Introduction. In addition to enriching the quality of one’s life, enhancing the understanding of other epochs and cultures, and providing outlets for self expression, the study of music prepares students for a variety of professions. KSU music alumni perform professionally with symphony orchestras, military bands, chamber music ensembles, opera and musical theatre companies, choral ensembles, jazz, rock, country, and bluegrass groups, in recording studios, and as soloists and accompanists. Others are active as composers of concert, commercial, liturgical, and educational music. KSU graduates also hold prominent positions in the field of music education (preschool through collegiate levels), private teaching, church music, music therapy, librarianship, and in the music industry. In addition, several KSU music graduates have used their arts degrees as preparation for professional schools such as law and medicine.
Degrees and Accreditation. The Music Department offers degrees with specializations in the following areas: performance, performance with pedagogy emphasis, theory-composition, music education, music theater, and music history. A music minor is also offered.
The Department is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The degree in music education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The University is fully accredited by the North Central Association.
Facilities. The Department is housed in a handsome auditorium, opened in 1970 with extensive additions in 1974. Ample classrooms, rehearsal halls, practice studios, and offices are supplemented by a small hall for chamber music and a fine 1800-seat auditorium. The department also has convenient access to a newly renovated computer lab in Room 324, containing 15 Macintosh workstations complete with MIDI keyboards and headphones.
View a short movie clip about McCain 324.
The Department owns four concert grand pianos, several studio grands, and a number of well maintained practice uprights. Organs include a concert Austin (40 rks), a Bosch tracker (9 rks), two Reuters ( 6 rks and 17 rks), and a Walker Continuo organ. An electronic music studio centers around digital synthesis with modern recording software and equipment. For the performance of early music, the Department owns two harpsichords, a chest of matched viols, and assorted early wind instruments.
Ensembles, Organizations, and Concerts. A full range of performing groups provides the student with a variety of performance opportunities. In vocal music, these include the Concert Choir, the Collegium Musicum, and the Opera Workshop; in instrumental music, the University Orchestra, the Symphony Band, Brass and Percussion Ensembles, and Concert Jazz Ensemble. Chamber music flourishes in a number of small groups of various instrumentations.
The McCain Performance Series brings to the campus large musical attractions, world famous soloists, and chamber music, as well as dance troupes and drama companies. Faculty recitals expand the opportunities to hear performances of professional caliber.