENTAL STUDIES MAJOR MUST COMPLETE:

• Half solo recital at the 3000 level
• Full solo recital at the 4000 level
• Keyboard proficiency
• Concert attendance as outlined in the Music Student Handbook

Students will be advised in electing additional courses that will complement their career goals.