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.

Students who wish to major in music or audition for a music scholarship must complete an additional application by visiting getacceptd.com/coker

All-Steinway School

In 2017, Coker University celebrated its designation as an All-Steinway School, honoring a commitment to use Steinway-designed instruments in all classrooms, practice studios and performance spaces campus-wide. Less than one percent of colleges and universities in the world are designated as All-Steinway Schools, and Coker is one of only three colleges in South Carolina with this distinction.

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

SACS Credit Hours Policy

Music Lessons

Coker Community Music Program

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?

Piano (B.A.)
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.

Voice (B.A.)
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.

Music Education (B.M.E.)
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

Musical Theatre (B.A. – For Theatre Majors)
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.

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

Meet Your Mentors

Christi M. McLain

Associate Lecturer of Voice

“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

Visiting Assistant Professor of Music; Coordinator of Vocal Studies; Interim Director of Choral Activities

“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; Coordinator of the Musical Theatre Program

“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…

Adjunct Professor of Music – Organ

As an organist, he has performed in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, and has been heard in regional and national broadcasts of CBC Radio. His various…

Kelly Jokisch

Director of Concert Band

I 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…