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Our students. Their voice.

Music

Put your dreams into action with Minot State
Whether you choose to perform, teach in a private studio or classroom, or prepare for advanced studies, Minot State University will offer the education and experiences you need to reach your professional and personal goals. We offer high-quality private instruction on woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboard, string, guitar, and voice. In addition, our students receive specialized instruction in:

  • Arranging, composing, conducting, and improvisation
  • Music theory, history, and literature
  • Music technology, including audio/video production, podcasting, FL Studio, Finale, and more

Led by a nationally acclaimed music faculty, you will receive private instruction and have opportunities to participate in a variety of small and large performing ensembles, including the MSU Band, Choir, Jazz Band, and Minot Symphony Orchestra.

Career outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, music directors and composers earn a median pay of $49,130 per year.

Offered: On campus

Be inspired . . . earn your music degree

Get involved
To increase your career readiness, you can belong to our collegiate chapter of NAfME, the National Association for Music Education. For those more focused on a performing or entrepreneurial career, North Dakota’s only collegiate chapter of MTNA – Music Teachers National Association hosts recitals, guest professionals, and offers students the chance to explore music careers apart from public education.
Performance spaces
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. In Spring 2024, Minot State is unveiling a brand new, intimate recital hall within the remodeled Hartnett Hall.

Employment outlook
Our music education graduates get jobs. Period. Minot State has an excellent history of placing teachers around the region in elementary music, choir, band, and string programs. In recent years, many have earned job offers before graduating, and the future for employment in music education looks bright. Several recent graduates have completed the BSEd program in four years, moving directly into the workplace.

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.

Festivals
The Division of Performing Arts has an active outreach program and sponsors three annual festivals:
  • Northwest Festival of Music – for high school students in band and choir
  • Dakota Chamber Music – intensive chamber music training for high school and adult instrumentalists
  • Magic City Jazz Festival – college, high school, and middle school ensembles work with nationally acclaimed professionals during this annual February event

Program options (Catalog Links)


Department website


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Scholarships
Each year, numerous scholarships are awarded to music majors, minors, and participants alike. You may audition for any of the awards by calling the Division of Performing Arts office. All awards are competitive and may be renewed for up to five years.

Accreditation
The Division of Music is fully 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.

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