COURSE CURRICULUM

Concentrations within this professional music degree allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest, providing deeper knowledge, practical experience, and clearer career direction. By selecting a concentration, students can tailor their studies to align with their professional goals while also gaining access to mentorship, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities throughout their program.The Composition concentration focuses on developing the skills needed to create original music across a variety of genres, including symphonic works, chamber music, electronic compositions, and music for media. Students receive individualized instruction that emphasizes creativity, musicianship, and the technical aspects of composing, preparing them for careers in composition and related creative fields.The Music Education concentration is designed for students who want to become professional music teachers. It follows an accredited curriculum that builds strong musical knowledge and teaching skills, with options in choral or instrumental music. A key component of this pathway is field experience, including a semester of student teaching, which provides practical classroom exposure and prepares students for careers in education.The Music Therapy concentration prepares students to use music as a therapeutic tool in healthcare and community settings. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and special education environments, or even establish private practices or consulting roles. The program also prepares students to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists (MT-BC) exam. This concentration can be completed with or without applied studio lessons, depending on the student’s goals and audition requirements.The Performance concentration is ideal for students aiming to build careers as professional musicians or continue into graduate study. Students can focus on areas such as jazz, orchestral instruments, organ, piano, or voice. The curriculum emphasizes performance opportunities alongside music history and theory, helping students develop both technical excellence and a strong artistic foundation.