The Department of Music at Messiah College has Four Overarching Goals:

1. to develop students into outstanding musicians;
2. to equip the music graduate to enter successfully into a specialized career in music;
3. to contribute to the aesthetic life of the community,v and the worship experience of the church;
4. to set the graduate on a life course which continues to integrate one's Christian faith with the practice and teaching of music. These goals are pursued within the dual framework of the liberal arts tradition and the Christian faith. As an adherent of the liberal arts we grant a high priority to critical thinking, clear speaking and coherent writing. As Christians we consider music and one's career in music to be meaningful offerings of worship to God.
   

 What Every Music Graduate will Know and Do

As graduates of Messiah College all majors in music gain the technical and expressive skill needed to perform at an advanced level with their chosen instrument. Performance opportunities are abundant in both solo and ensemble settings, and culminate in the senior recital. In order to lead others in performance, all music majors also develop intermediate level skills in conducting and rehearsal direction. Performance skills are supported and enhanced by theoretical and historical studies. Graduates are able to analyze music both visually and aurally, and can compose musical examples which illustrate a variety of styles and forms of music. Finally, the music student gains the skills necessary to research and explain the historical and cultural setting of individual composers and specific musical works.

The B.S. in Music Education

The Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education offers a comprehensive curriculum that fosters development of artistic and excellent musicianship while also satisfying the requirements for teacher certification in the state of Pennsylvania.  Students in the music education program are held to the same standard of performance as those in the Department of Music’s other degrees.   In addition, those in the music education program learn basic performing skills in keyboard, voice, and approximately fifteen musical instruments. Prospective educators are equipped to teach on multiple grade levels including elementary, intermediate/junior high, and senior high school.  They are prepared to conduct/direct a variety of ensembles (choir, band, orchestra, jazz ensembles) and provide instrumental instruction to individuals and small groups. Music Education students will design music curricula, evaluate progress, and utilize recent technology including computer assisted instruction. It is also essential that graduates display enthusiasm for music, inspiring students, and communicating the values of the arts to parents and community. The program culminates in a student teaching experience that is comprised of twelve weeks in selected public schools in the greater Harrisburg area.

The B.A. in Music

Students in the Music degree program choose one of four concentrations:

1. Performance - those choosing this concentration develop their performance skills through more practice and lesson time. They learn to teach their instrument, often teaching beginning students; they also study the history of music for their instrument.
2. Christian Music Studies students are equipped for work in the church through the study of Church music history and church music administration. Experience is gained through involvement in chapel music at Messiah College, and practica in local churches.
3. Commercial Music - those in commercial music learn the technology of MIDI and studio recording, and the skills of jazz and pop improvisation for their instrument. Students in the B.A. in Music degree combine their music studies with a minor in another field, allowing great flexibility in career preparation.
4. Composition - students in this concentration study both composition and a performance area. They present a recital program of their compositions. They also study electronic music.

The Music Graduate and a Career in Music

The Messiah College music graduate is equipped to enter a career in music, exhibiting both creativity and leadership. Most careers in music combine various roles. The B.S. in Music Education prepares students for the specific career of teaching vocal and instrumental music in grades K through 12. The B.A. in Music prepares students for careers in Church music, private music teaching, performance, or other music related careers. Both programs prepare students for further musical study in graduate school.

Facilities

Climenhaga Fine Arts Center, home to the Music Department, gives you access to the 400 seat Miller Auditorium, the 150 seat Poorman Recital Hall (also used for choral rehearsals), a large instrumental rehearsal hall, and ample practice room space. Technological facilities are extensive and include a recording studio, a laboratory for computer assisted instruction, a MIDI synthesizer lab, and an electric piano lab. Instruments available for student use include a large pipe organ located in the Grantham Church, several grand pianos (including the 9-foot Steinway D in Poorman Recital Hall), a French Double Harpsichord, and approximately 150 band and orchestra instruments.