Music
Often called “the universal language,” music reaches minds and hearts in ways that nothing else can.
As a Coker music major, whether you choose to study piano, voice, or music education, you will follow rigorous yet rewarding curriculum that challenges and develops your creative and intellectual potential.
With personal guidance from accomplished faculty members, our discussion-based round table learning philosophy challenges students to explore, defend and communicate their ideas and creative perspective. Outside of the classroom, students benefit from immediate opportunities for solo performances, theatrical roles, internships, regional and national ensemble tours, study abroad and study away opportunities.
Key Classes for Your Success
Conducting
In this course, you’ll learn score preparation and interpretation, baton techniques, and rehearsal planning techniques. Students studying conducting will have opportunities to prepare and perform a piece with one of the Coker choral or instrumental ensembles. (B.M.E., Music Education)
Coker Singers
This audition-only ensemble invites 14-16 singers to study and perform choral chamber works from a variety of musical periods. The choir presents several concerts each semester, both on- and off-campus. (B.A., Voice Concentration)
Piano Pedagogy
If you’re interested in teaching piano, this course provides an ideal opportunity to hone your skills as an instructor. You’ll learn about methods of teaching in private, group, and laboratory situations—and you’ll gain firsthand experience as you first observe, and then teach, real-world lessons with guidance from Coker music faculty. (B.A., Piano Concentration)
Which Concentrations Feel Like a Good Fit for You?
(B.A)
Voice
Learn to make the most of the instrument you were born with. If vocal performance is your strength, a concentration in voice is the perfect area of study for you. Opportunities to perform with the Coker Singers and in your own senior recital let you put your knowledge into practice.
(B.A.)
Piano
Focus your music studies with a concentration in piano. You will study a thorough foundation of music theory, history and technique, with additional courses in piano pedagogy and literature, applied piano, collaborative piano. A variety of opportunities to perform helps you apply your knowledge.
(B.M.E)
Music Education
Combine your love of music with your love of teaching—and learn how to share the wonder of music with a new generation. Students completing the Bachelor of Music Education degree will be recommended to the State of South Carolina for certification to teach K-12 general music.
(B.A. – for Theatre Majors)
Musical Theatre
If musical theatre is your real passion, a music major with a concentration in musical theatre will take you where you want to go. You will take courses in voice, acting, dance and theatre, supplemented with specific courses—like Broadway and Hollywood Musicals—plus numerous opportunities to perform.
Click here to learn more about the theatre program.
One Degree That Opens All These Doors
Musician
$40,822
Choir Director
$42,967
Music Recording Engineer
$49,108
Music Teacher
$41,543
Composer
$40,963
Disc Jockey
$36,449
Music Director
$40,182
Music Therapist
$41,109
Talent Agent
$47,994
Audition Guidelines
Admittance to the music program requires all students to complete an audition. Each auditionee will be considered for a music scholarship. Students are also welcome to be considered for one of our ensembles with additional scholarship opportunities.
- Complete the Acceptd application and submit the $30 registration fee prior to attending an audition
- Upload a headshot
- Select and attend an on-campus audition day (listed below)
- The following items will need to be prepared:
- Two selections in a contrasting style that demonstrate ability and are sung from memory
- At least one of these selections must be composed before the year 1900 and must be performed in the original language
- Recorded accompaniments are not allowed
- If a student requests an accompanist, please send a request with the titles of selections.
- Complete the Acceptd application and submit the $30 registration fee
- Upload a headshot
- The following items will need to be uploaded:
- Two selections in a contrasting style that demonstrate ability and are sung from memory
- At least one of these selections must be composed before the year 1900 and must be performed in the original language
- Recorded accompaniments are not allowed
- If a student requests an accompanist, please send a request with the titles of selections.
- Complete the Acceptd application and submit the $30 registration fee prior to attending an audition
- Upload a headshot
- Select and attend an on-campus audition day (listed below)
- The following items will need to be prepared:
- A balanced program of two works from contrasting style periods
- The program may include complete works or individual movements from larger works
- Complete the Acceptd application and submit the $30 registration fee
- Upload a headshot
- The following items will need to be prepared:
- A balanced program of two works from contrasting style periods
- The program may include complete works or individual movements from larger works
Meet Your Mentors
Christi M. McLain
Visiting Instructor of Music; Coker Community Music Program; Coordinator of Vocal Studies
View Christi’s Profile“I came to Coker with the promise to make a difference in my students’ lives. As an artist, we train our entire lives hoping to inspire change in…
Jerron Jorgensen
Assistant Professor of Music; Co-Coordinator of Music Program; Director of Choral Activities; Coordinator of Music Education Program
View Jerron’s Profile“Despite primarily studying voice performance, I have always had a second love for conducting choirs. I knew that I ultimately wanted to find a program…
Graham Wood
Professor of Music; Co-Coordinator of the Music Program
View Graham’s Profile“On my first visit to campus, I was made to feel so welcome that I felt this would be the place to continue my academic career. At Coker, a conversation, a…
Don Grice
Adjunct Professor of Music – Organ
View Don’s ProfileAs an organist, Grice has performed in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, and has been heard in regional and national broadcasts of CBC Radio. His…
Kelly Jokisch
Director of Concert Band
View Kelly’s ProfileI love music and I love passing on that joy to others. As a band director, I not only have to read and be able to perform music on an instrument, but I also…
Reed Hanna
Visiting Instructor of Music; Coordinator of Instrumental Activities
View Reed’s Profile“I love the one-on-one connections between faculty and students at Coker, and being able to interact and collaborate with other people in the School of Visual…
Nicholas Fife
Adjunct Instructor of Music – Brass; Director of Coker College Brass Ensemble
View Nicholas’s Profile“The most exciting aspect about working at Coker is getting to work with all of the brass students. The brass studio is small enough that I get to teach all…