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Music

A liberal arts degree in music requires the utmost dedication and perseverance, but the rewards are many. Students combine practical and theoretical studies that develop musical skills but also life skills such as independence, self-confidence, self-motivation, interpersonal and communication skills, research and writing skills, critical and creative thinking, the ability to work in a team, and leadership potential. Possible career options include: elementary and secondary school music education, church musician, ensemble director, performer, accompanist, college or university professor, concert management, private studio teacher, and arts administrator. Some of these careers will require further study beyond the undergraduate level. Students are encouraged to consider graduate school and professional diploma programs. Whether or not students find careers directly related to music, employers value the music graduate’s versatility and adaptability. The degrees offered Bachelor of Arts in music with concentrations in piano, voice, or general music and Bachelor of Music Education. Students completing the Bachelor of Music Education degree will be recommended to the State of South Carolina for certification to teach K-12 general music.

A major in music with a concentration in applied piano requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 50 semester hours. A major in music with a concentration in applied voice requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 54 semester hours. A major in music with a concentration in general music requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours. All courses counting toward a major in music must be completed with a minimum grade of C. A major in music education requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 82 semester hours for the choral concentration (55 in Music and 27 in Professional Education), and 85 semester hours for the instrumental concentration (58 in Music and 27 in Professional Education). All music courses counting toward a major in music education must be completed with a minimum grade of C. In addition to regular requirements for all degree programs, students majoring in music will complete a sequence of courses in one area of applied music and basic theoretical and historical studies as listed below. In addition to this core curriculum, electives are available to those wishing to take course work in music pedagogy or other special topics. For purposes of placement and advising, all prospective music majors will be tested on the rudiments of music theory. All prospective music majors must present an acceptable audition prior to enrollment in or at the successful completion of one semester of Applied Music. Coker University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Audition Requirements

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC WITH A CONCENTRATION IN VOICE OR GENERAL MUSIC; OR BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN CHORAL MUSIC:

  • Two songs that are:
    • In contrasting styles
    • Sung from memory
    • Demonstrative of your range and ability
    • From periods or styles that affirm your previous musical and cultural experiences (may include but are not limited to: classical, gospel, musical theatre, etc.)
    • Performed with or without accompaniment (recorded accompaniments are allowed for pre-recorded auditions only)

If you need an accompanist, please let us know immediately and provide us with the titles (and/or copies) of your selections two weeks before the audition date.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC WITH A CONCENTRATION IN PIANO OR GENERAL MUSIC (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Piano); OR BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Piano):

  • Two or three works from contrasting style periods from the standard repertoire for your instrument
  • Pieces may include complete works or individual movements from larger works
  • Pieces may include accompaniment, but should be performed without accompaniment for the audition
  • Piano/organ auditionees are encouraged to perform one of the pieces from memory
  • Selected major, minor, and chromatic scales