Peter and Judy Jackson Music Program

We strive to offer a diverse and flexible undergraduate program that enables students to grow as musicians. Our uniquely designed curriculum includes opportunities to study and perform music, not only within the European Classical tradition, but also in distinctively American genres such as Jazz, rock and pop, as well as music from other cultures. Our program incorporates study tracks in performance (instrumental and vocal), music technology, liberal arts (traditional track) and music education (with K-12 teacher certification).

Therefore, the program accommodates the contemporary student who is seeking an understanding of music as part of a fundamental cultural education and the student who seeks a career as a professional musician, a music teacher or in the music industry. The division fosters a supportive “one-on-one” environment designed to enable students to gain admission to graduate programs and desirable musical appointments.

• To provide a diverse, well-balanced, and extensive musical experience
• To foster a healthy musical atmosphere that enables student to grow and develop their musicianship skills to their highest potential
• To prepare students for graduate study or a career in music (or related field)
• To recruit and retain high-quality students who will excel within our program
• To continue to have a major presence within the education and cultural life of the university and community

The traditional Bachelor of Arts curriculum is designed to provide a broad-based knowledge of all aspects of music history, theory, performance, and pedagogy for students seeking a general understanding of music to compliment a career in any profession. 

The goal of this track is to provide a comprehensive background in music, including theory, history, applied lessons, and performance, while also offering students the flexibility to focus in an additional area of study as a minor or second major.

Track Requirements

The Traditional Track provides a general study of music with applied lessons and performance opportunities for students looking to combine a music major with another area of study.

Review our program requirements in the catalog:

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Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Traditional majors need to audition on a musical instrument? Yes! In addition to receiving official acceptance from Salisbury University, every music major (in any of our five tracks) needs to audition into the program. See audition information below.
• What happens if I don't pass my audition? If you don't pass your audition, you will be offered the option to become a "pre-music major." Pre-music majors take applied lessons on their instrument for a semester, working with their instructor specifically to prepare for a second audition. During their time as pre-music majors, students are also able to take other music courses, such as theory, history, and music technology. While we try to work with pre-music majors to fit their requirements into eight semesters, there is always a possibility that time spent as a pre-music major may translate into an extra semester or two down the road.
• What kind of courses will I take in the Traditional track? The BA in Music (Traditional track) is a liberal arts degree in music that offers you the opportunity to study a secondary area of your choosing, such as business, theater, foreign language, or any other interest. In addition to traditional music courses, you will take twenty-four non-music electives of your choosing. This curriculum leaves plenty of time to explore other areas of interest and possibly add a minor or second major to your degree. The Traditional track culminates with either a senior recital or project that combines your interests in a capstone experience.
• Are Traditional majors required to take lessons on their instrument? Yes! All of our Traditional majors are required to complete six semesters of applied lessons on their instrument. These lessons consist of one half-hour per week of one-on-one instruction with one of our fantastic faculty members. At the end of each semester, the lessons culminate in a "jury," where students perform for a panel of faculty members to demonstrate their progress and growth.
• Will there be opportunities to participate in public performances? All music majors have many opportunities to perform in both ensembles and solo concerts if they wish to do so. In addition, students in the Traditional track complete a senior project during their senior year that can take the form of a performance, research paper/presentation (in theory, music history, or composition), an internship, or any other special project that combines your abilities and interests.
• Can I combine majors or double major? SU students can simultaneously satisfy the requirements for more than one major program, and our Traditional track offers you the flexibility to do just that. For more information on completing two majors simultaneously, check out the SU Catalog and/or speak with the Registrar's Office.
• What do Traditional majors do after graduation? Alumni of the Traditional track often go on to pursue some type of graduate study. We have had graduates continue on to study choral conducting, music theory, or education in the Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, though which they received certification to teach in public school systems. Other graduates work within the music field as orchestra managers, arts council directors, or other administrative positions within the arts.

Still have questions? we'd be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to email our Music Program Co-Chair, Dr. William Folger.

This track is designed for students who aspire to careers in performance, whether as a soloist or as a member of a performance ensemble.

Students in this track complete eight semesters of one-on-one applied lessons on their instrument and participate in various ensembles where performance opportunities abound. In addition, students develop a comprehensive background in the study of music, including theory, history, conducting, and musicians' health and wellness. The track culminates in an hour-long recital in the senior year of study.

Track Requirements

The Instrumental Performance track is a professional degree track that focuses on the skills needed to be a successful performer.

Review our program requirements in the catalog:

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Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Instrumental Performance majors need to audition on a musical instrument? Yes! In addition to receiving official acceptance from Salisbury University, every music major (in any of our five tracks) needs to audition into the program. There is no audition required for a music minor. See audition information below.
• What happens if I don't pass my audition? If you don't pass your audition, you will be offered the option to become a "pre-music major." Pre-music majors take applied lessons on their instrument for a semester, working with their instructor specifically to prepare for a second audition. During their time as pre-music majors, students are also able to take other music courses, such as theory, history, and education. While we try to work with pre-music majors to fit their requirements into eight semesters, there is always a possibility that time spent as a pre-music major may translate into an extra semester or two down the road.
• What is a performance degree? Music performance is a degree program focused on the mastery of performance skills. Those interested in pursuing a professional career as a performer in a symphony, chamber orchestra, or on the stage often continue directly into graduate study upon completion of this undergraduate degree or some go on to graduate school with the hope of securing a position as an applied music teacher at a college or university. In addition, some music performance majors continue into graduate school in another music field, such as conducting, music history or music theory.
• Are Instrumental Performance majors required to take lessons on their instrument? Yes! All of our Instrumental Performance majors are required to complete eight semesters of applied lessons on their instrument. These lessons consist of one hour per week of one-on-one instruction. At the end of each semester, the lessons culminate in a "jury," where students perform for a panel of faculty members to demonstrate their progress and growth. During the junior year (sixth applied semester) students perform a thirty-minute recital and in the last semester of applied study, students perform a sixty-minute recital.
• What career opportunities are available for a performance degree? Students in music performance have a variety of career opportunities. Some graduates establish private studios for giving music lessons and/or perform professionally either as soloists or in groups as opportunities arise. Some take professional auditions or participate in performance competitions. Others pursue musical performance opportunities in armed forces bands, orchestras, or choirs. Some graduates move into business and industry careers or other music-related careers, such as arts management.
• What performance opportunities will I have as an undergraduate student at SU? There are many! While pursuing your degree, there are large ensembles—orchestra, concert band and jazz ensemble. Smaller ensembles are also available in guitar, percussion, strings, brass and woodwinds.

Other Questions? We'd be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to email our Instrumental Performance Coordinator, Professor Colleen Clark.

This concentration is designed to give students a basic foundation in music production to prepare them for a career within the music technology industry. This is a professional degree concentration that provides General Education as a foundation, coupled with a traditional music background and an emphasis in music production.

Students develop a well-rounded performance and music technology background that is ready for tomorrow’s music industry. Topics studied include music recording, audio editing, mixing and mastering, electronic music composition, music business, entrepreneurship, copyright issues, and musical performance through a variety of modern media. Although students gain skills as music technologists, the goals of this track include a comprehensive background in the study of traditional music, including theory, history, conducting, applied lessons and performance.

We're proud of our alumni! Check out our Alumni Spotlights to see what they're up to now!

Concentration Requirements

The Music Technology Concentration is a professional degree track that combines a traditional study of music with courses that focus on the technology used in music production. 

Review our program requirements in the catalog:

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Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Music Technology majors need to audition on a musical instrument? Yes! In addition to receiving official acceptance from Salisbury University, every music major (in any of our five tracks/concentrations) needs to audition into the program. There is no audition required for a music minor. Check out the audition information below.
• What happens if I don't pass my audition? If you don't pass your audition, you will be offered the option to become a "pre-music major." Pre-music majors take applied lessons on their instrument for a semester, working with their instructor specifically to prepare for a second audition. During their time as pre-music majors, students are also able to take other music courses, such as theory, history, and music technology. While we try to work with pre-music majors to fit their requirements into eight semesters, there is always a possibility that time spent as a pre-music major may translate into an extra semester or two down the road.
• I want to be an engineer/producer. Why do I need to play a musical instrument? Can you be a successful engineer/producer without playing an instrument? Of course - but we strongly believe that you'll be an even better one with a strong musical background! Our program is an accredited "professional" degree program, which means that we put just as much emphasis on musicianship as production and engineering skills. Our majors will take applied lessons on their instrument, participate in ensembles, study music theory and history, and pass a piano proficiency exam before they graduate. We want our students to be successful, and it is our philosophy that these skills will give our graduates an edge above the competition as they enter the workforce.
• Are Music Technology majors required to take lessons on their instrument? Yes! All of our Music Technology majors are required to complete seven semesters of applied lessons on their instrument. These lessons consist of one hour per week of one-on-one instruction with one of our fantastic faculty members. At the end of each semester, the lessons culminate in a "jury," where students perform for a panel of faculty members to demonstrate their progress and growth.
• What kind of recording facilities does Salisbury University have? Most of our Music Technology courses are held in Conway Hall, where the Integrated Media Center houses a large audio recording studio, as well as nine smaller audio editing suites with Avid's ProTools, audio interfaces, MIDI keyboards, microphones, and monitors. Conway Hall also houses two computer labs (one Mac/one PC) with several software programs specific to audio production. In addition, Music Technology majors also have access to the Music Lab in Fulton Hall, which has ten Mac workstations, MIDI keyboards, and audio production (as well as composition and arrangement) software.
• Are there on-campus employment opportunities for Music Technology majors? Many of our majors choose to work for Salisbury University's Event Technical Services department during their time here. This department is responsible for providing technical support (sound systems, lighting, projectors, recordings, etc.) for all events on campus. This is a great opportunity for students to participate in real event production and hone their skills working with clients. It's also a great resume-builder!
• Why do Music Technology majors have to take Physics? Our Music Technology majors are required to take Physics for two reasons. First, General Physics I helps prepare our students for our 400-level acoustics course, which deals with the behavior of sound vibrations in various materials. Second, we love it when our students show an interest in continuing their education in graduate school. After assessing graduate programs in this field, we found that many of them require some Physics study at the undergraduate level. We now require it to ensure that our graduates are prepared for whatever path they choose after receiving their degree.
• Does Salisbury University offer any Music Business courses? Yes! Our program requires an Introduction to the Music Business and Entrepreneurship course, which examines a wide range of business topics and takes a look at different legal, artistic, and financial considerations facing graduates entering the music field today. In addition, students are encouraged to develop their own business plans and enter them in the University-wide Entrepreneurship Competition for a chance to win some cash!
• What kinds of internships do Music Technology majors complete? Our interns have worked at a wide variety of sites, including recording studios, live music venues, record labels, theatres, radio stations, and houses of worship. We have placed interns in Salisbury, Ocean City, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and several other sites in the mid-Atlantic region. Students are encouraged to find their own internship sites; however, they may ask the Internship Director for assistance or guidance if needed. All internships must consist of 180 hours of work and must be approved by the Internship Director and the Department Chair before work begins. Internships may be completed during the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.
• Can I minor in Music Technology? While we don't have a particular "Music Technology" minor, we do offer a Music minor that can be tailored to focus on Music Technology. The minor requires at least 13 credits of music electives, which can consist entirely of Music Technology courses if desired.

Other Questions? We'd be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to email our Music Technology Coordinator, Professor Colleen Clark.

This track is designed for students who aspire to careers in performance, whether as a soloist or as a member of a performance ensemble.

Led by Vocal Coordinator Dr. John Wesley Wright, students in this track complete eight semesters of one-on-one applied voice lessons and participate in various ensembles where performance opportunities abound. In addition, students develop a comprehensive background in the study of music, including theory, history, conducting, vocal diction, and musicians' health and wellness. The track culminates in an hour-long recital in the senior year of study.

Vocal Performance majors have the opportunity to take part in our Musical Theatre Workshop and/or Opera Workshop each year and often participate in performances in the surrounding community as well. In addition, many of our Vocal Performance majors also take part in the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) student auditions. In the spring of 2018, all nine participants from SU successfully advanced to the Mid-Atlantic Regional level.

Track Requirements

The Vocal Performance track is a professional degree track that focuses on the skills needed to be a successful performer.

Review our program requirements in the catalog:

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Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a degree in Vocal Performance? The B.A. degree in Vocal Performance at SU is a professional degree track that can prepare you for a number of advanced degrees in music. The Vocal Performance degree affords you the study of the rudiments of vocal technique and prepares you for two main career paths: 1) Performance of various musical genres (e.g. opera, oratorio, art song recital, musical theater, etc.) and 2) Professional Voice Teaching (e.g. independent studio and/or college level teaching). The two career paths often go hand-in-hand.
• Do Vocal Performance majors need to audition? Yes! In addition to receiving official acceptance from Salisbury University, every music major (in any of our five tracks) needs to audition into the program. There is no audition required for a music minor. See audition information below.
• What happens if I don't pass my audition? If you don't pass your audition, you will be offered the option to become a "pre-music major." Pre-music majors take applied lessons on their instrument for a semester, working with their instructor specifically to prepare for a second audition. As pre-music majors, students are also able to take other music courses, such as theory, history, and education. While we try to work with pre-music majors to fit their requirements into eight semesters, there is always a possibility that time spent as a pre-music major may translate into an extra semester or two down the road.
• What can I do to prepare myself to study music at SU? Vocal study with a good teacher is highly recommended. Choose a teacher who focuses on healthy vocal technique and assigns appropriate repertoire. Study piano. Other instruments are valuable, but all music majors need keyboard skills, and piano proficiency is doubly important for singers. Study Italian, French, German, or Spanish. These are the main languages in which you will sing in undergraduate vocal study.
• Are Vocal Performance majors required to take voice lessons? Yes! All of our Vocal Performance majors are required to complete eight semesters of applied lessons on their instrument. These lessons consist of one hour per week of one-on-one instruction. At the end of each semester, the lessons culminate in a "jury," where students perform for a panel of faculty members to demonstrate their progress and growth. During the junior year, students perform a 30-minute recital, and in the last semester of applied study, students perform a 60-minute recital.
• Are Vocal Performance majors required to study a foreign language? The study and use of foreign languages is essential to all voice majors. In addition to the one year of foreign language study required of all Fulton School of Liberal Arts majors, Vocal Performance majors take two semesters of Lyric Diction as part of their curriculum, studying Italian, French, German, and English diction.
• What performance opportunities will I have as an undergraduate student at SU? Lots! In addition to opera, musical theater, and recitals, there are regular singer showcases, special off-campus concerts, guest artist master classes, potential choral and jazz band solos, and opportunities to compete at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions each year.

Still have questions? we'd be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to email our Voice Coordinator, Dr. John Wesley Wright

The teacher certification program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in music education in a classroom setting and seeks to equip students to meet certification requirements in the public schools. This is a state-approved degree program for the state of Maryland. It provides a comprehensive K-12 study in preparation for graduates to teach in the public and private schools.

Students develop not only a comprehensive background in the study of traditional music, including theory, history, conducting, applied lessons, and performance, but also teaching skills through courses in the Seidel School of Education. Teacher Certification majors must complete a 100-hour internship that includes work in both elementary and secondary school classrooms in their last year of study. They must also pass the Praxis II exam (required of all Maryland-certified teachers) before graduation.

Concentration Requirements

The Teacher Certification Concentration is a professional degree track designed for students who wish to pursue careers in music education in a classroom setting.

Review our program requirements in the catalog:

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Follow this four-year curriculum guide to help you graduate on time:

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Teacher Certification majors need to audition on a musical instrument? Yes! In addition to receiving official acceptance from Salisbury University, every music major (in any of our five tracks) needs to audition into the program. There is no audition required for a music minor. Look for audition information below.
• What happens if I don't pass my audition? If you don't pass your audition, you will be offered the option to become a "pre-music major." Pre-music majors take applied lessons on their instrument for a semester, working with their instructor specifically to prepare for a second audition. During their time as pre-music majors, students are also able to take other music courses, such as theory, history, and music technology. While we try to work with pre-music majors to fit their requirements into eight semesters, there is always a possibility that time spent as a pre-music major may translate into an extra semester or two down the road.
• I want to be a choral teacher in the public school system. Why do I need to learn strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion? Our Teacher Certification degree prepares students to teach music to students of all ages in a variety of settings. Graduates typically pursue careers as choral, orchestral, or band directors or as general music teachers, and some even choose to pursue a graduate degree in music education. We believe that the breadth of our program best prepares our graduates for the path of their choosing and increases their attractiveness as candidates in the current job market.
• Are Teacher Certification majors required to take lessons on their instrument? Yes! All of our Teacher Certification majors are required to complete seven semesters of applied lessons on their instrument. These lessons consist of one hour per week of one-on-one instruction with one of our fantastic faculty members. At the end of each semester, the lessons culminate in a "jury," where students perform for a panel of faculty members to demonstrate their progress and growth. During their last year of study, Teacher Certification majors are also required to prepare and perform a 30-minute public recital.
• When I graduate, will I automatically be certified to teach? There are two requirements for becoming a certified music teacher: a college degree and a teaching license. Once you successfully complete all course requirements, you will receive your degree. However, you will not be certified to teach until you successfully complete the state's licensure exam (Praxis II). The content and skills you learn in your coursework will prepare you for this exam, and you will be required to take the exam prior to graduation, putting you well on your way to certification!
• Should I pursue a Teacher Certification degree in Maryland if I plan to live in another state? Yes! Most states offer "reciprocity" for teaching certification, which means that they will accept teaching licenses from other states. Based on where you choose to live, you may required to take an additional exam within a given timeframe, but at the very least, you will have the necessary degree and credentials to be hired in another state.
• Can I graduate in four years? Salisbury University provides a four-year plan of study (see the curriculum guide above) that includes a final semester of student teaching. When you enroll as a freshman, you will be provided with a faculty advisor in the music department who will work with you to ensure that you take the courses needed to graduate on time. However, due to the rigor of this track, graduating in four years assumes that you complete the courses in the order suggested to you by your advisor and that you successfully complete each course on the first attempt.

Other Questions? We'd be happy to hear from you! Please feel free to email our Music Education Coordinator, Dr. Louise Anderson.