As a music major, you'll gain the technical and expressive agility needed for advanced performance. You'll find plenty of opportunities to participate in both solo and ensemble settings, culminating in your senior recital. In order to lead others in performance, you'll also develop intermediate-level skills in conducting and rehearsal direction. Theoretical and historical studies will enhance your performance. You'll analyze music both visually and aurally, and compose pieces which illustrate a variety of styles and forms. And you'll also gain the skills necessary to research and explain the historical and cultural setting of individual composers and specific musical works.

The B.S. in Music

If teaching music is your goal, you'll learn basic performing skills in keyboard, voice, and approximately fifteen musical instruments. You'll be equipped to teach on multiple grade levels-elementary, intermediate/junior high, and senior high school. Music education majors handle a variety of ensembles (choir, band, orchestra) and provide instrumental instruction to individuals and small groups. Beginning music educators will design music curricula, evaluate progress, and utilize recent technology including computer-assisted instruction. Faculty mentors model how to inspire students and to communicate the values of the arts to the community. The program culminates in student teaching, involving two six-week experiences in selected public schools in the greater Harrisburg area.

Facilities

Climenhaga Fine Arts Center, home to the Department of Music, 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. Messiah College offers extensive facilities, including a recording studio, a laboratory for computer-assisted instruction, a MIDI synthesizer lab, and an electric piano lab. Instruments available for students' use include a large pipe organ located in the Hostetter Chapel, several grand pianos (including the nine-foot Steinway D in Poorman Recital Hall), a French double harpsichord, and approximately 150 band and orchestra instruments.

After Graduation

As a Messiah College graduate, you'll be equipped to enter a career in music, exhibiting both creativity and leadership. The B.S. in music education prepares students for the specific career of teaching vocal and instrumental music in grades K-12. The B.A. in music prepares students for careers in church music, private teaching, performance, or other music-related careers. Both programs provide an excellent foundation for further study in graduate school.

From Recent Graduates

The outstanding techniques that Linda Tedford [artist-in-residence at Messiah College] taught and her superb philosophies in both life and music guided me beyond my personal and performance insecurities. The outcome was more than I could have hoped for, but I still feel that it is a greater tribute to her superior teaching than to my own efforts. She was the first great influence on my life.
— Nate Zullinger '00

I've had so many performance experiences both on campus and off that I can't count them all. Best of all is the individual attention from faculty that students receive constantly.
— Chris Wenger '01

Curriculum

Applied Music (1-2)

Music Ensembles
Participation in ensembles is open to all students.

How To Apply

To apply for admission to Messiah College, simply call and request an application at 1-800-233-4220 or apply online! Open House dates and major-specific events are scheduled throughout the year. Students may arrange for a variety of visit options to suit their interests and schedule.

* Messiah College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin.