Fine Arts
Music
A Campus Where Music Matters
Music has always been one of the most vital and enduring art forms—it animates the preschool classroom and the Gothic cathedral. As a music major, you’ll focus on the continual development of your performance skills while you explore the story of music in the Western world. Hillsdale’s Core Curriculum requirements will ensure that you receive a more balanced education than is offered by a traditional conservatory approach. And because music is a campus-wide passion—25 percent of non-music majors belong to ensembles, and student performances consistently draw big crowds—you’ll have a wide circle of fellow performers and fans. We offer a wide range of performance opportunities, as well as master classes and clinics with eminent musicians who come to campus as part of our Professional Artists Series. Music is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Music
James Holleman
Music
Brad Blackham
Music
Stacey Jones-Garrison
Music
Melissa Knecht
Featured Courses
Introduces students to principles of melodic composition and voice leading in species counterpoint in all modes.
Read More about "Theory I"Students wishing to teach private studio instruction on their primary instrument will study the methods, materials and techniques of private instrument instruction.
Read More about "Music Pedagogy"Provides students with prior experience in music, including the ability to read notation, with the foundational skills in aural and written music theory, an introduction to the repertoire of Western music, and practice in writing about music. Fulfills the Fine Arts Core requ…
Read More about "Advanced Understanding Music"Music Scholarships
The Hillsdale College music department offers scholarships to music majors, music minors, and students of other majors who choose to participate in music.
Performing Ensembles
Over 25 percent of students campus-wide participate in one or more of the music ensembles. While orchestra and choir are the two largest ensembles, students can also receive credit for chamber choir, big band, pep band, chamber ensembles, and many more.
Facilities
The music department is housed in the John E.N and Dede Howard Music Building. The building contains two recital halls, nine studio offices, twenty-five practice rooms, a jazz studio, a percussion studio, and a music classroom.
Sigma Alpha Iota
Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity for women.
Phi Mu Alpha
Phi Mu Alpha is a national music fraternity for men that purposes to foster brotherhood and serve the advancement of music on the campus of Hillsdale College.
Mu Alpha
Mu Alpha is an independent men’s music fraternity which seeks to further the musical development of its members and encourage interest in music both on and off campus.