Marine to art major: ‘Art never really stopped for me, even while at war’
“Making art in general has been very therapeutic for me," said Edna Martinez, a former Marine now art grad. "It's not just a passion anymore. It's become a necessity.”
Are you eager to take your love of music to the next level? Musicians make the music, write the music and teach the music that makes life richer.
This program from Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences’ Department of Music prepares students for many exciting career pathways. A music degree from Augusta University offers an experience like no other. Students have a number of concentrations to choose from, and graduates can step right into rewarding careers in performance, education, composition and research.
Music, BA is for you if you consider yourself
What You'll Study
In the Music program, performance is a vital component of all concentrations. You will enjoy individualized instruction, participate in musical ensembles and explore topics like music theory, ear training, conducting and piano.
Focal Points
Experience-based Education
Because performance is built into the curriculum, you have a variety of ensembles to choose from, many of which engage in outreach performances throughout the community.
Study Abroad programs bring you to the cultural capitals of the world and expose you to experiences you literally couldn’t find anywhere else.
In 2016, the Jazz Ensemble traveled to China to perform during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll have opportunities to create your own research projects or work with faculty to tackle some of the world’s most complex and pressing challenges.
Pamplin College’s Center for Social Science Research involves students as active partners in research projects that assist local public and nonprofit agencies improve their effectiveness.
Student publications are an excellent way to find your voice and strengthen your portfolio, and Pamplin College has a wide range to get involved with.
Student clubs and organizations help you “plug in” to campus life in a way that can lead to meaningful connections, new interests and resume-enhancing experiences.
Interested in teaching?
If you are interested in working with students in grades 6-12, you might consider a certificate in Secondary Education in addition to your degree. Teachers, school counselors, and other educational personnel must be certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to teach in elementary, middle, or secondary public schools.
Augusta University offers an opportunity to complete your teaching certification while earning your degree within specific programs of study. Once students have completed their coursework and passed their certification, they can add secondary teaching education to their list of career opportunities.
Your Future
In addition to having the musical skills to perform professionally, you can graduate into a rewarding career as a public school music teacher, band director, choral director, church musician or exciting careers within the recording industry.
Learning Like No Other
Small classes mean you get individual attention and tailored advice.
The recently renovated Fine Arts Center is filled with the latest technology and offers improved acoustics and enhanced faculty studios for practice and instruction.
A dynamic faculty made up of professional musicians has the experience to prepare you for the career you want.
Emphasis on performance ensures you have the technical proficiency and concert experience to move forward with your musical career.
“Making art in general has been very therapeutic for me," said Edna Martinez, a former Marine now art grad. "It's not just a passion anymore. It's become a necessity.”
“I think you’re going to look around the auditorium and you’re going to see hope blooming on every single face, because in that way, we’re alike. What a testament it will be to AU if this graduating class takes this community with them into future endeavors," said Stephanie Jones.
“We have always been intentional with what programs we add to our portfolio, and MAISS and the MPA program were the next two logical choices for us,” said Marc Austin, PhD.
"I know that a degree doesn’t complete somebody, but for me, it does kind of complete that chapter of my life that’s been unfinished for so long," says Paige Boutwell.