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.
Coker University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
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 with an additional certification in either choral or instrumental 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 Teacher
$41,543
Composer
$40,963
Disc Jockey
$36,449
Music Director
$40,182
Music Therapist
$41,109
Talent Agent
$47,994
Will You Be Auditioning?
Are you interested in applying for a visual and performing arts program at Coker University? Learn more about the process and submit your audition through the link below!
Meet Your Mentors
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…
Reed Hanna
Clinical Faculty in Music; Coordinator of Instrumental Studies; Director – Coker University Concert Band
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…
Dr. Elizabeth Holmes
Clinical Faculty in Voice, Director of the Coker Community Music Program
View Elizabeth ‘s Profile
Pingyi Song
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities
View Pingyi’s ProfileWhat do you enjoy the most about working at Coker? I enjoyed seeing the sparkles in our students’ eyes during the conversations about topics such as multicultural…