Presbyterian College

What you'll study

This programme builds core musicianship through sequential study of music theory, ear training, and keyboard skills, alongside historical survey courses covering Western and non-Western music traditions. Performance is central: students participate in applied lessons, studio classes and regular ensemble work (choirs, bands, chamber groups and musical theatre ensembles). Theatre-related coursework introduces acting, movement, stagecraft and musical theatre rehearsal, enabling students to perform in staged productions and collaborate across disciplines.

Typical modules and experiences include:

• Music theory and ear training: harmony, counterpoint and aural skills development.
• Applied lessons and private instruction: one-to-one study on primary instrument or voice, culminating in juries and recitals.
• Ensembles and performance labs: choral ensembles, instrumental groups, chamber music and musical theatre productions.
• Music history and literature: surveys from early music to contemporary practices and film/theatre music.
• Music technology and composition: fundamentals of notation, basic recording, sequencing and composition/arrangement techniques.
• Theatre modules: acting technique, stagecraft, directing fundamentals and collaborative rehearsals for musicals and plays.
• Professional development: score study, rehearsal technique, pedagogy methods and opportunities for community engagement or internships.
• Capstone project/recital: a senior recital, major project or portfolio demonstrating cumulative skills in performance, composition, or theatre production.

Structure

The degree is offered as a broad-based Bachelor programme in the liberal-arts tradition, combining general education requirements with a major sequence in music and theatre. Coursework mixes classroom study, applied lessons and regular live performance; students typically progress from introductory musicianship courses to advanced seminars and a senior capstone.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission to the music programme normally requires an audition and submission of academic transcripts. Prospective students may be asked to provide a recorded performance or to audition in person, and to complete a placement/diagnostic test in music theory and musicianship.

Typical expectations include demonstrated proficiency on a primary instrument or voice, evidence of ensemble experience, and satisfactory academic preparation. International applicants must meet the institution’s language proficiency requirements where English is not their first language. Specific admissions procedures and any additional materials (such as letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose) are provided by the college’s admissions and music department.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Music and Theatre pursue diverse paths. Common career destinations include:

• Professional performer (solo, ensemble or musical theatre)
• Music educator at primary/secondary level (note: teacher certification typically requires additional state-specific qualification)
• Church or community music leadership (worship director, choir director, accompanist)
• Arts administration, production and event management within cultural organisations
• Composer, arranger or music technician working in recording, media or theatre
• Further study at conservatoires or graduate schools in performance, conducting, composition, music therapy or music education

Practical experience in productions, internships and community engagement offered through the programme helps students build portfolios, audition materials and professional networks for these careers.

Why study at Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College offers music students small classes and personalised instruction within a liberal-arts environment, so you receive close mentorship from faculty while exploring complementary academic interests. The programme emphasises applied performance and collaborative theatre work, giving students regular chances to perform in ensembles, recitals and staged productions.

Students benefit from practical training—applied lessons, ensemble rehearsals, theatre production experience and professional development opportunities—that prepares them for careers in performance, education and arts leadership. The college’s focus on community engagement and a values-based education supports students who want to combine artistic ambition with service-oriented work in local and regional cultural life.