Program overview

We believe musical expression is a human manifestation of the divine creative impulse and, as such, serves as a window into the individual soul, a bridge between human beings and a means of shared religious experience. The Goshen College music department cultivates excellence in musical performance, pedagogy and scholarship. Our graduates work in

• public and private schools,
• colleges and universities,
• private teaching,
• music therapy and special education,
• professional performance,
• church music ministry and
• in many areas of the business world.

Majors in music performance or research are well versed in music theory, literature and history and apply that background to

• voice,
• piano,
• chamber music,
• jazz combos,
• opera,
• choral groups,
• orchestra or
• ensembles.

Areas of concentration

Music education
Teaching music at the elementary, junior high or high school level is an exciting and rewarding profession. A music degree with a music education emphasis qualifies graduates to teach grades K-12, instrumental or vocal music.

Core courses in theory, history and applied music help develop further understanding of music. Learning these skills is an essential part of music performance. Music education majors learn about many musical styles from various periods by participating in ensembles during your college years.

The teaching major also includes pedagogy courses that focus on various current approaches for teaching elementary music, junior high/senior high performance classes and general music. Students will observe various classrooms, teach mini-lessons and, finally, complete student teaching. All of these real world experiences will contribute to career preparation. For course details click here.


Music business and technology
There are increasing opportunities in the recording and production aspects of the music business. Preparation for a career in music business or music recording or production requires music sensibilities and musical training as well as familiarity with business practices and the technological aspects and trends of the industry. This concentration utilizes the resources of the communication and business departments. For course details click here.
 

Music in worship
An interdisciplinary effort, requiring courses from Bible, religion and other departments. Students will be able to shape the concentration to fit their future goals, and the internship will be an important way to gain significant field experience. As a music department within a church-related college, we greatly value the role music plays in worship settings and hope to train our students to be well-prepared and thoughtful leaders in a variety of church music settings. For course details click here.


Music performance or research
Is performing music your greatest source of joy and satisfaction? Then the music performance emphasis may interest you. Here, you would take private lessons in a specialized area, and play or sing in a faculty-directed ensemble.

The study of music theory and history enhances your understanding of music. A senior recital is the final preparation for a career in music performance. Music majors with a performance emphasis develop skills that enrich their lives, like serving the church and community or entering graduate study at major universities throughout the country. A graduate degree in performance may lead to a career as a professional musician. It may also prepare you for a career of teaching music at the college or university level. For course details click here.


Piano pedagogy
Most pianists teach the instrument as some part of their career. The courses in the piano pedagogy emphasis develop the skills necessary for you to teach in your own home studio or in a wide variety of educational institutions. The course work focuses on ways in which children learn, developing a course of study for students at all ages and advancement levels and selecting the best available teaching materials. In this emphasis, you learn through practical experience by teaching young children in the Piano Preparatory Program under faculty supervision. For course details click here.