Music at Ozarks
Major
The aims of the music program at Ozarks are parallel to those of the overall university mission. It provides coursework that encourages student intellectual development. The theory courses teach skills in musical analysis that deepen critical thinking skills; the music history courses explore, not only factual information about musical styles, repertoire and composers, but also the wider social, historical, and cultural context of the music, contributing to a broader knowledge of human culture. All music students-and many non-music majors-participate in ensembles, providing an environment in which to further social development. Choir tours and concerts on- and off-campus provide opportunities to interact with a wide variety of people and to acquire the cooperative teamwork skills necessary for a successful performance. The applied music lessons taken to achieve solo performance skills require the development of self-discipline for technical progress and self-awareness for artistic expression. Spiritual development is an implicit component of all these activities. Much of the ensemble music is drawn from the sacred music repertoire and performed for chapel services, providing spiritual inspiration for the whole campus community, not just the performers. Music-making in itself is essentially a spiritual activity, requiring the performer to think about and respond to ideas that do not find easy expression in ordinary words and everyday human activity. Moreover, the music program contributes to the development of general students, not just music majors, providing opportunities for all University students to experience music both as performers and listeners and to deepen aesthetic understanding through the many fine arts/music courses offered in the general education program.
Aims of the Music Program
1. Graduates will have performance skills sufficient to enter graduate programs in music or to pursue professional training for employment in a music field.
2. They will have sufficient knowledge of music theory and music history to enter graduate programs in music.
3. They will gain an understanding of music in relation to its historical and cultural context and learn to integrate music with another discipline.
4. They will acquire critical listening and analysis skills sufficient to identify-both in written and aural form music from different periods, styles and cultures.
5. They will explore thoughtfully the place of music in their lives and to others and its value, not only as a medium for entertainment and self-expression, but also as a tool for developing self-discipline and as a positive, transformative force in creating teamwork and community.
6. They will develop, through their courses in music and through various co-curricular programs, the qualities we expect of all Ozarks students: an ability to think critically and to communicate effectively, a knowledge of human culture, and an awareness of one’s responsibilities to oneself, humanity, the planet, and one’s creator.
Requirements for a Major
In addition to other requirements listed below, students majoring in music must fulfill the following
course requirements:
MUS 1014, MUS 1024, MUS 1113, MUS 2014, MUS 3102, MUS 3124, MUS 3134, MUS 3144, MUS 3154, MUS 4443,
Applied Lessons,
Ensemble
Students pursue a bachelor of arts degree in music. Performance instruction is provided in either voice or keyboard. In consultation with their advisors, students are encouraged to combine their musical training with courses in another field—religion, education, business, science or communications, e.g.—in order to pursue a curriculum appropriate to the pursuit of career goals. All music majors must participate in at least one ensemble each semester they are enrolled in a curriculum leading to a degree in music (with a maximum of 4 hours of credit). All music majors must satisfy the piano proficiency requirements. Those with a concentration in keyboard performance must satisfy the piano proficiency requirement by the end of their sophomore year. Those with a concentration in vocal performance must satisfy the piano proficiency requirement to graduate. All music majors will be required to pass a comprehensive progress review with the music faculty prior to being admitted to the upper-level music classroom courses (3000/4000 LEC). Prerequisites for this review include: Successful completion (a grade of C- or better) of the music theory sequence (MUS 1014, 1024, 2014); Successful completion (a grade of C or better) of Introduction to Music Literature (MUS 1113)
Prospective students are encouraged to view Ozarks suggested eight semester plans before pursuing a degree in Music.
Minor
For those interested in a minor in Music at Ozarks, click here.
