Music Department

Dr. Al Harrison, head of the Music department, answers some common questions below. Don’t see your question, please contact Dr. Harrison today!

 

Q: Why should I study music at Taylor?

Here are a few reasons to study music at Taylor:

• Taylor has a reputation for excellence; U.S. News and World Report has ranked Taylor as Midwest’s #1 regional college for the last 6 years, and they stress our emphasis on teaching.

• We integrate the aspects of discipleship into how we prepare you for your future as a musician. We aren’t just preparing you for 4 years; we are preparing you for 40+ years of service. This is evident in the opportunities you will have to grow in your field through mentoring by our professional musicians and the way we approach the integration of our faith and studies – in the classroom and in our performances. Regardless of where God calls you, we will prepare you to use your gifts to glorify God!

Q: What kind of facilities and equipment will I be able to use?

We have recital halls with great acoustics, and the following is a brief list of the instruments and equipment you can use at Taylor. The best way to know what we have available for you to use? Come visit us!

Q: What opportunities do I have for professional development?

Here are just a few of the opportunities you will have for professional development:

• National association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) voice competitions
• Marion Philharmonic Concerto Area Competition
• Indiana Intercollegiate Band
• Church Music Ministry Internships
• Student teaching internships
• Senior Comprehensive Recitals or Research Projects
• Performance Productions: opera, musical theatre, jazz clinics,
• Performing artist masterclasses

Q: What opportunities do I have to study or perform abroad?

• Performing ensembles travel both domestically and internationally; one example is the Jazz Ensemble ministry tour to Ecuador.  To learn more about our tour and performance schedules, visit our Facebook page.
• Study abroad for January or a semester through our Off-Campus Study Programs.
• Contemporary Christian Music Center in Nashville, Tennessee
• January term trips with Lighthouse. Since 1972 Taylor's Lighthouse program has enabled students to gain unforgettable, life-changing experiences during Interterm studying and serving cross-culturally around the world. Recent Lighthouse destinations include: India, the Czech Republic, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Southeast Asia, Ecuador, Singapore and Thailand. Look at the Lighthouse website for more information.

Q: What faculty are available to teach my specific talents?

There are faculty available for lessons in every area, listed here are some specific areas:

• Instrumental: Jazz combo, String bass, Percussion, Percussion methods, Guitar, Guitar class, Violin, Bell choirs, Instrumental & choral arranging, Church music, Strings, String methods, Cello, French horn, Trumpet, Flute, Fine arts, Harp
• Piano: Piano, Piano pedagogy, Music fundamentals, Piano class, Jazz piano
• Voice: Voice, Theory & harmony, Musical theatre, Fine arts

For more detailed information, please view the Music Department Handbook.

Q: What scholarships are available?

Any student interested in majoring in Music must audition for admission to the Department of Music and to apply for music scholarships. The Department of Music offers both merit and need-based awards designed to enhance the university financial aid package. For a complete description of the audition procedure, please download the Guidelines for Music Major Auditions at Taylor University.

To sign up for an audition time or for additional information about music auditions and scholarships, please contact the music office.

Q: How can I let the Music Department know that I am interested in learning more?

All prospective students who are interested in music must fill out the Music Interest Form. This form applies to students who are thinking about majoring, minoring, or participating in music at Taylor.