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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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Music

This is a largely decorative banner which includes the SMSU logo in the upper lefthand corner with the words Discover, Engage, Lead below. The banner includes a picture of a recent music alumnus named Samantha Hotzler from Walnut Grove, Minnesota. The righthand side of the banner has a heading that says Earn a Degree in Music and then the university website underneath www.smsu.edu.

About the Program

Southwest Minnesota State University’s Music Program provides opportunities for all SMSU students to develop an understanding and appreciation of music, their own creativity, and artistic performance. Furthermore, the music degree curricula prepares music majors for a variety of careers in music.

Music degrees focus on the building of strong foundations in musicianship, technique, adaptability, theory, historical/cultural context, and general knowledge helpful to any college graduate through the curriculum coursework and the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. The Bachelor of Science: Music Education degree provides two paths to licensure as a music teacher: K-12 licensure in Vocal/General Music or Instrumental/General Music. The Bachelor of Arts: Music degree offers emphases in Instrumental Performance, Vocal Performance, Piano Performance & Pedagogy, Theory/Composition, Management, and Music in the Liberal Arts.  Click here to see the Music Program Goals and Student Outcomes.

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in music are fully accredited by the

National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA  20190-5248

The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra is performing under the direction of Dr. Daniel Rieppel in the sanctuary of Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall, Minnesota.

Clubs & Organizations

Majors & Minors

The music department at SMSU helped shape me into the person that I am today. Its dedication and hard work towards helping me reach my goals provided me the tools that I needed to land an amazing job. I am proud to be an alum of the music department at SMSU.

Derrick Tilus, Class of 2011
(B.S. in Music Education & B.A. in Music (vocal performance emphasis.), ’11)
Choir Director, Chippewa Falls H.S., WI
Freelance Vocalist (Minnesota Opera)

Preparations

All prospective music majors must audition with the music faculty to enter the program. Auditions typically include: at least one solo piece of the student’s choice demonstrating their technical and musical skills; scales and/or vocal exercises; and an aural skill assessment. (Specific audition requirements for instrumentalists and vocalists can be found on the music program website.) In order to prepare for any collegiate music degree program, it is recommended that students:

  1. Participate in their school ensembles as well as music festivals, camps, and all-state or all-region ensembles.
  2. Take private lessons from a qualified individual.
  3. Take piano lessons.
  4. Participate in area solo & ensemble festivals.
  5. Sing often in their school choir or on your own.
  6. Begin studying basic concepts in music theory such as notation, major and minor scales and key signatures and chords.

Career Opportunities

  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Music Educators
  • Private Teachers
  • Music Store Owners
  • Music Historians
  • Music Industry Professionals
  • Church/Synagogue Musicians
  • Freelance Performers
  • Graduate Programs
  • Professional Music Organization

Contact Information

Music Program - Office

FA 207, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

picture of the trombone section from a performance of the Jazz Ensemble

FRESHMAN ADMISSION PROCESS

  • Complete Application
  • $20 Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Official High School Transcript(s)
  • ACT or SAT Test Scores

Schedule Your Visit Today!

FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Rank in the upper half of graduating class
  • or
  • Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT

Last Modified: 9/5/24 11:59 AM | Website Feedback