Andrews University

Department of Music

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8822 University Boulevard
Berrien Springs,Michigan 49103
269.471.3555
enroll@andrews.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Music Bachelor of Music in Music Performance Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Instrumental, Vocal, Keyboard emphases) Minor in Music Bachelor of Science in Music Master of Arts in Music Master of Music in Conducting Master of Music in Music Education Music of Music in Music Ministry Master of Music in Music Performance

If you're a musician, you know the thrill of stepping on stage and delivering a sensational performance. You also know the number of hours it took preparing for that performance, perhaps years of training in theory, interpretation, and technique. But more than that, you probably know that making music is as spiritual as it is technical or mental. Indeed, this is what separates a truly great musician from a merely mechanical one. At Andrews University, you'll have all the tools you need to excel in the technical aspects of making music. But you'll also find a musical environment filled with vitality, where music flourishes. You'll study under professors who temper their musical expertise with an emphasis on spiritual growth and character development. You'll discover endless opportunities to serve others through music. In the end, you'll gain the skills and vision necessary to live successfully, whether you plan on becoming the next Mozart or opt to practice music as a hobby. Read on to discover some of the ways a music degree from Andrews can benefit you for the rest of your life. Philosophy Our philosophy is expressed in two pillars that provide the foundation for all we do in the Department of Music. Modeled by faculty, these form the undergirding upon which we individually and collectively build all our artistic, academic, and inter-personal endeavors. Pillar 1: Excellence in music performance and academics. We believe in creating an environment and expectation in which students are stimulated and encouraged to learn and excel as they strive after the standards of excellence modeled by world-class musicians, performers, and scholars. Pillar 2: Character development. Mentoring: We believe in practicing the biblical concept of shepherding in interactions with students, modeling an attitude of acceptance and encouragement. We interact with students with a desire to shape, mold, and care for them within the relationship of master to pupil. Character building: We believe in helping students grow in character and mature as human beings. Spiritual development: We believe in encouraging students to be aware that they can grow spiritually. We provide opportunities in which students are invited to participate. Service to others: We believe in fostering an attitude of service that is manifested in acts of service. Vision Our vision is to provide a vibrant musical and learning environment in which students excel artistically and academically, grow in character and spirituality, and engage in acts of service. Mission To mentor students in artistic, intellectual, and character development. Outstanding Faculty Anyone who grew up taking music lessons will tell you that the teacher makes all the difference. That's why we consider our stellar music faculty to be the greatest asset of the department. Just attend a faculty recital if you need proof that our professors have the expertise to provide the very best technical and academic training. The faculty is loaded with active performers who travel the world as concert artists and clinicians. Additionally, our history and theory professors publish and present at conferences in the U.S. and abroad. But they are not simply touring performers and scholars-they are first and foremost teachers, mentors who are deeply committed not only to their students' musical development, but to their social and spiritual development as well. It is the emphasis on character building that truly places the Andrews University Department of Music faculty in a league of their own. Why Study At Andrews? Dynamic Atmosphere One of the first things you'll notice as a student in the Andrews Department of Music is that the department is truly alive with music. The school year is literally packed end-to-end with concerts and tours by our world-class ensembles, including annual trips to places like Brazil, England and South Africa. Add to these the regular recitals, master classes, special events, and endless opportunities to participate in praise services and special music, and the performance options are unlimited. As a music student, you'll not only practice and perform, but also have plenty of opportunities to make friends and socialize with your peers and professors. You can start the week off with a hot drink at the Monday Morning Warmup, or participate in Department Vespers and other social activities. With such an intimate family-like atmosphere, it never takes long for students to feel right at home in the Andrews Department of Music. Excellent Employment Record One thing that's undeniable about the music program at Andrews: our students get jobs. While our music students have the opportunity to move on to graduate school after receiving a BA or BM, most choose to accept high school and college level teaching positions. Given the top quality music education that Andrews offers, the department is well known for producing excellent music educators. Needless to say, if you'd like to become a music teacher, a music degree from Andrews will ensure that you'll have no trouble finding a job. Facilities Andrews University has an enormous collection of music resources that equals or surpasses that of universities many times its size. Music majors have access to a comprehensive music library with over 20,000 books, scores, and recordings, and a music technology lab filled with keyboards, computers, and notation, sequencing, and ear training equipment. The department maintains close to 20 practice rooms and students also have access to various keyboard instruments, including grand pianos, harpsichords, pipe organs, and the 4,400-pipe Casavant organ in Pioneer Memorial Church. Music has the capacity to feed the soul unlike anything else, and for this reason, music is simply an essential part of life for any musician. It's not a question of choice. Musicians can't help but make music. It's in their blood. You might choose to work as an accountant, doctor, or lawyer, but you will always be a musician. And not only is musical expression one of the best personal therapies, it constitutes one of the most important forms of service. By studying music, you'll be equipped with a unique vision and ability to serve others and your Creator. It's easy to see why music is one of the most fulfilling degrees you can choose. A Trusty Ally While a music degree by itself can prepare you for a wide range of careers, a music degree paired with another major makes a truly potent combination. Choose your primary major to suit your professional goals or to reflect your personal interests, with a music degree as a sort of ally. This will provide you the well-rounded formation that graduate and professional programs such as medicine and law seek in their applicants. A degree in music shows that you have the dedication, drive, and skill necessary to master the complexities of music-making that you've polished abilities which only come through a lot of hard work. It also sets you apart from the crowd, by showing that you possess the creativity and artistic vision which have become increasingly rare in today's workforce. Versatility If you're a musician, you know that making music involves so much more than simply moving a bow back and forth or pressing a couple of keys. Successful music making comes as a result of the complex interaction of mental, physical, and spiritual processes. It's no surprise, then, that in studying how to successfully make music, students don't simply learn how to sing or play an instrument. On the contrary, as a music student, you'll hone a unique set of skills that you can apply to any job you choose. The same communication skills that allow students to function as a single unit in a string quartet allow them to work effectively with others at home and in the office. The same ability that allows students to memorize a Bach fugue enables them to ace an anatomy exam. The same critical thinking that allows students to analyze and interpret the intricacies of harmonic and melodic lines helps them to pick apart and understand a work of literature or a calculus problem. The same composure that allows students to perform for a large audience allows them to perform under pressure at the workplace. It is clear, whether you plan to perform on stage, or in the office, the classroom, or the clinic, that music is one of the best career moves you can make!

Acceptance Rate:

Andrews University, in general, has a high acceptance rate of around 91%

Faculty Info:

Karin Thompson (Acting Chair, Associate Professor of Music), Myrna Araujo-Constantine (Office Manager), Claudio Gonzalez (Professor of Music), Byron Graves (Assistant Professor of Music), Max Keller (Assistant Professor of Music; Theory and Composition Area Coordinator), Charles Reid (Associate Professor of Music; Voice Area Coordinator), Carla Trynchuk (Professor of Music; String Area Coordinator), Chi Yong Yun (Professor of Music; Keyboard Studies Area Coordinator), Stephen Zork (Professor of Music; Conductor, University Singers and Chorale), Carlos Flores (Professor Emeritus), Lilianne Doukhan (Professor Emerita)

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