Programs

Music

Practice the language of the professional musician.

Studying music theory is like learning a second language. Just as any spoken/written language has its correct pronunciation, vocabulary, and structure, music has its symbols and styles particular to any given historical period, culture, and composer. 

To speak the language of music – to perform, conduct, teach, or create original works with music – one must understand its structure and elements and internalize these in the musical ear as well as the eye and the body. At Huntington University, we give you the tools you need to decode the language of music and become more fluent in its complexities. 

Develop a well-rounded music ability.

There are several essential components to any music curriculum: Musicology, or the study of the history of western art music; exposure to the diversity of world ethnic music; and investigation of the many ways in which music affects and is affected by history, culture, politics, sociology, anthropology, literature, theatre, and visual art. By the time you graduate, you will have familiarity with each of these components. 

Turn technical knowledge into beautiful music.

Music students in any of our programs begin their music studies with a one-semester introduction to music that gives the student a preparatory overview of historical periods, styles, and literature. All music majors take two semesters of a concentrated music history survey that includes lecture, discussion, films, and recordings. Additional courses can be elected in various literature and periods of music.

Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts students take two full years of written theory and musicianship classes to prepare them for professional careers and/or graduate school. Bachelor of Science students are required to take one full year of theoretical studies.

Modest utilitarian piano and vocal skills are essential for every musician regardless of the field of specialization. The Huntington University Music Department requires four semesters of class piano for the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts music degrees. Students planning on receiving these degrees must pass a basic piano proficiency exam at the end of their sophomore year. Keyboard musicianship skills include hymn playing and improvisation, scales, sight-reading, reading chord charts, and simple harmonization. Students are also given the opportunity to study guitar, which helps prepare them to lead group singing in a church or classroom setting.

 

Music Business

Our Bachelor of Science in music with an emphasis in business is designed for those students interested in becoming contemporary artists or pursuing a career in artist management. Other possible career paths include operating a commercial music enterprise (such as a retail music store or private lesson studio) or working in the sound recording or commercial music industry.

This music business major pairs traditional music classes and applied music experiences with upper-level business training. As a result, you will be prepared to relate your music knowledge to the world of business, no matter what job field you choose.

 

Apply your talents in Huntington and beyond.

During your time at Huntington University, we will help develop your knowledge of music, your business skills, and the depth and breadth of your creative energy and expression for the glory of God.

We will help you combine inspiration with discipline, theory with practice, concept with performance, and faith with achievement. You will grow in analytical thinking, self-motivation, communication skills, and self-confidence. Eventually, you will graduate with the critical skills necessary for success in the music industry.

You will also have an opportunity to attend a semester at the Contemporary Music Center (CMC) through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the CMC offers intensive hands-on instruction in a Christian environment.

 

Music Education

Join our tradition of skilled teachers and musicians.

The music education profession needs teachers who are skilled and creative musicians, enthusiastic about teaching and learning, interested in young people, and eager to be inspirational role models. At Huntington University, students are taught to make a positive impact in the lives of their students through dedicated and effective teaching methods.

Share your love of music with a new generation. 

Numerous studies have proven the positive effects of music in infant and early childhood development and cognition. Every veteran teacher knows that the student who cannot achieve success in purely academic endeavors can excel in the music classroom. Imagine the joy you can bring to others by instilling a love for instrumental music in your students, just as someone once sparked a love of music in you. With proper training and experience, you can wield the power of music to benefit students in ways other disciplines cannot.

Learn from the best in the profession.

At Huntington University, we offer two tracks of music education – choral and instrumental. Choral music education classes at Huntington University include Secondary Choral Methods, Conducting, Choral Literature and Literacy, and Foundations of Music Education, to name a few. Instrumental music education classes at Huntington University include Brass, Percussion, Woodwind, and Strings Techniques and Pedagogy, Secondary Instrumental Methods and Communication, Band and Orchestral Literature and Literacy, Conducting, and Foundations of Music Education.

Take these classes and more from faculty with recent public school teaching experience and certifications in Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Kindermusik, and Suzuki methodologies.

Gain plenty of classroom experience.

We work closely with Huntington University’s nationally-recognized Education Department in decisions regarding placements for student teachers and internships for multi-cultural practicums and special education. This means you will have plenty of opportunities for meaningful classroom experience. By the time you step into your own classroom someday, you will have the tools necessary to feel confident in your job.

 

Performance

Journey from the practice room to the concert hall.

Intensive applied study of representative repertoire, technique, musicality, and sight reading provide the centerpiece for our performance program. In addition to coaching and performance in applied lessons and studio labs, our performance majors have many additional opportunities to hone and present their craft. To name a few:

  • Recitals in Longaker Recital Hall and Zurcher Auditorium, including the prestigious Longaker Honors Recital
  • On-campus and regional concerto competitions
  • Guest performances at area churches

To maintain awareness of “real world” standards, we offer on-campus master classes and recitals with internationally-known guest artists such as Richard Fracker (NY Metropolitan Opera), James Giles (Fulbright Scholar and 1st prize — Johanna Hodges Int’l Piano Competition), Panayis Lyras (Silver-Medalist — Van Cliburn Competition), John Owings (Gold-Medalist — Casadesus Int’l Piano Competition), George Fortune (Berlin Opera), and others.

We offer three performance major programs at Huntington University: instrumental, piano, and vocal. Choose the program that works for you based on your experience and goals.

Instrumental Performance

Develop a well-rounded repertoire.

In addition to solo recitals and performances, instrumental performance majors enjoy the opportunity to perform with a wide variety of ensembles, including Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensembles, and other chamber ensembles.

 

 

Piano Performance

Learn how to make the most of all 88 keys – in practice and on stage.

Your studies as a piano student will include an accompanying component and an introduction to jazz improvisation and music technology.

 

 

Vocal Performance

Gain the skills of a performance artist.

The vocal performance major offers intensive vocal training, diction study of Italian, French, German, and English, and study and performance of vocal literature from all major music periods.