Sarofim School of Fine Arts

Music Department

Welcome to the Music Department, part of Southwestern’s Sarofim School of Fine Arts. Dedicated to providing a robust and rigorous approach to the field of musical study and performance, the Southwestern Music Department combines serious musical education with the depth and richness of a traditional liberal arts curriculum.

Percussion Ensemble performs informal concert in the McCombs Center

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Whether it’s the chance to perform solo or in an ensemble, the exploration of music theory, the study of ancient or modern musical forms, or teaching students of all ages in the classroom, the Southwestern University Department of Music strives to provide the widest possible range of musical opportunities for students.

The Music Department offers two degrees, the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music, and the Bachelor of Music with four possible majors: Education, Literature, Performance, and Theory/Composition. A Minor in Music may also be obtained.

To pursue a degree in music, students must audition/interview.  Most students do this prior to enrolling at Southwestern. However, any student who decides to major in music after enrolling at Southwestern may audition to be accepted into the program.

Southwestern University is fortunate to have scholarships available to music majors. Performance awards are also available to select non-music majors who perform in one of the school’s large musical ensembles.

Our music faculty members are dedicated educators, and have national and international recognition as scholars and performers. These experiences, as well as years in the classroom and studio, help them prepare students for a number of career paths, including placement in quality graduate programs; careers in teaching and performance; and teaching in public elementary and secondary schools.

Vicky Chang, class of 2007

Vicky Chang '07

Latest News & Events

Notables

  • Kiyoshi Tamagawa, professor of music, will be the featured soloist at two upcoming performances by the Temple Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is performing at Temple College Sept. 10 and at the Klett Center for the Performing Arts in Georgetown Sept. 11. Tamagawa will be performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 as part of a program of Russian symphonic music. For more information on the performance in Georgetown, visit here. Tamagawa also had an article titled “From AMB to WTC: Teaching the Basics of Contrapuntal Playing at the Keyboard,” published in the August/September 2011 issue of American Music Teacher, the journal of the Music Teachers’ National Association.

  • Lois Ferrari, professor of music, has been appointed music director of the Austin Civic Orchestra for the 10th straight year. Ferrari plans to celebrate her first decade with the orchestra with performances at the Long Center, Bates Hall at The University of Texas, and in the Alma Thomas Theater at Southwestern. Programming highlights for the season include Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, the Tchaikovsky 6th Symphony, and Bernstein’s “Dances from West Side Story.” Guest soloists will include Eri Lam, associate professor of violin at Southwestern; Thomas Burritt, professor of percussion at UT; jazz singer Suzi Stern; and Michelle Schumann, director of the Austin Chamber Music Center. For more information, visit http://www.austincivicorchestra.org/

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