Music
Learn with Minot State
Whether you choose to perform, teach in a private studio or class, or prepare for advanced studies, Minot State University will prepare you to pursue your chosen musical path. We offer comprehensive and personalized curriculum in five areas: band, keyboard, strings, voice, and music education. Led by a nationally acclaimed music faculty, you can pursue private instruction and participate in ensembles ranging from chamber music to the Minot State marching band. You will participate in large and small ensembles, private lessons, and master classes. All students present a senior recital. All students can expect to receive instruction in these specialized areas:
- Composing, conducting, arranging, improvisation, and performance
- Music literature, theory, and history
- Music technology, including audio/video production and recording/notation software
Consider a musical profession
Minot State has an excellent history of music graduates becoming employed. 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)
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.
Contact Us: askmsu@minotstateu.edu 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3350
Be inspired . . . earn our music degree
Our premiere performance facility is Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. Architecturally stunning and technologically state-of-the-art, many consider the 920-seat auditorium the finest performance hall in the state.
Every year numerous scholarships are awarded to music majors, minors, and participants. You 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.
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 Institute – intensive chamber music training for high school and adult instrumentalists
Students perform with each other and alongside Minot State faculty members, regional musicians, and with international guest artists in large and small ensembles including:
- Concert Band, Marching Band and/or 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
- Minot Symphony Orchestra
- String Ensemble
- Western Plains Opera Company
The Division of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
