Music Studies at Pacific University: Program Purpose and Learning Objectives

Pacific University’s music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Program Purpose

The purpose of music studies at Pacific University (PU) is to prepare graduates for successful careers in the professional and creative areas of music, while also equipping them for further academic pursuits in graduate school, all within the framework of a liberal arts education.
 

The Department of Music at PU offers a comprehensive education that spans diverse areas, including performance on various instruments and voice, music therapy, music education, and general music studies. Through a combination of academic, performance, and professional experiences, students gain a rich understanding of music as an art form, tailored to their chosen specialty. We also prioritize providing students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of music technology, equipping them with essential skills for the modern musical landscape.
 

All students, regardless of their major or minor, are encouraged to participate in performance opportunities, both individually and in ensembles. Our music history curriculum explores a wide range of literature across varied historical periods, cultures, and stylistic eras, enriching students' understanding of music’s evolution.
 

Music is a collaborative experience, and at PU, students engage with the broader community through various music-making initiatives. Those earning music degrees acquire a robust theoretical, historical, and cultural foundation while benefiting from extensive, hands-on field experiences tailored to their areas of specialization—be it music performance, music therapy, music education, or music technology.
 

Learning Objectives

We aim to develop well-rounded music graduates in three domains: (a) as musicians, (b) as specialists, and (c) as professionals. Following is the list of essential skills and qualities of excellence that our music graduates develop through studies in the Department of Music:

As a Musician

  • performs at proficient technical level on at least one instrument and/or voice.
  • performs at a high level of musicianship in terms of musical and stylistic interpretation.
  • demonstrates an advanced level of aural discrimination and sight reading skills.
  • demonstrates thorough knowledge of music history.
  • demonstrates sufficient keyboard skills needed for their areas of specialty.

As a Specialist

  • demonstrates a thorough knowledge of techniques/strategies/pedagogies/materials used in the professional settings of their arias of specialization: performance, music therapy, music education, and general music. 
  • demonstrates knowledge of technology and its application to learning, research, and work places.
  • demonstrates knowledge of music technology as it applies to sound production and recording
  • demonstrates ability to gather, process, and effectively apply data related to their studies and future professions.
  • demonstrates understanding of the possible impact of their personal conduct and their future professions on socio-economic, ethnic, and diversity makeup of the populations with which they may work.
  • demonstrates strategies for integrating music with other disciplines.

As a Professional

  • demonstrates commitment to continuous growth and development as musician and as human being.
  • demonstrates commitment to active involvement in professional associations and this includes volunteering and leadership positions within these organizations.