Music

Description of Major

The Carthage tradition of excellence in music is recognized throughout the United States and internationally. One of the first small liberal arts colleges in America to offer an undergraduate major in music, and home to one of the first touring SATB college choirs as well as one of the first collegiate bands in the nation, Carthage music programs serve more than 500 students and 80 music majors each term.

The goal of the music department is that all students, regardless of their major, might come to both understand and enjoy music more fully. Students that choose to major in music complete 40 credits of fundamental music study. Students with an interest in specialized study may complete additional electives toward an emphasis in music education (choral, general, or instrumental), church music, jazz studies, music theatre, performance, or piano pedagogy.

Relevant Coursework

Music Theory, Aural Skills, Keyboard Skills, Music History, Applied Lesson Study, Ensemble Participation, Musicianship in Context, and Technology.

Students pursuing an emphasis may also take courses such as Opera Literature, Vocal Diction, Conducting, Composition, Jazz Arranging, Music Theatre History, Symphonic Literature, Educational Methods, Piano Pedagogy, or Service Playing and Improvisation.

Current Outlook
Lambda Kappa, Carthage's co-ed music fraternity, is dedicated to encouraging the highest standards of creativity, performance, and education in music; to encourage an active knowledge of history and traditions of the fraternity; to develop the truest fraternal spirit among its members; and, to advocate a collective support of all endeavors by students of music.

A wide-range of music ensembles are offered by Carthage. See the music homepage for more information.

Why take Music at Carthage?

SKILLS

  • Musical Aptitude
  • Creativity
  • Self Discipline
  • Physical Stamina
  • Perseverance
  • Confidence
  • Collaboration - Cooperation
  • Poise and Stage Presence
  • Educationally Ambitious

OUTLOOK FOR FIELD
The outlook for the field varies based on the type of music career pursued. Currently, public school teachers are in great demand. In performance, those capable of performing in a variety of genres will have the best chance of success.

SALARY
Median annual earnings of salaried music directors and teachers was $34,570 in May 2004. Private music teachers can expect to earn from $10 - $100 an hour. Performers can earn from $50 - $200 an hour, based on performance expertise. Music business professionals can expect to earn anywhere from $16,000 to $118,000 annually.

What can I do with a major in Music?

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Please note: this list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.

  • Private Music Teacher
  • Performer
  • School Music Teacher
  • Arts Administrator
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Conductor
  • Church Musician
  • Music Publishing/Sales
  • Coach/Accompanist
  • Music Therapist
  • Music Critic

CARTHAGE GRADUATES HAVE GAINED EMPLOYMENT IN THE CAREERS THAT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Metropolitan Opera – principal artist
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago – principal artist
  • Handel/Haydn Society, Boston – managing director
  • Carthage – director of choral studies, director of church music/college organist,  voice faculty
  • Milwaukee Symphony Chorus – paid section leader
  • Music Institute of Chicago – children’s music theatre director
  • Kenosha Unified School District – music teacher
  • St. Martha’s Catholic Church – music director
  • St. Louis Post-Dispatch – music critic
  • Kindermusik –  early childhood music teacher

CARTHAGE GRADUATES HAVE PURSUED GRADUATE STUDIES IN:

  • Opera Performance
  • Music Education
  • Instrumental Music Performance
  • Music Theatre Directing
  • Theatre Performance
  • Arts Administration