Music | High Point University

The High Point University Department of Music integrative learning style, and curriculum gives you a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the art of music-making in the 21st century. We have developed a method of teaching that integrates the disciplines of music theory, music history, aural skills and music literature into a single four-semester sequence of "integrative musicianship" classes.
Both the Instrumental and Choral international tours have included trips to Italy, Germany, Austria, England and Scotland, as well as annual national tours to locations from coast to coast.
UPCOMING CONCERTS.

Music Brochure

Contact the Office of Admissions

One University Parkway High Point, NC 27268

EVENTS CALENDAR Undergraduate Admissions Campus Map

(800) 345-6993

(336) 841-9216

(336) 888-6382

[email protected]

Daily from 8:30am — 5:00pm.

Faculty and Staff

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Marc Foster

Chair and Professor of Music

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-4551

Candice Burrows

Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice

[email protected]

336-491-0477

Brian Meixner

Director of Instrumental Studies

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9556

John Turner

Associate Professor of Music

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9419

Wei Jiao

Associate Professor of Music

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9554

Louis Raymond-Kolker

Instructor of Music

[email protected]

336-841-2807

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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.

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.

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

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

Chamber Singers
Chapel Choir
Musical Theatre Scenes
Opera Scenes
University Singers
Women’s Chorus

Genesis Gospel Choir
Off-Beats
Petal Points
Toccatatones

For more information, contact Dr. Marc Foster, chair of the Department of Music, [email protected], 336-841-4551.

Course Requirements 2022/2023

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Degree Requirements	Credits
Major Requirements	48
University Core Requirements	36-44
Electives	36-44
Total	128

Minor in Music

Minor Requirements	Credits
Course Requirements	22
Total	22

Requirements for B.A. in Music

Course	Course Title	Credits
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
MUS 2001	Musicianship I: Improvisation	4
MUS 2101	Musicianship II: Arranging	4
MUS 3000	Musicianship III: Narratives	4
MUS 3100	Musicianship IV: Communication	4
Requirements for a Minor in Music with a Concentration in Voice (22 credits) Theory/History/Aural Skills (6) Ensemble (4) Choose four 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 (4)
MUS 1200	Voice Lessons	2
MUS 2200	Voice Lessons	2
Performance Studies (4)
MUS 1400	Diction for Singers I	2
Choose 1 course from the following
MUS 2400	Diction for Singers II	2
MUS 3400	Vocal Pedagogy	2
MUS 3410	Conducting I	2
MUS 3540	Musical Theater Literature	2
MUS 4410	Conducting II	2
MUS 4430	Group Vocal Technique	2
Requirements for a Minor in Music with a Concentration in Piano or Organ (22 credits) Theory/History/Aural Skills (6)
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Ensemble (6) Choose four 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 (4)
MUS 1210	Piano Lessons	2
MUS 2210	Piano Lessons	2
or
MUS 1220	Organ Lessons	2
MUS 2220	Organ Lessons	2
Performance Studies (6)
MUS 3430	Piano Pedagogy and Literature	4
Choose one course 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 and Pedagogy	2
MUS 3540	Musical Theater Literature	2
MUS 4400	Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and Literature	2
MUS 4410	Conducting II	2
MUS 4430	Group Vocal Technique	2
Requirements for a Minor in Music with a Concentration in Instrumental Studies (22 credits) Theory/History/Aural Skills (6)
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Ensemble (4) ‡ Required of string majors. ^ Credit given to guitar majors only.
MUS 1331	University Band	1
MUS 1335	Wind Ensemble	1
MUS 1336	University Orchestra	1‡
MUS 1341	Jazz Ensemble	1^
Primary Instrument (4)
MUS 12XX	Instrumental Lessons	2
MUS 22XX	Instrumental Lessons	2
Performance Studies (4)
MUS 3420	Instrumental Literature and Pedagogy	2
Choose two 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
Course Descriptions

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 exam.
• Concert attendance as outlined in the Music Student Handbook.

Requirements for Minor in Music

Course	Course Title	Credits
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Requirements for Minor in Music with a Concentration in Voice (22 credits) Theory/History/Aural Skills from the list above (6) Ensemble (4) 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 (4)
MUS 1200	Voice Lessons	2
MUS 2200	Voice Lessons	2
Performance Studies (4)
MUS 1400	Diction for Singers I	2
Choose 1 course from the following:
MUS 2400	Diction for Singers II	2
MUS 3400	Vocal Pedagogy	2
MUS 3410	Conducting I	2
MUS 4400	Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Literature	2
MUS 3540	Musical Theater Literature	2
MUS 4410	Conducting II	2
MUS 4430	Group Vocal Technique	2
Departmental Electives (4) Course Descriptions
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Ensemble (4) 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 (4)
MUS 1210	Piano Lessons	2
MUS 2210	Piano Lessons	2
or
MUS 1220	Organ Lessons	2
MUS 2220	Organ Lessons	2
Performance Studies (6)
MUS 3430	Piano Pedagogy and Literature	4
Choose one course 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 and Pedagogy	2
MUS 3540	Musical Theatre Literature	2
MUS 4500	Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and Literature	2
MUS 4410	Conducting II	2
MUS 4430	Group Vocal Technique	2
Requirements for the Minor in Music with a Concentration in Piano or Organ (22 credits
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Ensemble (4) Choose four 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 (4)
MUS 1210	Piano Lessons	2
MUS 2210	Piano Lessons	2
or
MUS 1220	Organ Lessons	2
MUS 2220	Organ Lessons	2
Performance Studies (6)
MUS 3430	Piano Pedagogy and Literature	4
Choose one course 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 and Pedagogy	2
MUS 3540	Musical Theatre Literature	2
MUS 4500	Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and Literature	2
MUS 4410	Conducting II	2
MUS 4430	Group Vocal Technique	2
Requirements for the Minor in Music with a Concentration in Instrumental Studies (22 credits)
MUS 1001	Aural Skills I	1*
MUS 1002	Music Theory I	2
MUS 1101	Aural Skills I	1**
MUS 1102	Music Theory II	2
Ensemble (4)
MUS 1331	University Band	1
MUS 1335	Wind Ensemble	1
MUS 1336	University Orchestra	1‡
MUS 1341	Jazz Ensemble	1^
Primary Instrument (4)
MUS 12XX	Instrumental Lessons	2
MUS 22XX	Instrumental Lessons	2
Performance Studies (4)
MUS 3420	Instrumental Literature and Pedagogy	2
Choose two 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
Requirements for the Minor in Musical Theatre (20 credits)*
THE 1100	Theatre Participation	2**
THE 1200	Fundamentals of Acting	4
MUS 1350	Musical Theatre Scenes	2**
THE 2250	Intermediate Acting	4
THE 2420. Jazz Dance	Jazz Dance	4
THE 2450	Tap	4
MUS 3540	Musical Theatre Literature	2
MUS 3600	Musical Theatre History	2
* This curriculum is for Music majors only. An alternative curriculum for Theatre majors may be found in the Department of Theatre and Dance section of this Bulletin. ** 1 credit per semester for two semester

Notes:
* This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1002.
** This course is a co-requisite with MUS 1102.

Ensembles

Requirements for a Minor in Musical Theater (20 credits)

Course	Course Title	Credits
DNC 2200 or DNC 2300	Jazz Dance or Tap	4
Two 1 credit dance studio experiences. Choose from:
DNC 2001	Contemporary Dance Studio	1
DNC 2101	Ballet Dance Studio	1
DNC 2201	Jazz Dance Studio	1

MUS 1200	Voice Lessons	One credit per semester for 2 semesters (2 credits total)
MUS 2200	Voice Lessons	One credit per semester for 2 semesters (2 credits total)
MUS 1360	Musical Theater Scenes	One credit per semester for 2 semesters (2 credits total)
MUS 3540 or MUS 3600	Musical Theater Literature or Musical Theater History	2
THE 1200	Fundamentals of Acting	4
THE 2210 or THE 2220	Voice & Dialect or Movement for Actors	2
Total Credits			20

Career Opportunities

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:

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Pursuing graduate degrees in music, both masters and doctoral degrees
Performing with touring professional ensembles
Participating in summer stock theater
Performing with regional and national musical theaters
Performing in a variety of roles at Disney World
Teaching music in elementary, middle, and high schools
Working as full-time or part-time church musicians
Conducting and/or performing in regional civic ensembles
Working in non-music careers, but continuing their passion for music in avocational ways

Student Outcomes

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Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve. Name: Mia Spies; Class of 2027 Hometown: Oak Island, North Carolina Major: Religion; minor in Music…

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Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve. Name: Mark Epstein; Class of 2026 Hometown: Novato, California Major: Marketing and Music Internship plans: Mark will…

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Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve. Name: Emma Longboat, Class of 2025 Hometown: Wading River, New York Major: Music; minor in Education…

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Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve. Name: Christian Sawina, Class of 2024 Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey Major: Finance with a minor…

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Hannah Kennedy

QuaverEd

HPU graduates are leading prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other…

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Dakota Tameling

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

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With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

Read full story

Pursuing graduate degrees in music, both masters and doctoral degrees
Performing with touring professional ensembles
Participating in summer stock theater
Performing with regional and national musical theaters
Performing in a variety of roles at Disney World
Teaching music in elementary, middle, and high schools
Working as full-time or part-time church musicians
Conducting and/or performing in regional civic ensembles
Working in non-music careers, but continuing their passion for music in avocational ways

Keep Reading

Study Abroad

At High Point University, our emphasis on global perspectives is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their international awareness and to develop their cross-cultural communication skills. Study abroad is strongly encouraged as a part of this emphasis on global studies. With a variety of extraordinary options at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, students at High Point University are encouraged to study abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year. Employers are looking for more than just a degree; they want well-rounded individuals who have familiarity with diverse cultures, special skills, and knowledge of the world around them.

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Register for an Audition

Prospective music majors and minors are required to audition and earn acceptance into the Department of Music.

Community Orchestra

We are looking for students, faculty, staff, and community members to join the HPU Community Orchestra!

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