Music
Tune Up Your Music Skills
What jobs can you do with a
music degree?
Make a living doing what you love.
Vocal coach
Accompanist
Director of choral activities or band
Performer
Music Teacher
Music Therapist
What’s the Difference at DWU?
- Audition with confidence for a music scholarship.
- Broaden your musical knowledge with courses like world music, conducting, vocal literature, music history and others.
- Explore related majors and minors like music education, communication or creative writing.
- Share your gifts in concert ensembles and present a performance recital in your senior year.
- Use music as a starting point for a variety of careers: vocal coach, accompanist, director or music teacher.
Performing Arts Scholarships
At Dakota Wesleyan University, all students—regardless of major—are welcome to participate in our music ensembles, and you may be eligible for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
If you’re interested in a music scholarship, we’d love to hear you audition! Students who receive a scholarship are asked to stay involved in at least one ensemble each semester while the scholarship is active.
Audition Guidelines:
Vocal Scholarship:
- Prepare one solo piece—something you would sing at a contest, in voice lessons, or for an audition. You may bring your own accompanist, or one can be provided.
Piano Scholarship:
- Prepare one solo of your choice—something you would play at a recital, for a contest, or in lessons. Choose a piece that highlights your technique and musicality.
Instrumental Scholarship:
- Prepare one appropriate solo, such as something you’d perform at a contest, in lessons, or for all-state. Pick a piece that showcases your musicianship and skill on your instrument.
Planning to submit an audition video?
- Record your audition video using your phone or other device. A simple setup is perfectly fine!
- Upload your video to a platform like YouTube, Google Drive, or Vimeo.
- Make sure the video is set to “public” or “anyone with the link can view.”
- Complete the Performing Arts Scholarship Form and include your video link.
Audition Tips and Tricks:
- Choose music that best highlights your musical ability, tone quality, technique, and expression.
- Pop music, while fun, typically doesn’t show the full range of your skills. We encourage you to select classical, jazz, or other traditional solo literature commonly used for contests, lessons, or auditions.
- Be sure to warm up ahead of time and arrive early if you’re auditioning in person.
- If you need an accompanist, just let us know—we’re happy to help!
Music Courses
Broaden your knowledge base of music styles and formats.
MUS 115 Fundamentals of Music
3 Hours
Students will learn basic music reading skills including notes on all clefs, scales, and key signatures. An overview of basic rhythmic skills in simple and compound meters as well as common musical terminology will be covered.
MUS 116 Keyboard Skills I
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studied in Fundamentals of Music I. Includes scales, intervals, triads, chord progressions, cadences, melodies with chordal accompaniment, sight-reading and transposition.
MUS 131 Ensemble
1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 132 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 133 Highlanders
1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
MUS 141 Music Appreciation
3 Hours
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of music: melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and instrumental classification through the study of popular musical forms. Students will utilize and apply these concepts through experiences in music composition, musical leadership, musical criticism and critical listening through engagement with a variety of Western and non-Western musical styles.
This course is a breadth of knowledge course as designated by Dakota Wesleyan’s general education program. Breadth of knowledge courses expose students to knowledge and concepts that Dakota Wesleyan University believes all its graduates should possess.
This course is a breadth of knowledge course as designated by Dakota Wesleyan’s general education program. Breadth of knowledge courses expose students to knowledge and concepts that Dakota Wesleyan University believes all its graduates should possess.
MUS 215 Fundamentals of Music II
3 Hours
Students will learn about triads and seventh chords as well as tonal harmony in four-part writing using diatonic chords. Students will analyze musical excerpts related to voice leading, and aural skills. Original compositions and other written projects are required.
Prerequisite: MUS 115
Prerequisite: MUS 115
MUS 216 Keyboard Skills II
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studied in Fundamentals of Music II. Includes scales, intervals, triads, chord progressions, cadences, melodies with chordal accompaniment, sight-reading and transposition.
MUS 220 Introduction to Music Technology
3 Hours
Students will learn about three main areas of music technology: digital audio workstations, music notation software, and setting up and operating audio equipment. Students will be required to purchase software that is relevant to the course.
MUS 231 Ensemble
1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 232 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 233 Highlanders
1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
MUS 250 World Music
3 Hours
This is a general introduction to the music of the world. Significant time is required to examine and listen to various examples of music of many cultures. Written assignments, including a term paper, are required.
MUS 311 Music History I
3 Hours
Students will study the historical development of music in Western civilization from the Medieval period to the Baroque period. Emphasis is placed on music’s cultural implications, composers, styles and performance practices. Written assignments, including two major papers, are required.
MUS 312 Music History II
3 Hours
Students will study the historical development of music in Western civilization during the Classical through the Modern eras. This course continues to place an emphasis on music’s cultural implications, composers, styles and performance practices. Written assignments, including two major papers, are required.
MUS 315 Fundamentals of Music III
3 Hours
Students will study seventh chords and their usage in harmonic progression. Students will also be introduced to chromaticism as used in non-chord tones and other tonal forms. Original compositions and other written projects are required.
Prerequisite: MUS 215
Prerequisite: MUS 215
MUS 316 Keyboard Skills III
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studied in Fundamentals of Music III. Includes non-chord tones, seventh chords, secondary dominants, modulation, two and three-part score reading/piano pieces, harmonization, sight-reading and transposition.
MUS 320 Scoring and Arranging
2 Hours
Students will learn basic principles of scoring, transcribing and arranging music for choral music ensembles, including writing and arranging for individual voices, small ensembles and large groups.
MUS 330 Voice Methods
2 Hours
This course is designed to help students gain a better understanding of the vocal mechanism, its physiology and correct use. Students will learn basic techniques of singing and methods for teaching singing. This course includes a survey of art songs and vocal literature particularly suited for secondary students.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MUS 331 Ensemble
1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 332 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 333 Highlanders
1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
MUS 340 Secondary Choral Methods
2 Hours
Students will learn methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through choral music. Students will consider the changing voice, choral music repertoire and rehearsal techniques, methods for recruiting and organizing choral ensembles, budgeting and program administration
MUS 341 String Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing stringed instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 342 Percussion Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing both pitched and unpitched percussion instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 343 Brass Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing brass instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 344 Woodwind Methods
1 Hours
Students will learn the basic technique of playing woodwind instruments with an emphasis on a basic understanding, care, maintenance and effective teaching of the instruments.
MUS 345 Secondary Instrumental Methods
2 Hours
Students will learn methods and materials for developing comprehensive musicianship through instrumental music. Students will consider instrumental pedagogy and philosophy, instrumental repertoire and rehearsal techniques, methods for recruiting and organizing band and orchestral ensembles, budgeting, and program administration.
MUS 350 Conducting
3 Hours
This is a comprehensive course in conducting. Students will learn score reading, score preparation and analysis, and conducting techniques. Preparation and performance of music for the public are required.
MUS 415 Fundamentals of Music IV
3 Hours
Students will study chromatically altered chords, secondary dominant and leading tone chords, and modulation to distant keys. An introduction to modality, atonality, and other modern compositional techniques will be presented. Original compositions and other written projects are required.
MUS 416 Keyboard Skills IV
1 Hours
Individual 30-minute weekly lessons for practical application at the keyboard of concepts studied in Fundamentals of Music IV. Includes secondary dominants, modulation, modality, and two and three-part score reading/piano pieces, harmonization, sight-reading and transposition.
MUS 425 Recital
1 Hours
The recital is the culmination for all seniors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Repertoire for the recital should be about 25–30 minutes in length per person for a half recital, and 45–50 minutes in length for a solo recital. The music performed in the recital should show a variety of style periods and technical skills appropriate to a collegiate recital. Students are graded on pass/fail basis for their recital credit.
MUS 426 Preparing for a Career in the Arts
1 Hours
Students in this course will learn the skills needed to prepare for a career in the arts. Students will learn about how to find career opportunities, write cover letters and resumes for arts positions, and learn how to market themselves and prepare for interviewing for positions in the arts industry.
MUS 431 Ensemble
1 Hours
Various performing ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, will meet. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students enrolled in MUS 231B or MUS 331B, Women’s Chamber Choir, must be concurrently enrolled in MUS 232/332, Wesleyan Choir.
MUS 432 Dakota Wesleyan Choir
1 Hours
Membership in the Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open by audition to all students. The choir presents two major concerts each semester, including concerts off campus at schools and churches and occasionally music for special community events. The choir performs music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Students may take this class for credit up to four times.
MUS 433 Highlanders
1 Hours
This is a select vocal performing ensemble, open by audition only. Students may take this class for credit and repeat it up to four times. It may be used to partially fulfill requirements leading to K–12 certification in vocal music.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in MUS 232 or MUS 332.
Get to Know Your Professors
Learn music from our talented professors. Our low student-to-teacher ratio offers
valuable one-on-one interaction.
Clinton Desmond, DMA
Department Chair | Director of Choral Activities
Elizabeth Soladay
Adjunct Instructor of Piano, Organ and Strings | LyricWood Orchestra Director
Erin Desmond, M.M.Ed.
Associate Professor of Music | University Accompanist
Jason Laczkoski
Instructor of Instrumental Music
Performance Opportunities
Choral Ensembles
- Dakota Wesleyan Choir – As our largest choir, Dakota Wesleyan Choir is open to all who wish to raise their voice in masterworks from the Renaissance to the 21st century.
- The Highlanders – As a select auditioned ensemble, the Highlanders perform top quality vocal chamber music from Renaissance polyphony to vocal jazz.
Instrumental Ensembles
- LyricWood String Orchestra – LyricWood is an intergenerational strings ensemble where you will get to meet and perform with community members, young and old.
- Wesleyan Band – All DWU students, of any major, are invited to join the Wesleyan Band. You will have the opportunity to study, rehearse and perform a diverse repertoire of challenging music.
- Wesleyan Bells – As the only collegiate handbell choir in the state, Wesleyan Bells gives you the chance to be one part of a larger musical group made up of your friends and classmates.
- Wesleyan Jazz Band — a formalized ensemble bringing the opportunity for interested students to study and perform jazz in front of audiences on familiar instruments like piano, bass, guitar, drum set, trumpet, trombone, and saxophone.
Perform
Locally – Each semester we have two major concerts. Multiple ensembles perform beautiful collages of music from many genres. Outside of these two concerts, we sprinkle in performances for events in the community, specialty concerts with our small ensembles, and service opportunities with local nursing homes.
Regionally and Beyond – The Highlanders and Wesleyan Bells tour each spring, and are joined by the Dakota Wesleyan Choir and other ensembles every other year. On these tours, experience music on the road, performing in a variety of venues and meeting people from all walks of life.
Musical Theatre – No matter your involvement at DWU, you are able to participate in musical theatre productions. Spread your wings on stage. Our students have been in productions like “Les Misérables,” “Rock of Ages,” “Mamma Mia!” and more.
Related Majors & Minors
Communication
Excellent communication skills are sought by every employer, and it’s a true professional who elevates the skill of communicating to an art.
Music Education
Find your home in the Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music. Combine your passion for music with our education program and help the next generation of musicians find their inspiration.
Music Management and Marketing
Make music your career and your business. Our Music Management and Marketing major prepares you to manage artists, plan events, and market music in a rapidly changing industry.
Music Ministry
Combine faith and music in meaningful ways. Our Music Ministry major educates students to lead worship, direct choirs and ensembles, and use music to engage and uplift communities.
Theatre
Turn your love for acting, storytelling, and performance into a theatre career, either on stage or behind the scenes.
