Are you Serious About Music?

The University of Mary Department of Music integrates a fully accredited and challenging curriculum with professional training, all in an environment where students study with faculty who are committed to excellence. The music program contributes to the total development of each student in the areas of music theory, music history, music performance, and music education.

Three Bachelor of Science degree programs in music education are offered as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance and a minor in music. Students can participate in any of 15-  plus performance ensembles in addition to performance labs and informal studio labs in each applied music discipline. Those with strong academic and professional interest may elect to pursue a double major or combine a music major with various minors. 

Graduates of the music program are employed throughout the United States and Canada as university instructors, performers, conductors and pedagogues.

Mission

The music department strives to develop a true community of learners where a challenging curriculum is integrated with professional training so that all the graduates are prepared to excel in their chosen specializations.

Outcomes

Graduates of this department: 

• Perform instrumentally and/or vocally with artistic competence.

• Conduct musical groups with attention to artistic concerns.

• Know the field of music study; can use its technical vocabulary and common approaches; can describe current issues and significant artistic works.

• Assess their own performance for purposes of continued development.

• Work effectively with others and demonstrate respect for them

• Can describe the values of this Benedictine institution and reflect on them in their work

• Contribute to their civic, cultural, and professional communities.

Students may work toward either a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance or a Bachelor of Science degree with teacher certification. Those who pursue a Bachelor of Science degree will select one of the following curriculum tracks: K-12 Instrumental Music Education, K-12 Vocal Music Education, or K-12 Vocal/Instrumental Music Education. These curriculum tracks are designed to assist the students to prepare themselves for their areas of interest within the music education profession.

Students transferring from another institution may be required to take music theory, ear training, and functional keyboard placement exams.

Faculty
 

Dr. Michelle Kiec, D.M.A. Program Director Woodwinds Music Theory	David Augustadt, B.S. Guitar	Tara Bohlen, B.M. Violin, Viola
Sara Boyd, M.M. Bassoon	Jan Candee, B.A. Piano, Organ Music Education	Ben Ehrmantraut, B.S. String Bass
Dennis Gowen, M.M. Director of Bands High Brass	Rhonda Gowen, M.F.A. Piano	Katherine Henjum, M.F.A., M.S. Voice Ear Training
Dr. David Lambert, D.M.A. Jazz/Pep Band Low Brass	Dr. Eric Lawson, D.M.A. Strings String Ensemble	Tonya Mertz, M.M. Oboe
Brian Palecek, D.Min. Intro to Music	Robert Peske, M.S. Guitar Music Education	Dr. Thomas Porter, D.M.A. Director of Choirs Music Theory
Marylee Prebys, B.A. Piano Piano Pedagogy	Scott Prebys, M.S. Percussion Steel Drum Band

We welcome you to look around our Web site. This page may be directly accessed at www.umary.edu/music. Please feel free to also contact the U-Mary Music Department by phone at (701) 355-8301 or e-mail music@umary.edu.