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Music
Do you want to learn how to share your musical gifts? If you study music at Dordt, you can choose to focus on music education, church music, performance and pedagogy, or music management.
As part of Dordt's music program, you’ll take private lessons, participate in ensembles, and enjoy unique musical experiences—plus, you could take classes on music theory, conducting, ear training, and more! Whether you are learning in the classroom, rehearsing in an ensemble, or performing in a solo recital, you will discover new ways to glorify God by making a joyful noise.
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Program Overview
At Dordt, we aim to provide an education through excellent and diverse musical experiences. Why? So students can discover, develop, and share the gift of music in ways that bring glory to God. We do this through challenging coursework, growth of leadership skills, and various performance opportunities, all with a Christ-centered perspective.
Music majors at Dordt grow as distinctly Christian musicians, ready to share their gifts with the world. As a music major at Dordt, you’ll gain performance experience both on and off campus, participate in masterclasses with world-renowned guest artists, and take private lessons with our exceptional faculty, all in a soon-to-be newly renovated facility.
What can I do with a major in music from Dordt University?
With a major in music, you’ll have opportunities to pursue nearly any job in the music industry. Composing, conducting, performing and teaching to start with. Or you can pursue music production, sound design, music ministry, or many other career options. If it involves music and you have a passion for it, a Dordt music major will help you achieve your goals.
Music Educator
Inspire and educate students to develop their talents and love for music, from elementary to high school.
Church Musician
Plan worship services, assist in leading worship in your congregation, and contribute crucial music ministry within the Church.
Performer
Take advanced classes and master performance techniques to become an expert musician with the ability to share your knowledge and passion with others.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Music Major
Music is a beautiful way to glorify God through your instrumental or vocal gifts. Through this program, you will increase your understanding and embrace the vibrancy that music can bring to your work and to your life.
To learn more, you can also view the program strengths and learning outcomes for this program.
Students looking to get a degree in music will take classes in a variety of topics such as ear training, music history and literature, and conducting. This coursework includes participation in several music lessons, ensembles, and performances. Additionally students must choose an emphasis with additional courses in their area of interest.
- Music Fundamentals: A course laying the foundation for musicianship and further study in music through the study of music fundamentals, i.e., rudimentary skills in notation, analysis, and composition as well as exposure to basic music literature.
- Ear Training I: The development of basic skills in the reading and notation of rhythm and of diatonic melodies in major and minor, in hearing and playing primary triads, and in identifying major and minor scales and simple intervals.
- Diatonic Harmony: Continuation of Music 103 through all aspects of diatonic harmony.
- Ear Training II: Continuation of Music 103L. The further development of skills in the reading and notation of more complex rhythms and of diatonic melodies, in singing in alto clef, in hearing and singing all simple diatonic intervals, in hearing and singing all diatonic triads, and in identifying major, minor, and some modal scales.
- Diatonic Harmony: Continuation of Music 103 through all aspects of diatonic harmony.
- Ear Training II: Continuation of Music 103L. The further development of skills in the reading and notation of more complex rhythms and of diatonic melodies, in singing in alto clef, in hearing and singing all simple diatonic intervals, in hearing and singing all diatonic triads, and in identifying major, minor, and some modal scales.
- Chromatic Harmony: Continuation of Music 103-104, with focus on advanced and chromatic harmony.
- Ear Training III: Continuation of Music 104L. The further development of skills in the reading and notation of complex rhythms and chromatic melodies, in singing in both alto and tenor clef, in hearing and singing compound intervals, in identifying major, minor, modal, and whole tone scales, and in reading figured bass and lead sheet.
- Contemporary Music Theory and Literature: A study of musical theories, compositional techniques, and literatures of the 20th and 21st centuries with emphasis on the development of personal commitments to and strategies for promoting a Christian vision of life as a musician.
- Music History and Literature I: Study of the literatures, cultural contexts, and intertextual relationships of Western music, from Antiquity through the 15th century.
- Music History and Literature II: Study of the literatures, cultural contexts, and intertextual relationships of Western music, from the 15th through the 18th century.
- Music History and Literature III: Study of the literatures, cultural contexts, and intertextual relationships of Western music, from the 18th through the 19th century.
- Basic Conducting: An introduction to conducting technique.
- World Music: Examination of music heard in various contemporary world cultures, its aesthetic and stylistic aspects as well as its functions and underpinning ideas and values.
- Advanced Conducting: Continued study of conducting with attention to specific choral and instrumental techniques.
- Piano Proficiency: Passing the piano proficiency requirement is necessary for certain majors and minors in music. Piano proficiency is demonstrated by passing a test administered by the music department. Preparation for this test may be gained through taking piano lessons.
- Performance Class: Concert and recital attendance; presentations of special topics related to music.
- Six semesters of large ensembles
- Aesthetics: A study of the aesthetic dimension of creation, the nature and qualifying function of artistic activity, and artifacts, and an introduction to general aesthetic theory and its history.
Core courses for the general emphases:
- Six credits of electives in music
- Private Voice Lessons
- Private Piano Lessons
- Private Organ Lessons
- Private Instrument Lessons
Music Education
A Music Education emphasis will allow you to study choral and instrumental music while also training in education, giving you the tools to teach others.
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Other Major Emphases
More than a hobby
"Music is fun and - bonus - it helps pay for college. Music is also a skill and hobby you can use for the rest of your life."
- Ella Jahn, Social Work Major
Ready to take the next step?
Music Department Tours
Hosting a Dordt University concert is a rewarding experience. Please contact the Music Department at 712-722-6222 if you have any questions.
Ensembles
Dordt offers a wide variety of ensembles for students to participate in, welcoming a broad array of interest and ability levels. Approximately 300 students are members of one or more ensembles or take private lessons. Private lessons are available for both instrumental and vocal students, with a faculty of 20 adjunct instructors, each an expert in their instrument.
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Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Faculty Info
B.J. Haan Auditorium
As a music major, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in the B.J. Haan Auditorium and it’s adjoining Music Building. These facilities include access to mechanical action and electro-pneumatic pipe organs, upright and grand piano practice rooms, instrumental practice rooms, a Yamaha Disklavier, and a Dekker harpsichord.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Finding a Faith-Focused Education and So Much More
Grace Bruin“I wanted to be in an education program that was founded and rooted in faith rather than having Christianity as an appendix to the program. It was clear from the first time I talked with Dordt education professors that they are passionate about Christian teaching.”
Grace Bruin
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A Call to Worship
Isabel AlsumIsabel Alsum, an aspiring church musician, discovers her calling to elevate and unify worship experiences through sacred music while studying at Dordt University under the guidance of inspirational mentors, ultimately shaping her future path in the world of liturgical performance.
Isabel Alsum
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Delivering God's Message through Theatre and Music
Tommy Shin“I like singing because music can deliver feelings and thoughts that are sometimes hard to share in other ways,” he says. “From music, I get comfort and courage not only by listening but by singing aloud. When I sing, it helps me to lay down my burdens – especially when I sing worship songs, which is when I feel most profoundly that God is beside me to guide and support me.”
Tommy Shin
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Into the Unknown
Anna BlauwAnna's experiences at Dordt allowed her to grow the faith and confidence that she needed to overcome the fear of the unknown by focusing on who God wanted her to be.
Anna Blauw
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Growing in Community
Daniel SeamanThe effort that Daniel made to be engaged in the community was what led him to the many opportunities and lessons that he gained at Dordt.
Daniel Seaman
Read MoreConnect with us
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Related Programs
Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
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