As you explore this area, you will find everything you need to know about the Department of Music at Spelman College - a great place to learn, grow and develop as a musician. Applied lessons and ensembles are open by audition to all students of the College, regardless of their degree program or major, for credit or for non-credit. A full year of commitment is expected.
The Music Program
The Department of Music offers curricula leading to a bachelor of arts degree in music. Students may either major or minor in music.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 B.A. in music with five concentration areas: • Performance • Composition/Songwriting • Music Technology • Choral Conducting • Research Contact Dawn Garvin | dgarvin@spelman.edu 404-270-5476 | #spelmanmusic
Complete an audition in person or by videotape recording in their major medium.
This is in addition to the general requirements for admission to the College, the incoming music major and minor students must do the following:
Auditions will be evaluated by department faculty members. Auditions are held in November and February. Additional auditions are offered during the First-Year Orientation Week and again during the first week of classes in the Spring Semester for students who change their major or minor to music. If you miss the designated audition dates/times, please contact the department chair to arrange an audition date.
Potential music students will be expected to perform two works, based on the following criteria:
Voice: two contrasting songs in style and period (both memorized)
Piano: two contrasting pieces, choosing at least one selection from the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic periods
Strings: major and minor scales in a minimum of two octaves, and an etude and/or one work from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary periods
Woodwinds and Brass: etudes or a solo demonstrating contrasting musical styles
Percussion: solos and/or etudes demonstrating proficiency in snare drum, timpani and mallet percussion; major scales on mallets
Songwriting/Composition, Music Technology, and Choral Conducting concentrations: select one of the applied areas mentioned above. All students should bring music scores to their audition.
Take music theory and keyboard skills placement tests
Students with insufficient music training should plan to enroll in Keyboard Skills 1 (SMUS 111A) before taking Music Theory and Musicianship I (SMUS 113A). The tests should be completed on the audition day.
Admission to the Department of Music is dependent on acceptance into Spelman College. Applicants are required to meet the admission standards set by Spelman College.
Transfer Students
For transfer students, all credits in music from another institution are subject to evaluation by the Department of Music and must be validated upon entrance by examination and audition. Transfer students may have to spend longer than the customary four years to complete the music requirements for the baccalaureate degree at Spelman College.
Ensemble Audition Requirements
Atlanta University Center Symphony Orchestra Auditions
The AUC Orchestra is comprised of students from each of the undergraduate institutions within the Atlanta University Center - Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. Emphasis is placed on developing performance skills and study of a variety of styles and periods from the symphonic orchestra literature. Live auditions are open to all interested students, regardless of major. Please follow audition instructions specified for your instrument(s).
To schedule an audition, please contact Ezra Haugabrooks, director & coordinator of the AUC Symphony Orchestra at ehaugabrooks@cau.edu.
Noire: Contemporary Pop Music Ensemble Auditions
Contemporary Popular Music Ensemble is open to all students (music majors and non-music majors) capable of performing music from various stylistic periods and genres. Students who are interested in becoming a member of the Contemporary Popular Music Ensemble must participate in an audition evaluated by the director of the ensemble. All instruments are welcome, including those performing on non-conventional instruments, such as computer or MIDI controllers. Please follow audition instructions specified for your instrument(s).
To schedule an audition, please contact Christina Butera, director of Noire: Contemporary Pop Music Ensemble at cbutera@spelman.edu.
Spelman College Glee Club Auditions
The Spelman College Glee Club is the premier performance organization for the College and sings for most campus events. Open by audition to all students of the College community, the Glee Club performs a repertoire that includes selections from world cultures, commissioned works, sacred and secular choral literature, Negro spirituals, and music by African American composers, with a particular focus on harmonies that complement women’s voices. The Director of the Glee Club, as well as selected music faculty evaluates virtual auditions.
The Spelman Chamber Players is a dynamic chamber music ensemble comprised of women of color who are passionate about making music together. Spelman College students have the exciting opportunity to join the Spelman Chamber Players by enrolling in the Chamber Music course (SMUS 090, 0-1 credit).
For more information or to get involved with the Spelman Chamber Players, please email Dr. Hyunjung Rachel Chung at hchung@spelman.edu .
The Department of Music at Spelman College offers five concentration areas as follows:
Performance Description: Focuses on developing technical proficiency, expressive artistry, and stage presence across various musical styles. Career Paths: Professional Performer, Music Educator, Session Musician, Private Instructor, Ensemble Member, Music Director, Solo Artist, Virtual Concert Performer, Interactive Media Performer.
Music Technology Description: Equips students with skills in recording, mixing, sound design, and music production, using cutting-edge technology. Career Paths: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Sound Designer, Live Sound Technician, Studio Manager, Music App Developer, VR/AR Sound Designer
Composition/Songwriting Description: Emphasizes creativity in writing music for various genres, including classical, popular, and film music. Career Paths: Composer, Music Educator, Songwriter, Arranger, Film Scorer, Music Publisher, Lyricist, Music for Digital Content Creator, Al-Assisted Composer, Interactive Storytelling Composer.
Choral Conducting Description: Trains students in conducting techniques, rehearsal strategies, and choral repertoire, preparing them to lead vocal ensembles. Career Paths: Choral Director, Conductor, Music Educator, Vocal Coach, Choir Manager, Church Music Director, Virtual Choir Director, Community Music Facilitator.
Research Description: Focuses on the academic study of music, including music history, theory, and ethnomusicology, with an emphasis on critical analysis. Career Paths: Musicologist, Ethnomusicologist, Music Critic, Archivist, Music Administrator, Educator, Researcher, Digital Music Curator, Music Data Analyst, Cultural Heritage Consultant.
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