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Department of Music

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301 North King Street
Shepherdstown,West Virginia 25443
304.876.5555
admissions@shepherd.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Vocal

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Instrumental

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Jazz

Bachelor of Music Education

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Bachelor of Arts in Music - Composition


Did you know that in 2016-2017, Shepherd University was the only public college in West Virginia to be named to the Colleges of Distinction list? We joined sixty-one other public colleges and universities on the list which recognizes schools for student engagement, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Shepherd University’s School of Music is many things: a place where musicians are empowered to grow as creative artists and versatile musicians, a place where aspiring professionals learn to think critically, and a cultural hub that enriches the lives all members of our community. Shepherd music graduates do amazing things! Our alumni have starred on Broadway and in world tours, become recording artists, and joined nationally recognized ensembles, including the United States Navy Band, Marine Band, and Sea Chanters. We take pride that Shepherd music grads hold esteemed teaching positions in institutions of learning all over the country, including elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools. Graduates of the SoM create meaningful lives and rich, rewarding careers. Our music students have enjoyed performing in our Ram Band, Jazz and Wind Ensembles, and Concert and Chamber Choirs throughout the United States and Europe. These experiences included numerous regional tours, and invitations to perform in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. These experiences broaden our students’ perspective of music and art by experiencing other cultures. Our faculty have dedicated their lives to creating a transformative educational experience that guides passionate young musicians to become lifelong artists and artist-educators. On this extraordinary journey, our students build their skills in solo and ensemble settings in classrooms, rehearsal halls, stadiums, stages, and performance halls. All of this takes place in a beautifully historic setting, just a five-minute walk from the Potomac River, surrounded by lush trees and rolling hills, in the culturally diverse and welcoming community of Shepherdstown. These life-enriching experiences for you, our students, and our community are only possible with you as our partner! Your support helps us realize our vision to create a transformative educational experience, extending beyond Shepherd through our graduates. They bring our vision and their experiences back to their communities in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. as teachers in the studio and classroom and professionals performing in a variety of venues. Please consider a donation to our scholarship fund, piano campaign, concert sponsorship, or a playbill advertisement to help sustain our efforts. We thank Jefferson Security Bank for their generous support of the Shepherd Music Salon Series!

Acceptance Rate:

Shepherd University has a high acceptance rate of 96%


Faculty Info:

Dr. Kurtis Adams, Director of the School of Music, Director of Jazz Studies Dr. Rachel Carlson, Director of Choral Activities Dr. Austin Showen, Director of Music Education Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director of Instrumental Activities Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao, Coordinator of Keyboard Program Ms. Brooke Evers, Voice, Theory, and Piano Dr. Laura Renninger, Coordinator of Music History and Appreciation, Dean of the Ruth Scarborough Library and the Center for Teacher and Learning Dr. Robert Tudor, Director of Vocal Activities, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences



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Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
Thanksgiving Play in Broadway Thanksgiving Play
(10/7/22 - 10/16/22)
Shepherd University

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