Composition Major
A unique opportunity awaits the student composer at Capital. Within the context of one program, composition majors study techniques from the traditional as well as the jazz/contemporary perspective.
Students learn by studying with nationally and internationally known composers and arrangers who are part of the resident faculty, and who visit the campus to present lectures, demonstrations and commissioned works. While earning a bachelor of music degree in composition, students get extensive training in all aspects of the field, including jazz and electronic composition, music theory and history, counterpoint, orchestration, arranging and music business. Students also utilize the Conservatory’s state of the art MIDI-based electronic music studio.
An added feature of Capital’s program is the variety and range of the Conservatory’s ensembles, which provide innumerable opportunities for students to hear performances of their works.
Learn more about composition at Capital. Visit the composition area.
To find out what courses you have to take as a composition major, click here.
Jazz Studies Major
Capital’s jazz studies program is one of the pioneering programs of its kind, with a strong emphasis on both classroom and applied experiences, including improvisation and composition. The program features a highly intensive study of jazz and contemporary music, combined with traditional theoretical studies, ensemble experience and courses in the arts and sciences.
In addition to preparing students for success as performers, an undergraduate education in jazz studies is excellent preparation for entrance into the nation’s most prestigious graduate programs. Several of Capital’s jazz studies majors also have chosen to expand their career options by earning their teaching certification.
Visit the Jazz Studies Page to learn more.
To see what courses you would take as a Jazz Studies major, click here.
Music Education Major
The high job placement rate enjoyed by graduates of Capital’s music education program is illustrative of the quality of the curriculum and its internationally acclaimed faculty. The program enables students to combine their musical talents with the teaching profession. Graduates of the program receive a bachelor of music degree and are licensed by the state to teach grades K-12 in Ohio.
The program is divided into two tracks – vocal and instrumental. Some students elect to pursue both. Other elective summer options include Kodály certification or Suzuki teacher training. Music education majors also often combine their studies with another area, such as performance or jazz studies.
Music education majors earn valuable on-the-job-training through student teaching and other field experiences. Capital students also have the opportunity to work with school-aged children in choral and instrumental ensembles that are part of the university’s Community Music School.
Music Industry Major
The music industry program offers what many aspiring music students have been looking for – a degree that combines contemporary and traditional music study, recording technology, a core of liberal arts courses and the opportunity to earn a minor or a second major in arts and sciences or business. Students benefit from guest artists, excellent ensembles and professional private instruction. The in-residence experience at The Recording Workshop, one of the nation’s premier recording technology instruction facilities, as well as an optional Internship are part of this degree.
Visit the Jazz Studies Page to learn more.
To see what courses you would take as a Jazz Studies major, click here.
Music Media Major
This degree program prepares students for the complex world of music as it is applied in various forms of media, such as video production, advertising, promotion and public relations. Training at The Recording Workshop, coupled with music studies, liberal arts courses, specific courses such as radio-television production, and an optional internship, provide students with a variety of experiences to draw from when planning a career.
Visit the Jazz Studies Page to learn more.
To see what courses you would take as a Jazz Studies major, click here.
Music Merchandising Major
The music business is a multibillion-dollar industry, with the sales of musical products accounting for a large portion of the total. This degree gives the student a traditional musical background, the understanding of various instruments through specific classes, courses in the business of music, and studies in areas such as economics, accounting and small business management. Because technology plays an increasingly important role in the world of music merchandising, classes in recording and electronic music may be taken. The music merchandising program includes an internship.
Visit the Jazz Studies Page to learn more.
To see what courses you would take as a Jazz Studies major, click here.
Performance Major
Music students who major in performance at the Conservatory benefit from a program that prepares them for careers as professional performers, and gives them the skills they need to adapt continually to a changing world. Students choose one of four areas of emphasis: vocal, instrumental, piano or organ. Supporting the focus on the primary instrument are courses in theory, history, counterpoint, form and analysis, and orchestration. In addition, experiences in solo, chamber and large ensemble performances round out each student’s course of study.
After graduation, many of Capital’s performance majors pursue advanced degrees at the finest graduate schools in the country. Others continue to develop their talents in Europe or the United States in opera houses, orchestras or as solo or ensemble performers and entertainers.