Overview

The mission of the Florida Atlantic University Department of Music is to offer comprehensive academic and performance training in all aspects of the discipline in order to prepare students for advanced study and successful careers in music. It also seeks to represent Florida Atlantic University through community outreach.

The Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of NASM (National Association of Schools of Music). The department offers Bachelor of Music degrees with majors in Commercial Music, Jazz Studies, Music Education, and Performance; a Bachelor of Arts degree; minors in Music; an honors program in Music; and a Certificate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.

At the graduate level, the Department offers a Master of Arts degree in Music with tracks in Performance, Music History/Literature, and Commercial Music. Additionally, a Fine and Performing Arts Program in Comparative Studies is available to graduate students in Music seeking an interdisciplinary degree at the Ph.D. level.

Faculty members of the Department of Music are active regionally, nationally, and internationally as solo and collaborative performers, conductors, recording artists, scholars, composers, educators, lecturers, adjudicators, and mentors, while adhering to NASM standards regarding creative and scholarly research and service. These include music making, the study of music and its influences, the advancement of music pedagogy, and the facilitation of musical activities. Department faculty works closely with students to reach the highest levels of artistic expression, allowing students to build a versatile set of skills that will ensure success in their chosen area of the profession.

The Department of Music provides extensive performance and teacher education experiences through its comprehensive classroom curriculum in music theory, history and literature; culturally diverse perspectives provided by courses in American popular music, jazz and world music; applied studio instruction in piano, brass, woodwind, percussion, string and vocal areas; and collaborative performance experience in a wide variety of large and small ensemble settings. Furthermore, the department's Commercial Music Program offers practical music industry training with Creative and Music Technology degree tracks. The program's affiliated Hoot/Wisdom record label affords students hands-on experience in its state-of-the-art studios.

As a prominent point-of-contact between the local community and University, the Department of Music serves as a vehicle for outreach and service in the arts. The marching and pep bands represent the department at a wide variety of athletic and University events. Annual summer music camps for elementary and secondary students make the university environment accessible to young musicians and their families. Throughout the year, the department seeks to enhance the cultural life of the region through its annual season of concerts and music festivals, which feature performances by student ensembles, faculty, ensembles-in-residence and guest artists.

All students seeking admission to the department as Music majors or minors must complete a performance AUDITION prior to the first semester of study. Transfer students must also complete proficiency tests in music theory and aural skills. Transfer students should have completed four semesters each of music theory and sight singing, ensemble performance, and applied music, and one semester in music literature. Auditions for transfer students will include placement examinations in sight singing and music theory. Due to the complex nature of the music program, prospective students must contact the area advisor to arrange for academic advising prior to class registration.

Scholarships are awarded annually by the Department of Music. These performance/academic awards vary in amounts and carry their own requirements, which must be satisfactorily completed prior to graduation. Auditions are held during the spring semester. Additional details are available through the Department of Music.

*See University Catalog for specific requirements.