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 nonmajor 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.
The Panther Singers choral group participates in concerts, recitals, and special performances on and off campus throughout the year. No auditions are required and all voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) are asked to join!
This ensemble accepts beginning, intermediate, and advanced instrumentalists and vocalists. The group performs concerts and recitals each semester.
Appalachian music consists of several regional styles, including old-time, bluegrass, blues, and gospel. Students from all majors are invited to join this nationally performing group.
The Bluegrass Brass Explosion is a music ensemble truly unique to Ferrum College. Orchestra Appalachia and the marching band combine to share a musical experience and field show during the fall and for other special performances such as the NASCAR Xfinity race in 2023 at the Martinsville Speedway. The Bluegrass Brass is open to all students, including those who do not play an instrument, and community members.
Students majoring in music select an emphasis in either performance or business.
This is a performance-based group that sings a variety of musical styles. There are no auditions required to register and join this singing group and all voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) are invited! The choir performs concerts on and off campus throughout the year and will be traveling to England in May 2024 to perform at local high schools!
This is a one-credit course that meets once a week. You may bring your own guitar or check one out from the music department for the semester. The guitar student learns a variety of playing styles using various genres of music. A student who takes this course as a beginner will complete the course at the intermediate level.
This course introduces students to basic principles of marketing, publishing, licensing, distributing, selling, and promoting music. Students will learn the essential business management skills needed to pursue a career in the music industry. This course will provide a survey of the music industry, highlighting those areas where music and business intersect. The focus will be on career possibilities in the music industry, the development of business-related knowledge and skills necessary for effectively maintaining a professional music career, the vocabulary and terminology of the music industry, and the distinction between music and business at the corporate level.
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.
Work closely with the artists and their management teams to coordinate many or most aspects of planning performances and tour itineraries.
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.
what courses will you take?
View the catalog for all program courses and degree requirements.
