Bachelor of Arts Music

Students who major in music will learn technical and performance skills related to their specific instrument/voice, conducting and rehearsal techniques, and in-depth knowledge of music history, literature, and theory.

Music-centered student organizations which have grown to become credit-bearing classes reflecting the level of study, work, and value that the arts have for the degree program:

• Basketball Band
• Chamber Singers
• Concert Band
• Concert Choir
• Drumline
• Gospel Choir
• Jazz Band
• Marching Band
• String Ensemble
• Treble Choir

Music careers include, but are not limited to, performance, composition, private or public teaching, church employment, community or military ensembles, arts administration, media, music sales, and music technology. Music study also hones broader skills such as public speaking, analytical thinking, and creative collaboration.

Students often pair a Music major with business major to facilitate work in arts management or marketing or with a Theatre major to further delve into the performing arts.

Performance ensembles are open to all UD students, regardless of major. University-owned instruments are available for use. Academic credit is available for participation in ensembles. Students may enroll in one or more bands during the fall semester, spring semester, or both.

Concert Band
The University of Dubuque Concert Band studies band literature and provides wind and percussion players of all majors with an artistic opportunity to perform in a concert ensemble. The group also serves as an outlet for vocal and instrumental music majors to study a secondary instrument and provide a lab setting for conducting students and guest artists. Concert Band performs two to four concerts annually.

Jazz Band
The University of Dubuque Jazz Band performs diverse literature that ranges from big band swing to modern jazz-fusion. No prior experience with jazz, soloing, or improvisation is required. All instrumentalists are encouraged to participate. In addition to sharing concerts with Concert Band, the Jazz Band also performs at other special events both on- and off-campus.

Marching Band
The University of Dubuque Marching Band is UD's newest band ensemble! Performing throughout the fall semester, the UD Marching Spartans add school spirit and fun at athletic and special events. Scholarships are widely available. Fill out the interest form to be considered for scholarship opportunities.

Basketball Band
The University of Dubuque Basketball Band exists to add excitement to sporting events and other special occasions on campus. Basketball Band primarily plays at select men's and women's home basketball games during the spring semester.

Drumline
The University of Dubuque Drumline is an introductory course to rudimental drumming. No percussion experience is required and all students who participate in UD ensembles and choirs are encouraged to participate. Equipment, including drum pads and sticks, is provided.

String Ensemble
The UD String Ensemble is an opportunity for string players to learn and perform a variety of repertoire in a fun and supportive environment.

Open to all university students, regardless of major. Academic credit is available for participation in performance ensembles.

Concert Choir
The University of Dubuque Concert Choir studies choral repertoire from all genres and musical periods. The group performs between two to four concerts annually and frequently performs at University functions such as homecoming, opening convocation, commencement, and more.

The group also goes on a national tour every spring and has traveled to 38 states and Puerto Rico during the past 10 years. Cities the Concert Choir has performed include Boston, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Membership in Concert Choir is open to all students, regardless of major. A short audition is required to determine the voice part and placement in the ensemble. Concert Choir is available for one hour of credit to non-majors and fulfills ensemble requirements for music majors.

Chamber Singers
The University of Dubuque Chamber Singers is a select group of eight to 12 vocalists derived from members of the Concert Choir. The group performs challenging choral chamber pieces and a cappella works. The Chamber Singers perform two of their own concerts annually and perform during the Concert Choir's concerts.

Membership in Chamber Singers is open by audition to all students currently enrolled in Concert Choir. Chamber Singers is available for one hour of credit to non-majors and fulfills ensemble requirements for music majors.

Treble Choir
The University of Dubuque Treble Choir sings a wide variety of styles, from classical to pop/modern, and maintains a lighter performance schedule of a couple of events per semester. Designed to accommodate students' busy schedules, this group rehearses less than two hours per week.

Membership in the Treble Choir is determined by a short audition consisting of a range check and pitch matching exercise. It is available for one hour of credit to non-majors and fulfills ensemble requirements for music majors.

Gospel Choir
The University of Dubuque Gospel Choir performs classic to modern gospel repertoire. The ensemble performs two concerts per year and performs in the Dubuque church community and for University functions. Membership in Gospel Choir is open to all students, regardless of major

For incoming students who will participate in one or more music ensemble at the University of Dubuque, regardless of major. Students may receive a University of Dubuque Music Participation Scholarship for up to four years if they remain enrolled in one or more music ensembles each semester -- concert band, jazz band, string ensemble, concert choir, chamber singers, and/or treble choir.

Step 1: Apply for admission to the University of Dubuque online at: www.dbq.edu/apply or www.commonapp.org/apply
Step 2: Email a recording (audio or video) to UDMusic@dbq.edu
- Email Subject Line: (Your Name) Audition (Your Instrument/Voice Type)
- EX: John Doe Audition Trumpet or Jane Doe Audition Soprano

Auditions must be emailed on or before November 20, 2023.

Scholarship awards will be announced in early 2024.

Brass/Woodwind Instruments:

• 1-2 minutes (minimum) of an etude/solo; no accompaniment is necessary.
• Two major scales (1 octave) of your choice.
• Full range chromatic scale.

Percussionists:

• Mallets
  
  • Two major scales in 'Green Scales' format, M.M. = 100+.
  • Demonstration of basic four mallet playing (an etude, short solo, or technical exercise).
• Snare Drum
  • Long roll (closed). Pianissimo to fortissimo back to pianissimo over 30 seconds.
  • Single paradiddle and flam accent rudiments. Slow to fast back to slow.
• Drum Set
  
  • Demonstrate three styles for eight bars each. Possible options: Rock, Swing, Bossa Nova, Samba, Shuffle, R&B, Reggae, etc.

Strings:

• 1-2 minutes (minimum) of an etude/solo; no accompaniment is necessary.
• Scales:
  • Violins: G major scale (2 octaves) and B-flat major scale (1 octave).
  • Viola and Cello: D major scale (2 octaves) and B-flat major scale (1 octave).
  • Bass: G major scale and B-flat major scale (both 1 octave).

Vocalists:

• 1-2 minutes (minimum) of accompanied singing (with piano or recorded instrumental track) that shows your range and abilities.
• An a cappella rendition (in any key) of one of the following: "The Star-Spangled Banner" OR one verse of "Silent Night" OR one verse of "My Country 'Tis of Thee."
• Both of the above should be performed in a choral/classical style.