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Department Chair Lawrence Johnson – MU 204 – (435) 586-7897	Faculty & Staff
MME Program Director Thomas Herb – MU 114 – (435) 586-7893	Student Success Advisors
MMMT Program Director Daniel Anderegg	Website
Administrative Assistant Kimberly Baker – MU 208 – (435) 586-7890

Overview of Programs

SUU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Department of Music offers SUU students a wide array of musical opportunities that can lead to a performance degree in music, a teaching degree in music education (undergraduate and graduate levels), or a master’s degree in music technology. We also offer numerous performance opportunities for both music majors and non-majors, in ensembles such as Opera Theatre, Concert Choir, OPUS Chamber Choir, Luminosa Women’s Choir, Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, and several small ensembles. Because the SUU music faculty has an exceptional combination of both teaching and performing expertise, our students have won state, regional, and national recognition for their efforts, both at SUU and after graduation, and have gone on to teaching music and professional performance careers.

Mission

The Department of Music at Southern Utah University provides a dynamic educational environment where a community of learners explore pathways in music by developing individual strengths and pursuing collective excellence to prepare for lifelong learning, 21st century careers in music, and active engagement in community performances.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

All Degrees

Performance and Musicianship: Music graduates will:

1. demonstrate advanced technical and artistic performance standards in their area of expertise;
2. have a wide range of performance experience of the highest level; and
3. have a broad knowledge of literature in a wide variety of musical styles.

History, Theory, Analysis: Music graduates will:

1. conceptualize and perform music in its proper historical context;
2. be able to analyze harmony and other aesthetic qualities of music;
3. be able to research and write cogently about music; and
4. demonstrate the ability to perceive and understand music aurally.

Piano Proficiency: Music graduates will be able to:

1. play and accompany simple folk songs by ear, in any key;
2. transfer theory and skills concepts to the keyboard; and
3. read at sight at the level of 4-part hymns.

Music in Social and Cultural Contexts: Music graduates will:

1. have an understanding of the role of music in society;
2. participate in cultural experiences which will enlarge multicultural understanding; and
3. possess an understanding of the responsibility of building the audiences of the future.

Additional Learning Outcomes for Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree

Performance and Musicianship: Music graduates will:

1. demonstrate a level of technical and artistic proficiency that is on par for the national standards for success in graduate school;
2. have designed and executed musical events such as solo recitals with a level of professionalism that is on par for graduate study; and
3. demonstrate a deep and broad understanding of the literature in their field.

History, Theory, Analysis: Music graduates will have:

1. a far-reaching exposure to and knowledge of literature in their area of expertise; and
2. knowledge of multiple pedagogical approaches in their area of expertise.

Social and Cultural: Music graduates will be prepared to:

1. contribute to the community and the profession through performances on a professional level; and
2. promote appreciation of art music within the society.

Graduate Admission Information

Master of Music Education

The Master of Music in Music Education degree is a 30-credit graduate program designed specifically for current school ensemble directors who want to continue working while obtaining their degree. Teachers will utilize their classrooms as experimental laboratories while they master best practices, broaden their pedagogy, and grow as artists themselves. Students will meet for three-week on-campus sessions in June, then complete their coursework online throughout the school year.

Mission

In support of the mission of the music department, the Master of Music Education trains secondary music education teachers to be more effective in their teaching.

Goals

1. Increase abilities to direct ensembles in secondary schools.
2. Increase understanding of music through analysis, and performance, including historical and societal implications.
3. Increase classroom management skills as they relate to music.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Prospective students will need to be currently employed as a music teacher in a school setting. Because the practicum assignments require students to try techniques with their own classes as the lab setting, the requirement of having a teaching position is of the utmost importance. Students will be admitted into the program for summer session to facilitate timely completion of the degree.

Admission Materials

When applying for the program, prospective students will need to provide:

1. Successful admission to Graduate School at SUU;
2. Bachelor’s degree in Music w/Certification (transcripts to demonstrate);
3. Proof of current teaching position (three [3] letters of recommendation, at least one [1] from administration); and
4. Resume and written statement of purpose.

Application Assessment

Applicants will be reviewed and approved for admission by the Music Education Committee.

Master of Music in Music Technology

The Master of Music in Music Technology degree program is designed for two groups of working musicians: 1) Those who wish to use technology to enhance and expand their current skillset as a performer, educator, or composer and thus increase their employability, and 2) those who wish to work (or are already working) as technicians in the music profession and wish to expand their knowledge of the platforms currently in use. All students in the program will complete a capstone project showing mastery and synthesis of skills learned in their area of study, and will have the opportunity to work in preparation of that capstone project with an academic and professional mentor.

Mission

To provide students with both the core and advanced skills in music technology necessary to be successful in a wide range of musical endeavors, particularly as they relate to employment as musicians.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Admission

When applying for the program, prospective students must:

1. Be successfully admitted to Graduate Studies at SUU;
2. Provide transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree in music, or a baccalaureate degree in a field that supports graduate study in music technology (subject to approval by Area Coordinator);
3. Submit audio or video recordings (in online form) that show the applicant’s current skill level as a performer, composer, and/or technologist; and
4. Submit a résumé.

Application Assessment

All applicants will be approved by the Music Technology Area Coordinator in conjunction with the Professional Advisory Committee.

Programs

• Music (B.A.)
• Music - Instrumental Performance Emphasis (B.M.)
• Music - Piano Performance Emphasis (B.M.)
• Music - Vocal Performance Emphasis (B.M.)
• Music Education - Secondary Choral Emphasis (B.M.)
• Music Education - Secondary Instrumental Emphasis (B.M.)

• Music (Minor)

• Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)
• Master of Music in Music Technology - Performance Technology Emphasis (M.M.) (Online)
• Master of Music in Music Technology - Studio Technology Emphasis (M.M.) (Online)

Return to: Department of Music