Majors and Minors
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance thrives with vibrant students, accomplished faculty, high-caliber performances, challenging classes, and satisfying experiences. The school allows students to pursue their dreams and begin a promising career. Anderson University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Offering a wide array of degree programs and areas of study, the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance endeavors to give all students opportunities for creative experiences in the musical arts by encouraging the development of musicianship and scholarship through classes, private study, and ensembles. Students perform in solo recitals and in orchestral, wind, and choral ensembles that tour nationally and internationally. The Boze Lyric Theater program produces fully staged musical theatre and opera productions each year, and AU's recording label, Orangehaus Records, provides professional experiences for music business students.
Majors
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Arts
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Description of Majors
Music Education (77 hours)
The music education major provides students with the musical knowledge and pedagogical skills needed for a career in teaching choral and instrumental music in grades K-12. Students who complete this program are licensed by the state of Indiana to teach music. They are highly effective at teaching musical concepts and at conducting and rehearsing musical ensembles to prepare them for performances. Music education majors gain performance experience through ensemble participation, private music study, and recital preparation. These students develop portfolios and interviewing skills to assist them as they transition from college to professional teaching.Voice Performance (80 hours)
The voice performance major prepares students with basic knowledge and performance skills needed to pursue graduate-level study and a career in voice performance. In addition to basic music, music education, and performance classes, voice performance majors must also complete 24 hours of private study in their primary performance area.Instrumental Performance (80 hours)
The instrumental performance major prepares students with basic knowledge and performance skills needed to pursue graduate-level study and a career in voice performance. In addition to basic music, music education, and performance classes, voice performance majors must also complete 24 hours of private study in their primary performance area, seven hours of major ensembles, and two hours of chamber ensembles.Musical Theatre (80 hours)
The musical theatre major combines studies in music, theatre, and dance to equip students with all of the performance skills needed to pursue a career in musical theatre. Annual performance opportunities include a musical, an opera, two theatre productions, and scene showcases. Students participate in a senior showcase and take a class in audition techniques to help them transition into the professional world of musical theatre.Church Music (59 hours)
The church music major prepares students for a career of planning, conducting, and leading music in a variety of church settings. Courses include Philosophy of Church Music, Music Ministry Methods, and an internship in church music.Music Business (58 hours)
The music business major prepares students for a career in one of several facets of the music business, including recording, marketing, artist promotion, management, and copyright law. This major requires completion of courses in music, music performance, music business, and business. Students must complete an internship in music business, tailoring an in-depth experience in the music industry to the abilities and needs of the students. In addition to the music business major, the School of Music and the Falls School of Business have recently partnered to offer a Bachelor of Marketing degree with a music business concentration. This major requires 61-64 semester hours and includes the same core classes as the music business major, plus a number of options to provide breadth in the music business area. Marketing majors are not required to participate in ensembles and recitals like other music majors. However, music classes, lessons, and ensembles as electives are strongly recommended.Music (44-47 hours)
The music major prepares students to pursue a variety of career paths in music by designing their own package of elective courses and senior project. Students undertake a variety of music theory, music literature, music performance, and music education courses. Students must also complete four hours of private applied study and three to six hours of area-specific electives. Participation in the appropriate ensemble and a recital is required for all music majors.Theatre (29-32 hours)
The theatre major prepares students to pursue a career in the professional theatre and to enter graduate school in theatre studies. Students in the theatre major select either the acting/directing track or the technical theatre track as their focus of study. Annual performance opportunities include a musical, an opera, two theatre productions, and scene showcases. Students participate in a senior showcase and take a class in audition techniques to help them transition into the professional world of musical theatre.Theatre Teaching (29-32 hours)
Students in the theatre teaching major sharpen their theatre skills while also taking the required courses in education that lead to a license to teach theatre. This major allows students to participate in all aspects of the theatre program, but also requires that they complete the professional semester as a student teacher. See “Theatre Major” above for more information regarding study and performance opportunities.Dance Performance (54 hours)
The dance performance major prepares students with basic knowledge and performance skills needed to pursue graduate-level study and a career in dance performance or dance pedagogy. In addition to studies in modern dance, jazz dance and ballet, students also take courses in dance theory and in related areas of the arts and sciences.Dance Business (51 hours)
The dance business major prepares students to be strong dancers and dance teachers and gives them the business background needed to run their own dance studio or work in an administrative role in a non-profit dance company. In addition to taking courses in dance performance and dance theory, students choose either the business administration or non-profit business track and complete 18 hours in business courses pertinent to their track.Dance (Complementary) (33 hours)
The complementary dance major is designed for students who wish to couple their dance studies with a second major of their choice. This dance major is designed for those students who wish to combine dance with another academic discipline to pursue a career goal of their choice that is not addressed by the Dance Performance or Dance Business Majors.Find out more information about the Dance Majors.
Description of Minors
Church Music (18 hours)
The church music minor combines music, music performance, and music education courses.Music (18 hours)
The music minor includes music theory and music literature. Students also complete four hours of music performance, two hours of applied study, and two hours of music ensemble.Music Business (18 hours)
The music business minor provides a basic understanding of the music business industry. Students complete courses in music theory, music performance, music business, and music publishing.Music Performance
- For students whose major is music business (15-16 hours): To ensure adequate performance level, students must audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program. Courses include six to eight hours in applied study, introduction to conducting, and specialized courses for singers, pianists, and instrumentalists.
- For students whose major is not in music (18 hours): To ensure adequate performance level, students must audition on their primary instrument to be admitted into this program. Courses include eight hours in applied study, music theory, and piano.