B.A. Music - Music | Music | High Point University

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.