Music at Muskingum

The music program at Muskingum University offers majors in Music and Music Education and minors in Music, Music Theatre, Popular Music, and Music & Culture. Additional pathways are available in Music Business, Arts Management, Music Production, and Music Therapy. With five full-time faculty and numerous artist affiliates, the program is large enough to offer a variety of study and performance opportunities, yet small enough to ensure that your unique needs are always met.  

Students from across campus participate in a range of performance opportunities, including core ensembles like Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir, specialized groups like Steel Drum Band and Muskie Rocks, and unique partnerships with semi-professional ensembles like the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra (SEOSO). Summer camps offer high school students the opportunity to hone their musical skills while enjoying Muskingum’s beautiful campus.

An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1935, the music department is also accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Ohio Department of Education. The music department is housed in Otto and Fran Walter Hall, one of the newest academic buildings at Muskingum, which boasts two recital halls for choral and instrumental rehearsals and performances; acoustically designed classrooms, studios, and practice rooms; a keyboard and composition laboratory; and a student lounge area.

MISSION

The mission of the Department of Music at Muskingum University is to develop students from across campus as lifelong musicians and/or supporters of music and, in considering music as a humanistic practice, to encourage respect and understanding for the diversity of human experience. It promotes a welcoming, supportive, and collaborative environment that meets students where they are. The department creates tailored and experiential learning opportunities that build a path to individual student success in school, in future careers, and in life.

VISION

In support of our mission, we strive to:

• Create a caring community that welcomes students from all backgrounds, skills, and experiences and generates paths to success across a diversity of interests and goals.
• Encourage respect and understanding for the diversity of human experience through teaching practices, course development, choice of repertoire, and departmental programming.
• Be a disciplinary leader in curriculum development, constantly working to build a program that is engaging, relevant, and rigorous for twenty-first century learners.
• Continuously evaluate and reflect on our policies and practices to ensure we remain at the forefront of teaching, learning, curriculum development, and community-building.

PROGRAM LEARNING GOALS

• Develop proficiency in performance, skills in collaboration, and an appreciation for diverse musical styles through participation in lessons and ensembles.
• Demonstrate musicianship through technical skills and theoretical knowledge in study and performance.
• Articulate the role and characteristics of music throughout history and around the world.
• Exhibit enthusiasm to listen to, create, and advocate for music and the arts throughout their lives.