Music

The Department of Music offers the most comprehensive set of degree programs for music majors in the region and provides outstanding musical opportunities for all North Dakota State University students.

The Program

NDSU music features excellent students, faculty, staff and facilities. The program has been continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1970, and has a strong tradition of excellence in ensembles dating back to 1904. The faculty and staff are committed to providing the best musical opportunities for all NDSU students-whether they aspire to careers as professional musicians or merely wish to take advantage of NDSU's numerous musical opportunities.

The Faculty

NDSU music faculty members have international credentials in performance, music education and academic studies. All fulltime faculty members have doctorates in music, and adjunct faculty members and graduate students provide additional instruction to achieve a well-balanced program.

The Degrees

NDSU music offers the largest variety of degree programs in the region, from liberal arts degrees with emphases in music to professional music degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level.

All undergraduate music majors take courses in music theory, music literature, music history, and conducting; receive private lessons on a selected instrument and/or voice; and participate in a major ensemble. Other courses are selected within chosen areas of concentration. In all programs, applied instrumental or vocal studies develop musicianship and performance ability. Students are accepted for private lessons depending upon demonstrated musical ability and available staff resources.

The bachelor of arts (B.A.) and bachelor of science in music (B.S.) are liberal arts degrees with an emphasis in music. In addition to a general education core and the music concentration, students complete either a two-year competency in a foreign language or a complementary minor. Students take 18-19 credits in music electives.

The bachelor of science in education (B.S. Ed.) degree for music educators leads to certification for North Dakota public schools with a primary area of either instrumental music or voice/choral music.

The bachelor of music in performance (B.Mus.) leads to professional performing careers or preparation for graduate school. Students select a concentration in either instrumental, vocal or piano studies.

NDSU offers the master of music (M.M.) and the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degrees with concentrations in performance or conducting. The degrees are designed for (1) performers, conductors and music industry professionals wishing to achieve the highest level of performance and conducting skills and (2) music teachers wishing to update and increase their knowledge in content areas of performance and/or conducting.

Further, the Department of Music offers a minor in music consisting of 21 credit hours of music classes including applied study, ensembles, academic studies and electives.

Curriculum guides for all programs are available from the Division of Fine Arts.

Career Opportunities

Degree programs in music education prepare students for opportunities as elementary, high school or college teachers, while professional degree students usually seek performing or conducting careers. Graduates often choose careers as professional teachers, instrumentalists or vocalists and conductors. There are also more generalized opportunities in various music industries.

Music Performance Organizations

All music ensembles are open to any NDSU student without regard to major, and provide course credit (generally one semester hour for each group listed). Ensembles are some of the most rewarding experiences in college, and all students with musical interests are encouraged to participate.

The Gold Star Marching Band plays for all home NDSU football games and marches in special events fall semester. The group rehearses three days per week and is open to all students.

The Concert Choir mmeets five days per week, both fall and spring semesters. Open by audition, the group tours regionally or nationally on an annual basis and to European countries every four years.

The Gold Star Concert Band is NDSU's large concert ensemble for wind and percussion instruments. Members meet five days per week spring semester and tour annually. Open by audition.

The NDSU Wind Ensemble is a smaller ensemble that plays standard wind and percussion literature. The group practices together two days per week fall semester, and is open by audition.

A smaller ensemble, Madrigal Singers perform repertoire from the Medieval through contemporary periods. This auditioned group meets three days per week fall and spring semesters and produces the annual Madrigal Dinner in December.

The Jazz Ensembles are two jazz big bands, generally of about 20 musicians each. Ensembles meet two or three times per week fall and spring semesters. Open by audition.

In Opera Workshop, opera scenes are rehearsed and produced each semester. This auditioned group meets twice per week.

Another mixed choir, University Chorus, is open by audition for section placement. Primarily for instrumental music majors and those wishing a non-major choral experience, this group meets fall and spring semesters.

A medium sized concert band, Varsity Band is open to all students by audition for section placement. Primarily for vocal music majors and those wishing a non-major band experience, Varsity Band meets three times per week spring semester.

Brass Ensemble is an auditioned group of up to 24 musicians playing brass literature from all periods, meeting two or three times per week fall and spring semesters.

About 40 women performing treble literature from all periods meets three times per week for Women's Chorus. Open by audition.

About 12 men performing literature from all periods meet twice per week for Men's Ensemble. Open by audition only

Chamber ensembles include the percussion ensemble, trombone ensemble, brass chamber ensembles, woodwind chamber ensembles (including flute quartets, clarinet ensembles, saxophone quartets and mixed woodwinds), vocal chamber ensembles, piano chamber ensembles and jazz combos.

The Curricula

Music degree programs vary because of the numerous options available. All music degrees, however, feature a general core of music classes that includes applied lessons, ensembles, supportive music courses, academic music studies and electives. Curriculum guides are available online and from the Department of Music.

Following are the core requirements for all music majors. Each degree allows for flexibility in the student's program. However, students must meet with an academic adviser to learn about additional degree requirements.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Music
North Dakota State University
Reineke Fine Arts Center
PO Box 5691
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7932
Fax: (701) 231-2085
Email: EJ.Miller@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/finearts/music/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(12/08)