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  • Much more than a concert.

    Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

  • Much more than an ensemble.

    Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

  • Much more than a stage.

    Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

  • Much more than a performance.

    Department of Music, Theatre and Dance 

  • Much more than an ensemble.

    Department of Music, Theatre and Dance

MSU Home :: Academics :: Music, Theatre and Dance :: Music

Music

All the way back to 1887, the accomplishments of our students have made MSU an institution synonymous with musical greatness. Whether it’s our award-winning marching percussion leaving crowds awe-struck or our symphony band gracing the stage, our ensembles consistently earn national and international recognition.  Click here for more About Us.

We will prepare you to join successful alumni as acclaimed music teachers and professors, leading members in the music performance world, Emmy-nominated composers, commercial musicians in the music products and recording industries or as graduate students who are studying at the nation’s leading music schools and conservatories.  We have an outstanding faculty of artists, teachers, and mentors.  For more information about our Faculty and Staff, click here.

Undergraduate Programs of Study

Whether you want to specialize in playing rhythms and melodies or teaching those essential musical elements to others, you can hone your specialty through any number of our undergraduate programs. Click here for information regarding our Academic Programs.

  • Bachelor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Music in Performance
  • Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music (Traditional Music)
  • Minor in Music
  • Minor in Traditional Music
  • Minor in Arts Administration (interdisciplinary arts and humanities program)
  • Post-Baccalaureate Initial P-12 Teacher Certification Program

Admission & Scholarships

Apply to MSU and complete the online Music Admission and Scholarship Application on the department web site by Feb. 1.  Music admission and scholarship auditions are held on select dates or by appointment.  Auditions are also scheduled in conjunction with select events hosted at MSU.  New and transfer students planning to major or minor in music must audition before the music faculty on their principal performing instrument or voice prior to enrollment in the music programs.  Click here for more information for Prospective Music, Theatre and Dance Students.

Graduate Study

Looking to take your education further? Take a closer look at our Master of Music degree with a concentration in music education or performance.  Click here for more information about our Academic Programs.

  • Master of Music – Concentration in Music Education:  Designed for the practicing music educator, you can complete your masters in three years through a combination of online and face-to-face courses. This program provides you a curriculum that is accessible and flexible allowing you time for a significant amount of study in instrumental and choral conducting, brass, woodwinds, percussion, orchestral strings, keyboard instruments, guitar and jazz with additional opportunities to study music history, literature and education. Course options in this program allow the study of Kodaly to national Kodaly certification. Best of all, you can compete your degree without having to take a leave from your teaching duties.
  • Master of Music – Concentration in Performance:  For students with a performance focus, the Master of Music with a concentration in performance focuses your study on a specialization in voice, instrumental and choral conducting, composition, brass, woodwinds, percussion, orchestral strings, keyboard instruments, guitar and jazz.

Graduate Admission

Prospective graduate music students must have an earned Bachelor degree in music from an accredited college or university with a minimum earned cumulative grade point average of 2.5.  Candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all music courses beyond the freshman level.  All entering graduate music students are required to take entrance exams in music theory, history, and literature.  Those students wishing to pursue the “Concentration in Performance” must audition before a committee of music faculty members prior to unconditional admission to the program.  Graduate Assistantships are available. Click here for more information for Music Graduate Study.

Performance Opportunities

The opportunities for performance for students at Morehead State University are virtually unlimited.  Click here for more information on our Performance Areas and Ensembles.

Private Study

The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance offers private instruction in a vast array of instruments.  Whether you specialize in piano, percussion, strings, woodwinds, brass, voice, or traditional music, your private study in an integral part of your music degree program.  

  • Brass Instruments
  • Conducting (Choral & Instrumental)
  • Electric Bass
  • Harpsichord
  • Jazz Guitar
  • Jazz Piano
  • Orchestral Strings
  • Organ
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Traditional Musical Instruments
  • Voice
  • Woodwind Instruments
Click here for more information about our Academic Programs.
 
Jacob Shaw - Thumbnail

Theatre Major, Simpsonville, KY  
"I love being a student at Morehead State University because the campus is so friendly and every day I feel such a positive energy from all the students. I also think that the MSU Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is so accepting of newcomers and always treats the students as if they were family."

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