Music Major
Why Study Music at Ferrum College?
The Music major develops overall musicianship, including technical proficiency, collaboration in ensemble, and musicality. Students majoring in Music select either the Performance or Business Emphasis. Major, minor, and non-major opportunities include choral and instrumental ensembles.
The Department of Music is also home to the Appalachian Music program, which offers opportunities for study, participation, and performance of regional traditional music styles.
MUSIC EMPHASIS AREAS
Music is comprised of two emphasis areas that allow students to focus their study.
PERFORMANCE
Introduction to Conducting
Foundations in Music Education
Concert Choir
MUSIC CAREER OPTIONS
Music Director and Composer
Write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles. Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions.
Music Agent
Work closely with the artists and their management teams to coordinate many or most aspects of planning performances and tour itineraries.
Broadcast and Sound Engineer/Technician
Operate, monitor, and adjust audio, video, lighting, and broadcast equipment to ensure consistent quality. Set up and take down equipment for events and live performances.
MUSIC FACULTY
Program Coordinator of Music
Director of Concert Choir
Director of Appalachian Music
Contact the Program Coordinator of Music: music@ferrum.edu.
What is Appalachian Music?
Appalachian Music consists of several regional styles, including Old-Time, Bluegrass, Blues, and Gospel.
Do I have to major or minor in Music to participate in Appalachian Music at Ferrum College?
No. We welcome students of all majors.
Can I major in Music Business or Performance and participate in Appalachian Music at Ferrum College?
Yes. Coursework and participation in Appalachian Music satisfies requirements toward the major in Music with either a Business or Performance emphasis.
Is there an audition required?
Students who wish to major in Music at Ferrum College will audition for the program, and may showcase their primary instrument or voice on old-time, bluegrass, gospel, or blues selections. Non-major participants are not required to audition and are encouraged to participate regardless of experience.
Panther Singers – The Panther Singers (Registration: MUS 111 Concert Choir) is a performance group that sings a variety of music including pop, jazz, classical, spiritual, etc. They perform a mixture of a cappella and accompanied selections and sing at both on and off campus events throughout the year.
Note: This group does not require auditions, although choral singing experience is always helpful.
Jazz Combo – Jazz Combo (Registration: MUS 123) offers the opportunity for a variety of instrumentalists and singers to learn the basics and performance style of jazz music. This group rehearses one evening per week and no auditions are required. All performances are on-campus throughout the year.
No auditions are required.
Music Major Auditions
Prospective students can audition to be a music major at Ferrum College in a variety of ways.
- On campus during one of our open house events or off campus at selected college fairs or school visits
- On campus at a scheduled time
- By sending a recorded video audition and required materials to music@ferrum.edu
If the video file is too large to send, submissions can be sent via YouTube, Dropbox, GoogleDrive or iCloud or with any other cloud service. Videos must clearly show the candidate performing in good lighting and audio.
Audition Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music
Woodwinds and Brass:
- Two contrasting selections, for example: one slow and one fast, that demonstrate preparation and potential for growth
- Marching Band show music and concert band music are acceptable as long as they demonstrate contrasting styles. You do not have to count through the rests. Playing with a metronome is acceptable.
- Memorization and accompaniment are not required for the audition
- Music Performance candidates must also prepare 2 major scales of their choice by memory
Percussion:
- Two contrasting selections, for example: one slow and one fast, that demonstrate preparation and potential for growth
Piano:
- Two contrasting selections, for example: one slow and one fast, that demonstrate preparation and potential for growth.
- Music Performance candidates must also provide one letter of recommendation from their piano instructor.
Voice:
- Two contrasting selections, one must be in a foreign language
- Music Performance candidates must perform by memory.
Appalachian Music (Old-Time, Bluegrass, Blues, Gospel):
- Candidates should prepare up to two selections that best demonstrate their musicianship, including instrumental and/or vocal proficiency.
- Auditioners may accompany themselves, perform without accompaniment, or bring an accompanist (must play a different instrument than the primary instrument being showcased).