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.

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.

The B.A. in Music

In the music degree program, you'll choose general music, or one of four concentrations: performance, church music, composition, and commercial music. In the performance concentration, you'll develop your performance skills through intensive practice and lessons. You'll also learn to teach your instrument, often by instructing beginning students, and study the history of your instrument.

Church music will equip you for work in the church through the study of church music history and administration. You'll gain experience through involvement in chapel music at Messiah College and participate in music programs at local churches.

Composition students study both composition and a performance area. Many of their works are performed, culminating in a recital of their own compositions. They also learn to create music with electronic instruments.

With a commercial music concentration, you'll learn the technology of MIDI and studio recording, and the skills of jazz and pop improvisation for your instrument. All four concentrations combine music studies with a minor in another field, allowing greater flexibility in career preparation.

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.

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.