The Music Major/Minor

Dominican University has a long history of supporting and showcasing the fine arts. Students may minor in music by studying either voice or piano. Our faculty is experienced with an extensive professional background in performance and teaching. Music minors explore a variety of repertoire, and yearly recitals in our Lund Auditorium provide students with the opportunity to share their art with others in a professional and exciting venue.

By providing access to excellent instruction and facilities, the music minor is structured to give the student a well-rounded artistic experience. The music minor encourages students to focus on improving in performance as well as giving them the opportunity to explore the theory and history of music. All students take Fundamentals of Music, Music Theory and Composition and Masterpieces of Music. Students interested in performance also take applied courses in piano or voice. Students emphasizing music history and theory take additional courses in those topics.

For those who wish to major in music, Dominican has an ongoing arrangement with Concordia University that allows students to enroll in all music classes required for the degree. In this way, students experience not only the inherent values of the Dominican educational environment, but they also get to experience a first-class music program with exposure to different approaches and philosophies. Auditions are required. The program consists of 48 credits in music theory, basic music skills, music history and literature, performance studies and a senior project. Concordia has an excellent tradition of both instrumental and vocal studies and is well known through its large performing ensembles.

Acceptance into any music program or major/ minor is not guaranteed. Depending upon the type and level of performance organization or the degree sought, it may be necessary to satisfy some or all of the following requirements (of which this is not an exhaustive list):

• Audition to demonstrate appropriate fluency in an instrument and/or voice. Requirements for audition vary depending on the type of instrument and the performing group.
• Enrollment as a music major or minor. Majors have priority in seating for larger ensembles due to the credit requirements for the degree and the availability of rental instruments. This also tends to determine eligibility for seating placements such as first and second chair in a section.
• Class seniority. Depending on their class status, students needing particular credits or the satisfaction of other criteria for their degree may be given preference over others entering or attending the programs.

This detailed list is an attempt to explain some of the criteria by which a student may be accepted into a performing organization or excluded from it. The level of the group and the needs of the organization/ensemble are additional factors in determining the eligibility of any prospective student.

For more information, please make an appointment or contact the director of the music minor at Dominican University, Kevin Nutley at (708) 524-6918, or the head of the department of your particular instrument at Concordia University, or the chair of the music department, Steve Wente at (708) 209-3069. Please contact the music department at Concordia University for additional information regarding audition requirements and audition dates.