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Department of Music

Gary Nash, Ph.D, Interim Chair

Music - B.A., B.S. in Music Education, and B.Mus in Performance

Anthony Williams, D.M.A., Discipline Coordinator

Music has occupied a central role in the Fisk experience since the University’s opening in 1866. From their first historic tour, the Fisk University Jubilee Singers® established a reputation for excellence in musical performance and preserved the rich heritage of the Negro Spiritual. Today, Fisk continues to provide students the opportunity to develop individual talent, appreciation, and aesthetic sensibility.

 

Fisk University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The NASM National Office is at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia 20190-5248 and can be reached by phone at (703) 437-0700.

 

Instruction is offered in a variety of topics. Individual courses cover the contributions of composers and artists of many cultures and stylistic periods. Individual and group applied music lessons are offered. Non-music majors are encouraged to elect courses in music and to participate in music ensembles.

The Fisk University Music Discipline provides excellent education with a broad-based technical competency and proficiency in preparing students for careers in music. The goals of the department are to:

  • Prepare students, through various curricula, for careers and leadership in the music profession;

  • Provide opportunities for individual students to discover and develop the knowledge and understanding in music that can be related to individual interests and needs as well as to activities in a multicultural society;

  • Offer musical training for students in other academic disciplines through ensemble and applied instruction;

  • Utilize the variety of performances of music students and faculty to further motivate music students to pursue professional careers and to enrich the lives of the Fisk family, the community, the nation, and the world, following the example of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers®.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of required courses in Music, Music Education or Music Performance, the student will:

  • Apply the essential concepts of music to personal and professional situations.

  • Demonstrate creativity and stylistic performance practices applicable to diverse musical genres.

  • Demonstrate the influence of culture on music composition and performance.

  • Recognize important historical periods in music and combine elements of theory and composition in the art of composing and arranging.

  • Support and lead the role of music and music education in today’s multicultural and diverse world.

  • Demonstrate musical service.

  • Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and pedagogical skill.

Degree Programs

Strong leadership qualities and personal and musical growth are nurtured by provision of a creative atmosphere in three different courses of study.

  1. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in music is intended to prepare the student for graduate study in various fields related to music. This degree program serves students who wish to pursue a joint major or minor in another area, pursue an internship or do a senior project.

  2. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in music education is designed to prepare the student to teach music in elementary or secondary schools and to pursue graduate study in music education.

  3. The Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) in music performance is intended to prepare the student for graduate studies, a career in performance or in music pedagogy. The minor in music is open to students from any major academic program, while the minor in music business is available only for students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in music.

Minor: Music

A formal minor in music is open to students of all majors except Music.

Minor: Music Business

Requirements for the minor in Music Business: 18 semester hours (credits)

Entrance Requirements

  • A declaration of major in music with music business Minor.

  • A grade point average of 2.5 or higher upon admission to the program and must be maintained throughout the program.

  • Selection of participants will be conducted through a committee that includes one faculty member each from the Music discipline and the Department of Business Administration, as well as a representative from the Office of the Provost and at least one representative from Fisk’s Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management. Factors other than may also be considered.