Music
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The Department of Music is committed to providing the highest quality instruction in an environment that nurtures the intellectual and creative development of the individual.
Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality music education, based upon your individuals needs—regardless of your prior preparation. Our classes are small and each is taught by a professor; this allows us to provide you with an extraordinary level of personal attention.
We offer individual instruction in composition, voice, piano, guitar, and all orchestral instruments. Our highly qualified faculty members are active musicians and scholars with a broad range of collective expertise that includes music technology, world music, conducting, jazz, musicology, and music education.
Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, bands, choirs, opera workshop, jazz and chamber groups, percussion ensembles, and a steel drum band. Our students regularly collaborate with faculty, play in local clubs, and present over 100 concerts and recitals each year.
Our core program gives you a strong foundation in music theory, history, and ensemble performance—it’s the perfect base for either graduate study or a career in music. All students take the core and can choose from degree options in Performance, Composition, Music Education, and a General Liberal Arts Option.
Students may pursue more than one option, and our program also provides them the flexibility to explore classes within any of the four options.
Our music students develop skills as performers and leaders, explore global and traditional music literature, and realize their full musical potential in a supportive environment.
Nationally recognized artists perform at Humboldt. In addition, guest artists offer master classes to students, providing an excellent opportunity to work with professional performers. Summer chamber music workshops, attracting musicians from across the United States, provide valuable opportunities for the serious performer.
Music performances take place in the 201-seat Fulkerson Recital Hall or the 750-seat Van Duzer Theatre. The music complex features recording facilities, a computer-assisted instruction lab, electronic piano lab, practice rooms, and classrooms. Additionally, the Music Library contains the most comprehensive collection of chamber music on the West Coast.
The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Degrees Offered
BA, Minor