About
The Bachelor of Music in Music Performance provides skilled musicians with opportunities to develop expertise as professional performers or composers of solo, chamber and large ensemble music; as directors and performers of church music; or as university-level faculty following graduate study.
The Music Performance (BM) - Sacred Music degree is designed for students who want to serve tradition-rooted churches that are also open to fine contemporary music in a variety of styles. The program welcomes students from all denominational backgrounds. The Sacred Music program provides a foundation in understanding worship traditions and trends, and practical skills including conducting, accompanying, knowledge of appropriate literature, and administrative abilities. Capstone experiences are a recital presented on campus and an off-campus internship.
Classes for each concentration of the Music Performance degree include the Hayes School of Music’s core curriculum: private instrument/voice study, ensemble participation, music theory and aural skills, music history, world music and other musicianship classes. In addition, there are special courses or features tailored for each concentration. Faculty members for Music Performance include experts in all individual conservatory instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings (including guitar and harp), piano and organ and percussion.
After Graduation
The Sacred Music Degree prepares students for full-time or part-time positions in church music. Some of our graduates go directly into church work. Some go into graduate school or seminary, where they might pursue graduate degrees in church music, music ministry, performance or conducting.
Minors
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- College Music Society (student chapter)
- Music service fraternities: Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
All Hayes School of Music students take MUS 2018 World Music as a requirement within their degree programs. Additionally, Music students are eligible to participate in international programs, including recent course-related activities in Ireland, South Africa and Cuba.
Admission Requirements
All students must audition to be accepted into the Hayes School of Music.
Why Appalachian?
- The Hayes School of Music prepares young musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, music therapists, conductors and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region and nation.
- With employment and graduate school placement record of nearly 100 percent, our students typically move into professional music careers, including performing, teaching, clinical work, research and business, as well as other career fields that value collaboration, logical reasoning and creative thinking.
- The Hayes School of Music engages the local and regional community with more than 190 concerts each year, giving students valuable performance experience.
Location
Boone campus only
Contacts
Hayes School of Music
Music Performance
Dr. Joby Bell
Associate Professor of Organ, Sacred Music Program Coordinator
Broyhill Music Center, Room 420
828-262-6467
belljr@appstate.edu