Majors  >  Music

USAO has a vibrant and engaging music program. The program’s mission is to train students to be capable and effective music educators and to prepare graduates for the workplace or for graduate study in music. All of USAO’s full-time music faculty members hold the terminal degree in their field. In addition, USAO has superb music facilities and two degree tracks in music that students may pursue.

A second part of the program’s mission is to support the overall mission of USAO by providing coursework and ensemble participation opportunities, thereby enhancing the liberal arts curriculum and encouraging engagement in the arts for the general student population. The USAO music program and other arts programs serve as the arts hub for the area, enriching the lives of local citizens through concerts, art shows and theater productions. Visit the Music Department webpage to learn more about our programs.

Why Major in Music at USAO

• Small classes with lots of individual attention

• No teaching assistants. All classes and private instruction are with highly qualified instructors

• Many opportunities for performing

• Excellent facilities

• All full time music faculty members have doctoral degrees.

• Many scholarships are available for incoming freshman and returning music students

• Nearly 100% placement of students graduating with teacher certification

• Many cultural and musical experiences through the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series

• USAO is one of the 600-plus institutions nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music

• The music program is part of the broad-based liberal arts focus at USAO

Performance Opportunities
Exciting and rewarding performance opportunities are available through participation in the Concert Choir, Concert Band, Pep Band, Showband, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Key Players synthesizer ensemble, Opera Scenes Class and Music Theatre Productions. In addition, the music program often offers special performance classes.

Music majors must select on of the following areas of specialization:

Voice Specialization (13 hours)

• Six hours of MUSC 1051 Concert Choir
• Three hours of MUSC 3513 Voice Diction and Pedagogy
• Four hours of piano as a secondary instrument

Piano Specialization (13 hours)

• Three hours of MUSC 2101 Accompanying
• Six hours of MUSC 1051 Concert Choir or MUSC 1081 Concert Band
• Four hours of secondary instruments

Instrumental Specialization (13 hours)

• Six hours of MUSC 1081 Concert Band
• One hour of MUSC 1051 Concert Choir or MUSC 1021 Class Voice
• Four hours of piano
• Two hours of another secondary instrument

Composition Specialization (13 hours)

• Six hours of MUSC 1051 Concert Choir or MUSC 1081 Concert Band
• Four hours of piano
• Three hours of a secondary instrument

Students also must choose one area of emphasis (list to the right). Additional classes may be required. See the catalog for complete details.

Note: Items on this page and page links are intended for informational purposes only. Please consult the current USAO catalog for actual class requirements for this or any other major field of study. Current USAO students should consult their advisor.