Major & Minor

Music

The study of music encompasses all aspects of instrumental, theoretical, historical, and compositional musical techniques.

Resources

New TabCourse Requirements

PDFMajor Checklist

PDFMinor Checklist

New TabMusic Scholarship Application

About the Music Major

Music occupies a unique and prominent position in many cultures around the world. Students in Southern Virginia University’s music program experience a dynamic and varied music concert and performance schedule with numerous concerts each year, including student recitals and ensembles, and are prepared to meet the ever-changing styles of music and shifting of the music industry.

With individualized teaching from professors, students experience a broad range of courses and instruction, including music theory and history, composition, vocal, piano, strings, harp, guitar, woodwinds, and percussion. With an emphasis in foundational music proficiency, students will master sight reading, technique, music history, and literature components for a broad exposure to different music styles.

Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn in the Music major:

Hear, identify, analyze, and work with the elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, texture, and dynamics.
Demonstrate an understanding of a wide selection of musical literature, representative composers, works, principal style periods, genres, and cultural and political movements.
Demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on a chosen instrument.
Knowledge of literature on chosen instrument, becoming acquainted with a cross-section of music from the repertory of the particular performance medium.
Develop ensemble techniques—correct breathing, blend, balance, tone production, and intonation—on a chosen instrument.

Career Opportunities

There is a wide array of potential careers with a music degree, including jobs in education, conducting, therapy, and more depending on your personal and professional goals. Learn where a career in music can take you.

Conductor
Singer
Band Director
Music Therapist
Musician
Teacher

Getting Started in the Music Major

Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Music Major today.

Enroll

Begin by taking Music in Civilization (MUS 215) in your first year

Contact Your Advisor

Get in touch with New Tab, Open Bio for: Professor Megan Mason to discuss your interests and goals

Declare

Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office

Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.

Music Faculty

Megan Mason

Associate Professor of Music; Fine & Performing Arts Division Chair; Director of Chamber Music

Jakob Hofer

Assistant Professor of Music; Orchestra Director

Mackenzie Romriell

Associate Professor of Music; Music Program Coordinator; Director of Vocal Performance

Michael Black

Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Bands

“Music is always changing and evolving, so we provide our students with a strong understanding of foundational music principles, music history and literature, and exposure to many different kinds of music styles so they can not only find their own personal style, but also grow and thrive with the music trends.”

—Megan Mason, Music Program Coordinator

Join an Ensemble

Orchestra

Your music is part of your identity and worth continuing at Southern Virginia University. See how joining our Camerata can transform your college experience.

Request Info

Join an Ensemble

Vocal

In Southern Virginia University’s vocal ensembles, your director is devoted to providing you with a personalized, engaging, and faith-filled experience. Join with friends who share your passion for transcendent music making and uplift and inspire audiences with your voice.

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Join an Ensemble

Vocal

Request Info

Related Programs and Concentrations

Business Management & Leadership Major/Minor Choral Studies Concentration Instrumental Studies Concentration Liberal Arts Major

Music Education Concentration Music Therapy Concentration Piano Studies Concentration Vocal Studies Concentration

Alumni Success

Patrick Summers (’15)

Master of Arts in Musical Theatre at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland — ranked sixth in the world among performing arts institutions

Alumni Success

Mckenzie Kitchen (’19)

NYC vocal instructor, production assistant, and professional performer in venues including Carnegie Hall

Alumni Success

Ashley Prince (’22)

With plans to pursue a career in vocal performance, this fall Ashley Prince will attend the East Carolina University School of Music—one of the premier recognized and comprehensive music schools in the Southeast where she will pursue a masters in music with a concentration in vocal performance.

In the News

Chamber Singers and Concert Chorale Perform at Carnegie Hall

Southern Virginia University Chamber Singers and Concert Chorale traveled to New York City to perform in concert in Carnegie Hall as part of the Manhattan Concert Productions’ “The Road Home” on March 18.

In the News

Calling the Tune: How Three Music Majors’ Summer Experiences Are Cultivating Their Future Careers

Knights have the opportunity to receive personalized mentorship from their professors for their chosen careers. Through these professional relationships, several music students were connected to jobs and internships this summer that allowed them to further develop their skills as musicians.

Alumni Success

Mckenzie Kitchen (’19)

NYC vocal instructor, production assistant, and professional performer in venues including Carnegie Hall