Programs of Study

Performance

Mission statement: The B.Mus. in Performance provides a balanced education in music as a vital medium for the expression of the human spirit. It affords the professional student the opportunity to develop high-level musicianship, artistic sensibilities, and a strong commitment to the art, and will instill a lifelong desire to participate creatively as an artist and as an audience member in musical pursuits in an ever-evolving musical culture.

For students dedicated to developing performance skills at the highest level, Blair offers the bachelor of music degree in:

Bassoon	Harp	Saxophone
Cello	Horn	Trombone
Clarinet	Multiple woodwinds	Trumpet
Classical guitar	Oboe	Tuba
Double bass	Organ	Viola
Euphonium	Percussion	Violin
Flute	Piano	Voice

This degree program focuses heavily on individual performance instruction. Through solo recitals, master class participation, and performance in chamber music and larger ensembles, students gain practical experience and earn academic credit.

Because well-educated performers understand music's foundations and progression, the program also emphasizes knowledge of music theory and history/literature. A school-sponsored referral service provides opportunities for student soloists and ensembles to gain performing experience for pay in Nashville.

Composition/Theory

Mission statement: The B.Mus. in Composition provides a balanced education in music as a vital medium for the expression of the human spirit. It affords the professional student a solid education in analytical skills, establishes a solid foundation in the craft of composition, and develops students' creativity, and will instill a lifelong desire to participate creatively as an artist and as an audience member in musical pursuits in an ever-evolving musical culture.

The composition/theory major emphasizes the creation and analysis of music. It encourages students to search for their distinctive creative voice as they build their knowledge of self and the world and begin to develop a greater understanding of the power of music. Students focus on aural and analytical skills, compositional techniques, and artistic instincts.

Broad in scope, the program encourages students to hone performance skills and to become acquainted with the discipline of musicology. The program emphasizes private and group instruction in composition, which includes constructive feedback from professors and peers. A composer-in-residence program brings two leading composers to campus every year, and students prepare their own music for performance at frequent composers' forums and a required senior compositional recital.

Musical Arts

Mission statement: The B.Mus. in Musical Arts provides a balanced education in music as a vital medium for the expression of the human spirit. It lays a solid foundation in the art of music, with equal preparation in the three basic disciplines of performance, theory, and music literature/history, and will instill a lifelong desire to participate creatively as an artist and as an audience member in musical pursuits in an ever-evolving musical culture.

The musical arts major appeals to students who feel a deep commitment to the study of music in all its facets. The major is especially appropriate for students who are passionate about musical learning, but undecided about specific career goals.

The program provides a solid foundation in the liberal and musical arts, with equal preparation in the disciplines of performance, theory, and literature/history. Students in musical arts or performance may elect optional concentrations in composition, literature/history, pedagogy, theory, or collaborative arts.

The program demands high skill levels in performance, research, and analysis, and serves as a natural conduit to graduate studies in music theory, musicology, composition or education.

Five-Year Bachelor of Music/Master of Education (MA5)

Mission statement: The B.Mus. in Musical Arts/Teacher Education provides a balanced education in music as a vital medium for the expression of the human spirit while preparing the student for a career in teaching. It lays a solid foundation in the art of music, with equal preparation in the three basic disciplines of performance, theory, and music literature/history, and will instill a lifelong desire to participate creatively as an artist and as an audience member in musical pursuits in an ever-evolving musical culture.

This program combines Blair's strengths with those of the Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Based on the musical arts degree, the program provides for teacher licensure in instrumental or vocal/general music. Students who meet all requirements will earn the B.Mus. degree in four years and the M.Ed. from Peabody in an additional calendar year, June through May.

The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on music performance; a solid foundation in music literature, theory and the liberal arts; undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and education; field experience each year; and two student-teaching assignments in the fifth year.

Liberal Arts Core

Mission statement: The liberal arts core affords music students the opportunity to develop a broad-based understanding of intellectual endeavors and methods in a variety of disciplines, to explore the interconnectedness of music, arts and other humanistic pursuits, and to articulate their thinking in clear and effective language.

Opportunities for Non-Majors

Blair offers all Vanderbilt students opportunities to make music a part of their lives and academic focus. The school awards credit for private instruction in any instrument or voice, as well as for group instruction in piano, guitar, recorder, voice, percussion and fiddle. Courses designed for music majors are open to all students with sufficient background and expertise. A number of classes are designed especially for non-majors, including music literature/history, theory, computer music, music business, and dance history.

All Vanderbilt undergraduate students may audition for membership in Blair's performing groups, including the Vanderbilt Orchestra, Vanderbilt Wind Ensemble, Vanderbilt Symphonic Choir, Chamber Choir, Brass Choir, and Vanderbilt Opera Theatre. Students in Vanderbilt's other undergraduate colleges may earn a minor in music, music history, or music performance, or a second major in music, by enrolling in the appropriate courses.

 

 

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