University of Mount Union

What you'll study

This programme balances applied music instruction, ensemble participation, music theory and music history with theatre-related coursework and collaborative performance practice. Core components typically include private lessons on primary instrument or voice, chamber and large ensembles, sight-singing and ear training, harmony and counterpoint, music history and literature, and conducting or rehearsal techniques. Theatre-focused modules cover acting, stagecraft, voice for the stage, and musical theatre workshop, enabling students to develop skills for staged productions.

• Applied Lessons: One-to-one instruction tailored to your principal instrument or voice, with juries and recitals.
• Ensembles and Performance: Opportunities in choirs, bands, orchestras, chamber groups and musical theatre productions.
• Theory and Musicianship: Functional harmony, ear training, form and analysis.
• History and Literature: Western music history, survey courses, and studies in theatre history and dramatic literature.
• Techniques and Technology: Rehearsal technique, stagecraft, basic recording and music technology where available.
• Capstone/Recital: Senior project, final recital or production participation that synthesises performance and academic learning.

Students typically follow a sequence of applied study and theory courses, with elective choices allowing emphasis on performance, composition, education or musical theatre. Regular performance commitments, masterclasses and collaborative projects with the theatre programme are central to the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a secondary-school completion certificate or equivalent. Typical academic preparation includes study in music and performing arts where available. All applicants are expected to demonstrate musical ability by audition or submission of a recorded performance; vocal applicants may be asked to prepare repertoire in different styles. Theatre-related applicants may be expected to participate in an acting audition or interview showcasing monologue work and movement.

• Evidence of preparation in music (portfolio or audition required).
• Successful completion of secondary education with a record of relevant coursework where applicable.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining musical and theatrical experience and goals.
• Placement auditions or assessments in theory and applied lessons may be required on arrival to determine course levels.

Career prospects

Graduates go into a broad range of careers within the arts and education sectors. Common paths include performance as soloists or ensemble members, work in musical theatre, school and private music teaching, choral or instrumental directing, arts administration, community music and youth theatre leadership. Many students also pursue further study at the graduate level in performance, music education, conducting or theatre.

• Performer (classical, contemporary, musical theatre)
• Music educator (school teacher, private instructor)
• Music director, conductor, rehearsal director
• Arts administration, production and event management
• Composer/arranger, music technology and recording roles
• Graduate study and specialised professional training

Why study at University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and sustained one-to-one applied instruction, giving students direct access to faculty mentorship. The partnership between the music and theatre programmes encourages interdisciplinary work and frequent performance opportunities, both in ensemble concerts and staged productions. Students benefit from a liberal-arts foundation that supports broader academic development alongside concentrated artistic training, and from campus resources and community partnerships that provide internships, outreach and real-world experience in performance and arts management.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who value both practical stage experience and a well-rounded academic grounding in music and theatre.