A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Our integrative learning style and curriculum gives all students a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the art of music-making in the 21st century. We have developed a method of teaching that integrates the disciplines of music theory, music history, aural skills and music literature into a single four-semester sequence of “integrative musicianship” classes. The sequence of courses presents the essentials of music theory and aural skills while exploring the development of music in history and continuously applying the theoretical concepts of music to actual performances. This integrative learning style teaches students how what they learn in the classroom directly applies to their work on their individual instrument, and ultimately on the stage.
DOUBLE MAJORING AND MINORING IN MUSIC
DR. MARC FOSTER
Chair, Department of Music and Director of Choral Activities Professor of Music
mfoster@highpoint.edu
336.841.4551
B.A. MUSIC
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at High Point University will find small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and a supportive cohort of fellow musicians. We believe that music has the power to change and transform lives, and we provide students with the opportunity to find and hone their artistic voice through hands-on learning in many areas of music study. Instead of choosing a concentration in voice or instrumental studies for all four years, students are encouraged to shift their focus periodically, allowing them to gain skills and experience in areas such as composition, technology, or business, while also focusing on their instrument or voice. This approach, along with the life skills that music study provides, creates graduates that are competitive and prepared for a variety of career paths.
Are you considering exploring multiple areas of study in college? Your passion for music can enhance your college experience and expand your skill set. Double majoring in music and another academic area at HPU, such as Psychology, Biology, or Journalism is both common and achievable! Our BA degree in music pairs well with several other programs that can lead you into a successful career path specific to your unique interests. Reach out to our faculty to learn more about this opportunity!
MUSIC BUSINESS
Entrepreneurship-minded students can cultivate marketing and business acumen within the music degree by choosing a concentration in Music Business. This concentration enhances the BA in Music with courses in the business of music, principles of marketing and personal selling, business law and principles of management and organizational behavior, among others.
GUEST ARTISTS AND WORKSHOPS
The Department of Music shares a partnership with the Randall Thomas Johnson Guest Artist Program Endowment. This allows us to co-produce performances with well-known artists such as Etienne Charles, Disney Live Tours and the Greensboro Opera. Our students often get to experience workshops and master classes with these artists or perform in the professional productions alongside them.
ePORTFOLIO
As part of our commitment to teaching life skills and career preparation, every student must create and maintain an ePortfolio as they progress through our program. An ePortfolio is an electronic collection of work samples or artifacts, supported by narrative reflection. Scan the QR code to view an example by student, Finn Gilbert.
FULL
CULTIVATING LIFE SKILLS
Arts organizations, corporations, and foundations look for employees with the skills to think innovatively, work diligently towards a common goal, adapt to changing environments, embrace a commitment to the team, push past physical and mental fatigue and develop a product in the vision and interest of the organization. Students pursuing a BA in music at High Point University will develop all of these skills through performance, rehearsal and classroom work.
Our degree has been designed to not only ground the education in the core elements of music (theory, history, aural skills and literature), but also in the principles and methods of performance practice and musicianship. Carefully designed courses allow you to acquire the specialized knowledge necessary to provide a firm foundation for your anticipated career path. Creative scholarship, varied performance opportunities and a flexible curriculum merge to develop accomplished musicians prepared to take the next step in their career.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURS
High Point University students have the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally with the Department of Music. Both Instrumental and Choral international tours have included trips to Italy, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, England and Scotland. Our annual national tours include locations from coast to coast.
COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for music majors and are also offered for students selected to participate in Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble and Community Orchestra. Scholarships are awarded based on audition.
CREATIVE ARTS FELLOWSHIP
Music majors can join the Creative Arts Fellows Program, a four-year collaborative academic journey with peers who share their passion for the arts. Guided by a dedicated director, students receive personalized mentorship, engage in networking trips and gain insights from arts experts. This program emphasizes value-added learning, fostering a growth mindset and building strong connections with faculty, peers and professionals. It comprises three main components: community building, experiential learning and leadership development, resulting in a well-rounded, empowered graduate.
Learn more at www.highpoint.edu/admissions/creative-arts-fellows
PAGE OF MUSIC PHOTO GALLERY
ENSEMBLES
The following 22 ensembles are open to all HPU students. You do not have to be a music major or music minor to participate!
CHORAL/VOCAL ENSEMBLES
• Chamber Singers
• University Singers
• Women’s Chorus
• Chapel Choir
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
• Wind Ensemble
• University Band
• Community Orchestra
• Jazz Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Chamber Strings
• String Quartet
• Brass Ensemble
PRIVATE LESSONS
• Men’s Glee Club
• Opera Scenes
• Musical Theater Scenes
• Brass Quintet
• Flute Choir
• Clarinet Ensemble
• Clarinet Quartet
• Saxophone Quartet
• Woodwind Quintet
• Guitar Ensemble
ALUMNI OUTCOMES
HPU music graduates have received incredible post-graduate opportunities, including callbacks for national tours and careers in church music, regional theater music performers, and music education. Graduating music majors are being accepted into reputable graduate programs at Florida State University, Peabody Conservatory, University of Michigan, Southern Methodist University, Howard University, and many more.
Private lessons with our world-class faculty are available to all students on campus, not just music majors and minors. Beginners through advanced musicians are welcome! No special permission is required to register for these lessons, which are listed below.
• Voice
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Horn
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Percussion
• Drum Set
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Electric Bass
• Composition
Music and Theater
Double Major
Clergy of the United Methodist Church Lakewood, CO
“The music department at HPU made space for me to develop as a human being alongside what I was learning, and HPU was a place where I met some of the mentors who still influence me in who I am becoming today.”
DAKOTA TAMELING
Finance Major with a Music Minor
Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chicago, IL
“I played French horn for most of my childhood, and when I was choosing a college I could not imagine having to pick between a Business or Music degree. HPU gave me the opportunity to pursue a career in Finance while helping me to grow as a musician, providing me with opportunities to perform and connecting me with people outside of my primary area of study.”
Music and Biology
Double Major
Assistant Professor of Music Education and Associate Director of Choral Activities, Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
“After one visit I knew I was at home! The class sizes at HPU are amazing. Flexible scheduling and multiple course offerings allowed for me to major in Music while also completing all of the necessary Physician’s Assistant requirements.”
BEN DAVID HENSLEY BRIAN IJAMES
THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF MUSIC
AT HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
SELF-RELIANCE
Taking initiative in creating and completing projects and assessing and refining your work
PERFORMANCE
Performing effectively in both solo and ensemble contexts
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Working with music from a wide range of world music styles and approaches
COMMUNITY
Understanding yourself as an artist in terms of your role in social groups of all sizes
COLLABORATION
Working in teams to solve complex problems beyond one’s individual abilities
MUSICIANSHIP
Working with the materials of music to create effective improvisations, arrangements and compositions
CONFIDENCE
Exhibiting a growth mindset and facing challenges with equanimity
CREATIVITY
Exploring unfamiliar perspectives and synthesizing diverse elements in new combinations
