The mission of the Music Program at Southern Oregon University is to prepare artistically talented students to express the highest level of musical artistry and creativity for careers in the performing arts. It will engage all students for lifelong enjoyment of and participation in music. In addition, it will present the best in musical performance and be a dynamic partner in the cultural tapestry of the community locally and throughout the world.

Music offers music majors and minors an integrated curriculum designed to teach the varied skills necessary for a professional career in music and to develop the student’s understanding and appreciation for the art of music. Coursework combines class and individual instruction by nationally and internationally renowned artists with innovative, computer-aided instruction. Curricular offerings are designed to enable highly motivated students with diverse musical backgrounds to become skilled musicians capable of making artistic musical contributions to society as performers, educators, composers, scholars, music-business professionals, and active supporters and appreciators of music.

SOU has been designated by the Oregon University System as a Center of Excellence in the Fine and Performing Arts. The Music Program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The faculty is dedicated to promoting a positive, student-centered environment in which students-by performance, creative activity, research, scholarship, and teaching opportunities-develop the skills, independence of thought, and discipline to fulfill their musical aspirations.

Musical Organizations

The following organizations are open to all students: Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble. All other organizations are open to all qualified students by instructor consent: Chamber Choir, Jefferson State Choral Coalition, Opera Workshop, the SOU Jazz Collective, Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Raider Band (Pep Band), Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Saxophone Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, Gamelan Ensemble, Horn Quartet, Saxophone Orchestra, Brass Quintet, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Chamber Ensembles. In addition to serving as an integral part of the musical training of majors, these organizations enable nonmajors to participate in musical performances.

Scholarships

Performance scholarships are available to outstanding students who are planning to major in music. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of a performance audition held in February/March for the following academic year. Scholarship applications are available at Music or online at www.sou.edu/music.

Teacher Licensing

Students who would like to teach music in the Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in music before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the Music Program for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with students in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

Music Minor and Nonmajor Course Offerings

Music minor course offerings include a selection of courses taken from the Music Core Curriculum. Nonmajors may participate in a number of courses, including all ensembles (some by audition), all history classes, and class lessons in guitar, piano, and voice. Private lessons in piano, organ, voice, strings, and most wind, brass, and percussion instruments are available to qualified students as space allows. 

Program Requirements

Programs

• Music, BA or BS

• Master of Music: Performance

• Music Instruction Concentration, BA or BS
• Music Performance Concentration, BA or BS

• Music Minor

Courses

 *MUS 501, 505, 507, and 509 are limited to 9 credits singly or in combination.

• MUS 541 - Orchestration
• MUS 542 - Counterpoint
• MUS 543 - Composition Survey
• MUS 544 - Jazz Theory
• MUS 545 - Special Topic: Theory
• MUS 546 - Theory in Performance
• MUS 550 - Research and Chamber Recital
• MUS 551 - Research and Solo Recital
• MUS 560 - Special Topic: History
• MUS 580 - Introduction to Music Education
• MUS 584 - Chamber Ensemble
• MUS 585 - Jazz Ensemble
• MUS 586 - Cascade Clarinet Consort
• MUS 587 - Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra
• MUS 588 - SOU Percussion Ensemble
• MUS 594 - Chamber Choir
• MUS 595 - Wind Ensemble
• MUS 596 - Orchestra