Music

The Department of Music offers several different programs of study in music as well as general education course offerings and performance opportunities for all students. Students who major in music have options in music, music with a concentration in music business or with a concentration in music education that leads to teacher education licensure. Graduates of these programs are prepared to teach in grades K-12, work in the music industry and allied fields in music, and pursue graduate study. The department also provides instruction in music to any student as part of the university’s general education offerings and in an effort to promote the study and enjoyment of music for healthy and enriched living. Instruction is provided by faculty committed to teaching effectiveness, scholarship, and service toward the enhancement of the artistic and cultural life of the university and the greater community.

Many events, performances, and seminars are provided for the university community and the greater community of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County by faculty and students. Faculty members are well-recognized professionally with diverse performance and educational training which encourages students to investigate and appreciate various forms of music expression.

The music program is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the North Carolina Association of Music Schools, and the Intercollegiate Music Association, Inc.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Music Department is to offer courses of study and opportunities for performance in music to diverse and motivated students and to engage the campus and community in the enjoyment of music through a variety of expressions. In addition, specialty courses in music develop knowledge, musicianship, and skills needed to appreciate, teach and direct music activities from early childhood through secondary school, and to pursue careers in or related to the music business industry.

Goals

Help students understand and appreciate the theoretical and philosophical nature of music, its meaning and contribution to the individual and society in contemporary and past cultures.
Offer a program that includes diverse and liberal studies in music.
Prepare individuals for careers in the music and allied fields.
Provide adequate preparation for the pursuit of graduate work in music.
Develop sound musicianship and performance skills through studies in applied music, theory, and music literature.
Contribute to the enrichment of music life of Winston-Salem State University and the community.

Student Organizations

The WSSU chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education operates within the music education area and is organized and governed by students with the assistance of the chapter advisor(s). All music education majors are eligible and encouraged to join this organization. Additional Greek music organizations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

Sound University Music Group (SUMG) is a campus-based music organization with an interdisciplinary focus allowing students opportunities to gain knowledge of real world working environments via internships. Its mission is to expose students to industry situations in the areas of recording, marketing, management and finance/ accounting to build experience and proficiency in preparation for entrance into the music industry.

Seminars, Master Classes, and Recitals

All music education majors are required to attend faculty, student, and visiting artist recitals, and master classes sponsored by the Lyceum Concert Series held at the university. Students are required to participate as performers on regularly scheduled student recitals. In addition, the university encourages and supports student attendance at musical events in the Winston-Salem community including the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra and the Piedmont Opera series.

Participation in Performance Groups

All music majors are encouraged to participate each semester in the music organization(s) representing their area(s) of performance concentration. Participation is open to non-music majors. Qualified students may elect to participate in more than one ensemble.

Ensembles include:

University Wind Ensemble University Marching Band Symphonic Band

Chamber Orchestra University Choir Schola Cantorum

University Singers Singing Divas Low Brass Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble Flute Ensemble Upper Brass Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble

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