International Studentsor 1-701-858-3350
Music
Whether you choose to teach, perform or prepare for advanced studies, MSU will prepare you to pursue your chosen musical path. The Division of Music offers a comprehensive program and is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Our students have opportunities to perform with the Minot Symphony, the Western Plains Opera, and a host of other community and campus organizations. Led by a nationally acclaimed Music Faculty, students can pursue private instruction and participate in ensembles ranging from chamber music to the MSU Marching Band.
Areas of Study
We offer comprehensive and personalized curriculum in five areas:
- Band
- Keyboard
- Strings
- Voice
- Music Education
Degrees
Accredited options include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Music
- Bachelor of Science in Music Education
- Music minor (non teaching)
- Music concentration
Coursework
Depending on your major, you will study:
- Composing, conducting, teaching, arranging, improvisation and performance
- Music literature, theory, history and technology
- K-12 general and music education methods
You will participate in:
- Large and small ensembles
- Private lessons
- Master classes
All students present a senior recital. Music Education majors student teach.
Performance opportunities
Students perform with each other and alongside MSU faculty members, regional musicians and with international
guest artists in large and small ensembles including:
- Concert Band, Marching Band and Athletic Band
- Jazz, brass, woodwind, percussion and marimba ensembles
- Piano and organ recitals, accompanying and ensemble work
- Concert Choir, Women's Chorus, and MSU Singers (jazz to madrigal)
- Minot Symphony Orchestra
- String Ensemble
- Western Plains Opera Company
Scholarships
Each year the Division of Music awards numerous scholarships to Music Majors, Minors and participants alike. Students may audition for any of the awards by calling the Division of Music Office. All awards are competitive and may be renewed for up to five years.
Employment Outlook
Minot State University has an excellent history of working graduates. Music Education has a virtually 100% employment record for those who have sought to teach after graduation. Numerous other graduates have gone on to pursue higher degrees and professional engagements. Employment of musicians and music teachers is expected to grow about as fast as the national average for all occupations.
- Music teachers who are geographically mobile and have licensure in more than one subject area are likely to have a distinct advantage in finding jobs.
- Professional musicians will find competition keen, especially for full-time employment. New musicians or singers will have their best chance of landing jobs with smaller, community-based performing arts groups or as freelance artists. Talented individuals who are skilled in multiple instruments and musical styles will have the best job prospects. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)
Our concert hall
Our premiere performance facility is Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. Architecturally stunning, technologically state-of-the-
art, many consider the 920-seat auditorium the finest performance hall in the state.
Our festivals
The Division of Music has an active outreach program and sponsors two annual festivals:
- Northwest International Festival of Music - for high school students in band, women's chorus and mixed chorus
- Dakota Chamber Music Festival - offering intensive chamber music training for high school students and adult string players and pianists
Our faculty
Our faculty members are dedicated educators and active performing artists who bring extensive professional experience to their teaching.
Our college
The College of Arts and Sciences provides fundamental liberal arts education for all MSU students, giving students the knowledge, skills and values to help them think critically and creatively.
To learn more, visit our Music Department web site. Better yet, schedule a campus visit so we can meet face-to-face and show you around.
Contact Information
Dr. Ken Bowles, Chair
Division of Music
Phone: 701-858-3185 or 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3185
kenneth.bowles@minotstateu.edu