At the University of Dayton, music degree programs are designed to meet individual needs and various career aspirations. The five degree programs offered by the department are Bachelor of Music degrees with majors in composition, music education, music therapy, music performance, and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music. Students may also minor in music. In addition, a certification in church music is available. The five degree programs are described below.

Music Composition
Phillip Magnuson, D.M.A., Program Coordinator

The major in composition prepares professionals for careers that involve creation, synthesis or analysis of music. Careers available to graduates of this program (usually in conjunction with work towards a master’s and doctoral degree) include teaching, composing music (arts, educational and/or commercial), arranging, and copying.

Required courses for composition majors include instruction in composition, conducting, ensembles, General Education requirements, music electives, music history and literature, music theory and performance studies. Students also must participate in seven semesters of recital attendance to develop critical listening experience and knowledge of repertoire.

Music Education
Linda A. Hartley, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

It is the goal of the Department of Music at the University of Dayton for graduates to be not only highly competent, but also confident about their ability to have a fruitful and rewarding teaching career. The music department is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the music education degree is licensed by the state of Ohio.

Music education students choose one of four specialty areas (band, choral, classroom, or orchestra) and receive extensive training for that specialty. They also receive adequate but more limited training in the other three areas. The music education program enjoys a positive relationship with city, suburban and rural school systems in the surrounding area. Many schools are just minutes away from campus. Therefore, students have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of field experiences, which begin during the first year.

Coursework available to music education students is quite extensive and includes study in music education, music history and literature, music theory, music composition, conducting, music therapy, ensemble performance, and individual performance.  In addition, music education students have excellent oportunities for hands-on experiences teaching including working with several schools in the community and a senior adults band on campus.

Music Therapy
Susan C. Gardstrom, Ph.D., MT-BC, Program Coordinator

The music therapist works as a member of a therapeutic team to evaluate individual needs and define treatment goals and specific musical interventions. Music therapists can be found in many employment settings including residential facilities, schools, community health agencies, hospitals, private practice, and other social service and health care programs.

The Department of Music at the University of Dayton is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the music therapy degree program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association. Majors have many opportunities for field work in community programs that serve individuals with special needs, illnesses and disabilities. Practical experience is an integral part of the curriculum and volunteer experiences are readily available. A required internship at one of several approved sites around the country rounds out the curriculum.

Coursework for music therapy majors includes study in music therapy, music history and literature, music theory, music composition, music education, conducting, ensemble performance, and individual performance.

Music Performance
Richard Chenoweth, D.M.A., Program Coordinator

Vocalists have many opportunities for performance in a variety of related fields, including opera, art song, oratorio, popular music, musical theater, gospel and jazz. Instrumentalists may choose from a wide selection of fields, including orchestral performance, chamber music, recording studio session work, jazz, popular theater and musical theater. A solo career as an instrumentalist or singer is also possible, but success depends on a combination of skill, dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge of the field, and the ability to create and recognize opportunities.

Performance students receive one-hour lessons each semester they are enrolled. They perform several solo recitals and have the opportunity to take special topics courses related to their specific area of performance. For example, singers take classes in diction and language, while keyboard players take courses in pedagogy. In all fields, a pedagogy class is highly recommended. Outside of the classroom, the greater Dayton area has much to offer in the area of performing arts. Frequently, artists who perform with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dayton Opera, local ballet companies and a variety of music societies and churches, will present on-campus master classes and clinics. There are also a wide variety of special workshops featuring nationally renowned artists.

Music performance majors also perform in University ensembles, which include a variety of vocal and instrumental groups, many of which tour nationally and internationally. Students have enough elective credits to take classes of special interest, including a seminar on graduate study, which helps prepare them for advanced work in their field of performance.

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music
Donna Cox, Ph.D., Chairperson

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music provides a liberal arts education with an emphasis in music courses. Many students combine this degree with another major to complete a double major, allowing for a variety of career opportunities. In addition, students who have a strong interest in music but do not wish to major in it may elect to minor in music. No audition is required for a minor in music.