Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music
Are you passionate about music? Musical inspiration and talent is a gift to both the performer and the audience. The mission of the MVNU Music Department is to promote students’ creativity, encourage potential, and develop the skills, knowledge, and appreciation of the musical arts to be successful musicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs.
The Music program at MVNU provides students with training from seasoned professionals, offering experiences in classical and contemporary music in a variety of venues. Students have the opportunity to participate in numerous choral and instrumental music ensembles, events and special performances, study abroad trips, and more.
Scholarships are available to music majors and minors as well as non-majors. Guided by outstanding faculty with a commitment to faith-based liberal arts education, students are able to develop their God-given talents and abilities in music.
Music Curriculum
The Music Department offers a variety of avenues to pursue a quality music education. The baccalaureate program allows students to choose from a B.A. Music Education or a B.A. Music with a choice of two tracks: Music Performance or General Music.
Also offered are a two-year associate degree and several music minors including a semester-long program through the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville. Another option, in collaboration with the School of Christian Ministry, is a newly approved Worship Arts program. For details of these programs, check out the catalog.
Faith & learning at MVNU
As an intentionally Christian University, we integrate our faith into everything we do at MVNU. From prayer before class to exploring real-world moral and ethical dilemmas, we’ll teach you what it means to shine forth.
Travel
MVNU offers a number of fantastic travel and study afar programs designed to broaden your perspective, introduce you to new and exciting domestic and international cultures, and enhance your resume.
Students in non-music degrees may complete a general music or worship music minor. Students of all majors have the opportunity to spend a semester in Nashville and complete a minor through the Contemporary Music Center. The program offers a music business track, technical production track, or performing artist track.
Study Abroad:
- Hungary
- Spain
- Austria
- Italy
- England
- Ireland
- Israel
- Jordan
Service Learning:
- Belize (Tropical Biology)
- Swaziland
- Haiti
- Croatia, Austria & Hungary
- Italy
- Spain, Portugal & France
- Greater Columbus Area
- Orlando
- San Francisco
- New Orleans
- Washington, D.C.
- Guyana
- Guatemala
Music Scholarships
Need a little help with finances? We’ve got you covered. Explore scholarships, grants, and other resources to help you pay for your education.
Careers with a Music Degree
Our graduates can be found in places like: Kenya, Hawaii, Indonesia, London and Australia. Many are employed as music educators, worship leaders, professors, choir directors, sound engineers, and more! Graduates of the Music Department are trained for a variety of careers, including:
HIGHER LEARNING
Prepare for graduate school or seminary with emphasis in music.
CHURCHES
Become a minister of music, worship leader, or music director.
SCHOOLS
Become a choral or instrumental music teacher (k-12) or director of orchestral education.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Launch a business as a private studio music teacher or an accompanist.
COMMUNITY
Serve in or lead a community-based choir or orchestra.
PERFORMANCE
Build a career as a contemporary/classical solo artist, or studio musician.
MUSIC BUSINESS
Music producer, media relations coordinator recording engineer/sound electronics specialist, art/music research.
ENTERTAINMENT
Artist manager/booking agent, concert hall/festival/opera company manager, music tour or concert logistics coordinator
PUBLISHING
Become a composer/arranger or get into music publishing, editing, journalism, or critique.
MUSIC LIBRARIAN
Organize, acquire, preserve, and reference materials related to music, including sheet music and recordings
MUSIC THERAPY
Become a music therapist (with appropriate certification) and change lives.
Meet the Faculty
Learn from faculty members who know how to balance theory and practical application for a relevant, empowering, Christ-centered learning experience.
The faculty of the Music Department are talented musicians and excellent instructors. All are respected in their discipline on campus and in other professional settings. They reflect a wide range of abilities as accomplished vocalists, pianists, instrumentalists, conductors, and clinicians.
Adjunct Faculty and Staff
- Sabina Anderson – Treble Singers
- Andrew Clarkson – Guitar/Guitar Class
- Dr. Cary Dachtyl – Percussion
- Rebecca Dangerfield – Bassoon
- Charles Dettmar – Jazz Band
- Charla Dryburgh – Staff Accompanist
- Sarah Jancura – French horn
- Dr. Gabrielle Valladares – Clarinet/Saxophone
- Dr. Cynthia Mahaney – Voice
- Dr. Trevor Marcho – Low Brass
- Dr. Juan Carlos Ortega – Strings/String Ensemble
- Jennifer Packard – Flute/Flute Choir
- Dr. Jim Puckett – Composition
- Anthony Springer – Cello
- Aaron Van Valkenburg – Worship Band/Music Technology
R.R. Hodges Chapel and Fine Arts Center
Check these majors out, too
Worship Arts
Demonstrate intentional, faith-filled expressions of worship that help usher people into the presence of God.
Computer Science
Learn to design, build, and manage computer science innovations in a fast-growing, competitive field.