Music

The music program at Pacific University enables students to explore
and excel in the multiple facets of musical study, in order to expand understanding of music as an experience as well as a means of expression. The rigorous bachelor’s degree program or minor produces skillful musical performers, scholars and educators. While challenging, the program also offers the opportunity for fun and good music making.

Students are encouraged to delve deeply into the meaning of the music they perform. Through analysis from an historical, literal and global perspective, they gain an understanding of the creation, effects and uses of music on a universal scale. As students further develop their musical literacy, they strengthen their skills of reading, writing, listening to and performing music.

Program Highlights

• Students can receive a bachelor of arts degree in music (general), music education and music with performance emphasis in vocal or instrumental
• Students can minor in music
• Students are eligible for a music scholarship even if they don’t plan to major or minor in music
• Access to individualized performance instruction with our campus faculty and adjunct instructors
• Each ensemble performs at least one major concert each semester
• Ensembles are open to all Pacific students, regardless of major
• A wide range of ensembles that include Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Pacific Philharmonic, Jazz Choir, Jazz Band, Pep Band and various chamber ensembles
• Opportunity to travel with performance groups to such locations as Hawai'i’, New York, Washington D.C., California and Europe
• Access to a 400-seat recital hall, a piano lab with Kawai electronic units, a Mac-based MIDI lab, practice rooms with pianos, a percussion studio and rehearsal space that replicates the recital hall

More Information

Department Fact Sheet

Ian Pearson, This project will focus on the history, development and construction of the classical guitar from its early stages to the present. A discussion of the modern day construction process will include a photographic essay of the step-by-step procedures involved in building a classical guitar. A brief demonstration will follow, allowing the audience to experience a newly built instrument.

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Career-Building Experience

This experience creates a solid academic foundation built upon studies in music theory and analysis, music history from ancient to post-modern eras and performance opportunities in both classical and jazz idioms.

Through advanced study in music theory, history, composition, education and performance, the program prepares students for professional opportunities and successful careers beyond the University. Many graduates move into Pacific’s master of arts in teaching program (MAT program) to pursue their master’s degree in music education, while others attend graduate programs in music or pursue careers in related professions.

Courses

The range of music courses offered at Pacific University allows any student to participate in musical education and performance, regardless of skill level. For music majors, classes focus on different music genres, histories and practices and demonstrate the connections between people, music and the world around us. In addition to the courses provided for music majors, there are many classes and ensembles that are open to non-music majors.