 
| What is a Music Major? |
At William Jewell, students have the opportunity to pursue an outstanding liberal arts education while also receiving focused music instruction.
In addition to the general education curricula, music majors receive instruction in music theory and analysis, history and literature, conducting, and performance. Students also participate in William Jewell’s ensemble program, a variety of choral and instrumental ensembles, some of which tour nationally and internationally. Many graduates enter music-related careers or graduate study, but others take the knowledge and skills acquired in a music degree program and find success in a variety of fields.
Majors in music are offered in both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degree programs.
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| What Music Courses Would a Major Take? |
The music major in broadly in two sections. There is a core of music classes that are considered necessary for all individuals studying music. This taken alone leads to the B.A. degree. Additionally, majors may add specialized music courses that develop the skills neededfor a particular career (e.g. Music Education) through taking a series of emphasis hours. This leads to the B.S. degree.
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| Is a Music Major For You? |
Music Related Careers:
If you are interested in performing, teaching music (privately, public school, college/university), church music, composing, studio recording, arts administration, music retailing, or many other music-related careers, a music major at William Jewell College is for you. Jewell graduates have achieved success in each of these fields.
Other Careers:
If you are a music lover who wishes to pursue a career in business, communications, law, medicine, or in a large number other disciplines, a music major at William Jewell College can still be for you. We will work with you to develop a curriculum to combine the music you love with the appropriate courses in other departments, whether it be a second major, pre-professional program, or self-designed major. In fact, the skills acquired through the study of music often make music graduates extremely well prepared for a variety of possible careers including banking, business, journalism, drama, law, ministry, and computer science.
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| How Do I Explore A Music Program? |
If you are still deciding if a music major is for you, consider taking the first semester music courses. This is a win-win situation - you get to study music at the collegiate level and to really soak yourself in the art. If at the end of the first semester or even at the end of the second semester you do not think a music major is for you, then all your courses will count as electives in any other major you may choose to pursue and you will have discovered more about yourself and your interests.
Whether you choose to pursue music as a major or not, you will have invested time, effort, and money in developing your talent. Participating in music will lead to an enrichment of the collegiate experience. Of course, all ensembles, courses, and private study are open to non-majors.
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| How Do I Prepare for an Audition? |
Vocal Audition
Normally a vocal audition will involve singing two contrasting pieces one in a foreign language.
Students will be asked to sight read as part of the audition.
Where needed we will provide an accompanist at no charge.
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Instrumental (inc. piano) Audition
Normally an instrumental audition will involve performing two contrasting pieces, one of which may be a technical study.
Students will be asked to sight read as a part of the audition process and piano students may be asked to sight read a standard vocal or choral accompaniment.
Where needed we will provide an accompanist at no charge.
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Composition
Occasionally to exceptional student with demonstrated ability we can offer scholarships for composition. Prospective composition students should bring a portfolio of contrasting original compositions with recordings if available to their interview. To discuss the requirements for a composition interview/audition please contact the Department of Music.
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General Information
If you feel you are unable to meet these requirements please contact us and we can discuss alternative means for assessing your ability. Please remember that while these are the preferred requirements for an audition, our primary goal is to assess your ability to perform on your given instrument or voice and we can always discuss ways this might be achieved that are not exactly as listed above.
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Contact Us:
William Jewell College
Department of Music
500 College Hill, Box 1113
Liberty, MO 64068
816-415-7537
Fax: 816-415-5097
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