PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Music
Music
Ned Kirk, D.M.A., Chair
The music department offers a challenging and enriching curriculum for music majors, minors and
students wishing to pursue music as an avocation. Music majors prepare themselves for one of a variety
of careers in performance, education, music industry, music ministry, or graduate school. Saint Mary's
University offers majors in liturgical music, music, music performance (all wind instruments, keyboard
and composition), music education (K-12 classroom and vocal or K-12 classroom and instrumental),
and music industry (either music business or music technology). A popular option for students is to
complete the bachelor’s degree with a major in either music or music performance and continuing at
Saint Mary’s in the Master of Arts in Instruction program; in a total of five years and one summer session
qualified students, once certified, have a master’s degree and Minnesota teaching licensure.
General Department Goals
Music degree programs develop the skills required for success in any of several career paths.
• Musical study provides students with opportunities to develop and enrich their personal and spiritual
lives, explore the connection of music to various cultures and historical periods, and develop the
basis for life-long participation in the arts.
• Music majors who complete graduation requirements from the Saint Mary's music department
demonstrate knowledge of music history, including western music, world music and contemporary
musical styles.
• Music majors demonstrate analytical skills in the areas of music theory and aural skills, analysis of
music from all historical periods, and develop skills and understanding in conducting, arranging,
improvisation and technology.
• Music majors demonstrate performance skills appropriate to their major with their primary
instrument or voice, as well as piano skills appropriate to their major emphasis.
The music faculty are active professionals and nurturing mentors for students. Faculty members and
students present an ambitious calendar of recitals and concerts each year. Please see the course
descriptions for complete listings of student ensembles, all of which perform on a regular basis, many of
which tour regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Students anticipating majoring in music should take music fundamentals, applied lessons, ensembles,
and experiencing music during their first year. Music, music performance, and music education majors
should take MU125 Keyboard Musicianship I and MU126 Keyboard Musicianship II, normally in the
sophomore year. Many courses are offered in a rotating biennial schedule; students are responsible for
completing required courses when they are offered.
Students are officially admitted to majors within the music department on the basis of an audition and
are expected to successfully complete a comprehensive sophomore review (MU299), which includes a
portfolio assessment, essays, interview, and juried performance examination.
Majors Offered:
Liturgical Music
Music
Music Education (either Classroom & Instrumental Track or Classroom & Vocal Track)
Music Industry (either Business Track or Technology Track)
Music Performance
Minor Offered:
Music
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