Music (MUS)

For information, please contact the director, 989-774-1945, Music 162; www.music.cmich.edu/

Why Study Music?

Of all the fine arts, music is the most universal. Cultural anthropologists agree that every known culture experiences music, and there are few people who have not been moved by listening to a piano sonata by Beethoven, an opera by Mozart, a song by the Beatles, an Indian raga, or a dance tune by Duke Ellington. Recent science has confirmed the uncanny ability of music to evoke memories and emotions across an entire lifespan. By studying music, students connect with some of the greatest creative minds in history while gaining an appreciation for shared experiences with music makers around the globe. In a society often focused on passive participation, students who study music become actively involved in the creative process, whether through applied study or by membership in a vocal or instrumental ensemble. In short, the study of music reveals aspects of our common humanity that simply cannot be experienced in any other way.

Music Offerings at CMU

The School of Music provides offerings in four basic areas: curricular programs for students who aspire to careers in music; activities for all students who have an interest in music (all of the musical organizations in the School of Music are open to all students on campus, whether music majors or not); courses for students with a general interest in music; and cultural offerings in the form of recitals, concerts, and lectures, most of which are free of charge.

The School of Music offers majors on Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. Minors are available on the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

The Faculty

James Batcheller, Jay C. Batzner, Lindabeth Binkley, Bruce Bonnell, Christopher Chapman, Keith Clifton, Mark Cox, Amon Eady, Edward Fedewa, James Fiste, Alan Gumm, Scott Harding, Mary Kiesgen, Robert Lindahl, Alexandra Mascolo-David, José-Lois Maúrtua, MaryBeth Minnis, Neil Mueller, John Nichol, Amanda Pabyan, Rob Smith, Andrew Spencer, Thomas Studebaker, Nancy Summitt, Fangye Sun, Eric Tucker, Alicia Valoti, Zhao Wang, Tracy Watson, Joanna Cowan White, Kennen White, Adrienne Wiley

The Programs

On the Bachelor of Music Education degree:

Music Education Major: Instrumental Option

Music: Instrumental Minor

Music Education Major: Choral Option

Music: Choral Minor

Music Education Major: General Music Option

Music: General Music Minor

On the Bachelor of Music degree:

Music: Composition Major

Music: Orchestral Instruments Major

Music: Piano Major