Department of Music and Theatre

Mission Statement

The Department of Music and Theatre encourages the growth and development of tomorrow's leaders to bring about change and foster community through the cultivation of skills in the performing and expressive arts.

Vision Statement

The Department of Music and Theatre strives to be a community of educational and cultural leaders fostering creative and innovative arts-based approaches to student-centered learning.

Music Area Goals

These degrees and programs are designed to foster:

A broad background of musical experiences
Development of competent musicianship
Development of capabilities in the use of principles and procedures that lead to an intellectual grasp of the art
Development of ability to perform appropriate to student’s area of study

Department Programs and Learning Formats

B.A. in Music: Students may enroll in the Woods Online program (classes taken online and in student's local area) or campus program (classes taken on campus, online, and hybrid).
B.S. in Music Therapy: Students must enroll in campus program. Classes taken on campus, online, and/or hybrid. Music Therapy courses delivered on campus. Pre-Internship clinical training in a location near SMWC; internship in location to be determined.
Music Therapy Equivalency Distance: Students must enroll in Woods Online program. Requires a previous degree in music. Music Therapy courses delivered in hybrid format (online plus 2 campus-based residencies and 1 virtual residency per year). Pre-Internship clinical training in a location near the student; internship in location to be determined.
Theatre minor: Students may enroll in the campus program or Woods Online program. Courses delivered on campus and/or online.

Auditions

Auditions for all prospective Music/Music Therapy majors, minors, and equivalency students are required; in most cases students record the audition and submit a link to the music faculty according to guidelines on the SMWC website. Prospective music therapy majors also complete an interview with the music therapy faculty following music auditions.

B.A. in Music and B.S. in Music Therapy: Applied Lessons

Study of the applied primary instrument (instrument/voice used for audition) and ensemble participation are required for 6 semesters (1 credit each per semester). It is expected that each student will practice at least one hour per day for each applied instrument (voice, piano, or other) studied. Applied music examinations (juries) are held at the end of each semester. Each student must perform at least one composition for each hour of primary-level credit undertaken. Memorization is required of piano and vocal students. Attendance at all music programs and designated performances is required. Each music student studying applied lessons is required to also take MU 025 Convocation class (0 credit) each semester. Weekly attendance and participation are required.

B.A. in Music and B.S. in Music Therapy: Piano Requirements

All music and music therapy majors must demonstrate piano proficiency in the areas of:

1) All major and minor scales, as well as other scales and modes deemed appropriate by the music faculty,

2) Harmonization of melody,

3) Transposition,

4) Accompanying, and

5) Sight reading.

B.S. in Music Therapy majors must demonstrate additional competencies specific to their area of study. All B.A. in Music and B.S. in Music Therapy majors are required to register for applied or class piano in collaboration with their Academic Advisor and piano instructor. Remedial piano courses or additional piano courses may be required until students are able to pass all components of piano proficiency. Music and music therapy majors will not be allowed more than three attempts to pass all proficiency and competency exams. Any substitutions for on-campus study of applied or class piano must be approved by the piano faculty and the student’s advisor. The piano proficiency exam must be passed before a student is eligible to begin a music therapy internship. Piano proficiency components must be passed before a student is eligible to begin a music therapy internship and before a student receives a degree in Music or Music Therapy.

SMWC is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. All music therapy programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

Transfer policy: For students pursuing any major or minor in music, at least one half of total music credits, and one half of required ensemble and applied credits, must be completed at SMWC.

The department offers the following majors and minors: