Majors & Minors

Music

 Dedicated to providing a robust and rigorous approach to the field of musical study and performance, the Southwestern University Music Department combines serious musical education with the depth and richness of a modern liberal arts curriculum.

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Jason Hoogerhyde

Jason Hoogerhyde

Associate Professor of Music and Chair

Jason Hoogerhyde

Jason Hoogerhyde

Associate Professor of Music and Chair

The Southwestern University Music Department combines serious musical education with the depth and richness of a modern liberal arts curriculum.

Southwestern Music students are exposed to a wide range of musical opportunities. Whether it’s the chance to perform as a soloist or in an ensemble, compose and hear your own music, study ancient and modern musical forms, or perform at an international music festival, students can pursue their individual interests and have high impact learning experiences in the field of music.

Our balanced curriculum provides students a wide range of transferable skills that prepares them to succeed in a variety of fields. Many of our students go on to graduate school or conservatories and pursue careers within the field of music, while others enter different fields including law, medicine, education, business, computer science, and more.

Southwestern University has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1951.

Music Scholarships

Scholarships for prospective students are available by audition in vocal and instrumental music. We offer both Sarofim Scholarships for music majors and Performance Awards for non-majors participating in departmental ensembles. Awards are renewable annually for up to eight semesters.  

SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION



AFTER SOUTHWESTERN

Featured Alumni Stories

Mattie Kotzur ’16

Mattie Kotzur ’16 Combines Two of her Passions as Music Teacher at Ford Elementary in Georgetown

Whether she’s teaching second graders about Mozart or showing fourth graders the correct way to hold a recorder, Kotzur approaches each day with positivity, determination and joy.

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Caleb Martin '17, Music Education

Music Education Major Takes Ambition to the Classroom

Caleb Martin ’17 reflects on his time at Southwestern University and how it has impacted his role as a music educator.

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Jason Schayot ’97

Southwestern alumnus nominated for 2022 Grammy Award

Jason Schayot ’97 named a semifinalist for the 2022 Music Educator Award

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EXPLORE SOUTHWESTERN

Music News

Professor of Music Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper Resurrects the Lost Works of Groundbreaking Black Composers Florence Price and Margaret Bonds

Long marginalized by racial prejudice, the accomplishments of these pioneering American masters can now be recognized and celebrated for their importance to 20th-century classical music.

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A socially distanced outdoor theatre performance.

That Fine Arts Finesse

Making art in unprecedented times requires creative adaptation.

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Brielle Read ’20 in Desierto De Atacama, Chile

A World Traveler

Fulbright Scholar Brielle Read ’20 has been traveling the world and making a difference since the tender age of 14.

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EXPLORE SOUTHWESTERN

Music Events

Community Conversations

Now is the time to build a “Beloved Community.” Join us for a facilitated conversation to impact not only ourselves but also those around us.

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Maureen Rendon ’21

Musicale

The Sarofim School of Fine Arts’ Music Department is proud to present musicale. 

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Eric Salinas SP24 Student Recital

Student Recital Eric Salinas, voice

Students pursuing degrees in Music perform Senior and Junior recitals.

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