Music

Our Music Degree Program

Our Bachelor of Arts in Music is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides extensive instruction in technical music skills and interpretive and creative approaches to music within the context of a broad liberal arts curriculum.

Your musical skills will develop through studio instruction, ensemble participation, solo performance, supporting music courses, and a final capstone experience. Our central goals for you include developing competence and leadership in the major area of study and preparing you for a variety of careers in the field of music and for entry into graduate programs.

Interested in pursuing a scholarship opportunity? Explore your options. 

Ensembles for Academic Credit

In the Music Program, you may pursue large or small group vocal performance in one of our outstanding ensembles for academic credit:

• Chorus 
  The Columbia College Chorus is an open enrollment ensemble. No audition or experience is necessary in order to join. Members represent many different majors and areas of study across campus. This ensemble performs each semester in Chapel, and at the fall and spring choral concerts. Students who sing in Chorus have the opportunity to develop music literacy skills and basic vocal techniques while studying music that represents a variety of cultures and time periods.
• Concert Choir
  The Columbia College Concert Choir is open to all Columbia College Students. Most music majors and minors are members of the Concert Choir, as well as participants from other majors and areas. This ensemble performs each semester at the fall and spring choral concerts. Students who sing in Concert Choir have the opportunity to develop advanced music literacy skills and advanced vocal techniques while studying music representing a variety of cultures and time periods. 
• Hi-Cs
  The Hi-Cs is the Music Program’s smallest vocal ensemble. The focus of the group is vocal jazz, and the nine-voice ensemble is open to music students by audition during the fall semester. The group travels and represents Columbia College both on and off campus and functions as a professional ensemble in the community. In addition to performing for campus events, they carol during the holiday season.

Every semester, the vocal music program produces music theater scenes, involving not only vocal music students but students from other majors and areas, such as dance and theater.

Columbia College's Music Program provides me with a space where I can develop my musicianship and creativity. The educators are amazing and motivating. C.C.'s Music Program feels like another home.

Lamonica Hampton, '20

After Graduation

Career Opportunities

Music majors develop skills that are applicable to a wide variety of careers. Many employers specifically seek music majors because of the interpersonal and detail-oriented skills they develop. These skills include:

• Arts and Entertainment – Music performance.
• Education – Admissions, advising, student affairs, studio or private school teacher.
• Business – Marketing, human resources, sales, arts production manager, publisher, editor.
• Church Music – Accompanist, music director, adult or children’s choir director.
• Continuing Education – Entry into graduate programs, including music, law, medicine, or other fields.

Music Areas of Study

Learn about the classes we offer and areas you can focus on when you study music.

Major Course Requirements

• Music, BA (Undergraduate) 

Minor Course Requirements

• Music Minor (Undergraduate) 

Scholarships

Although an audition is not required for you to declare a major, it is required before scholarship considerations are made. Music scholarships are available to incoming first-year and transfer students.

Audition requirements for voice and keyboard

Prepare two selections of a contrasting nature representing your very best effort. An accompanist will be provided by Columbia College. You may use taped accompaniments if necessary. Previously recorded auditions may be accepted via the registration form.

Audition requirements for instrumentalists

Prepare two pieces that represent your most advanced playing ability.

No awards will be made until you have been officially accepted for admission to Columbia College.