Music Department

Belhaven University is accredited by the
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Majors: Belhaven University offers several distinctive degree programs in Music:

Belhaven University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), seeks to produce leaders in the musical arts who will have influence in homes, churches, private studios, educational institutions, and on the concert stage. While developing the God-bestowed talents of our students, we seek to provide an understanding of the musical arts from a Christian worldview. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Music without emphasis is the gateway to all other degree programs including a common core of music courses. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Education is a professional degree program for future music educators.  It has two emphases: one in instrumental and one in vocal/choral.

The Bachelor of Music, another professional degree program, offers five degree paths including The Bachelor of Music in Composition, and the Bachelor of Music in Performance in organ or piano, in strings or in voice.  The Bachelor of Music in Performance may also be earned with an emphasis in Collaborative Piano.

These degrees in music offer students a wide variety in courses of study and outcomes at the conclusion of undergraduate study including preparation for careers in composition, conducting, music industry, music ministries, music performance, music therapy, and teaching.

What will I study?

• Music Theory and Musicianship
• Music Ensembles
• Conducting Basics
• Intro to Composition
• Worldview and Aesthetics of Musical Culture
• Pedagogy for Principal Instrument
• History of Music
• Performance Practice
• Private Lessons in Principal Instrument

What can I do with a degree in music?

• Education
• Church Music Director/Worship Leader
• Music in Missions
• Songwriter/Composer/Arranger
• Music Therapy
• Solo or Ensemble Performer
• Administration
• Ensemble Director/Conductor
• Music Historian
• Music Technology
• Collaborative Pianist/Accompanist

Why choose a music degree at Belhaven University?

When you choose to earn a bachelor degree in music at Belhaven, you will get the personalized instruction and one-on-one interactions with professors you need to grow academically. We take a Christ-centered, collaborative, community approach to music. Through coursework, we emphasize the importance of a biblical worldview and how it applies to music.

Belhaven University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The quality education gives you the knowledge to thrive in your career.  We also provide a valuable foundation for graduate studies, making work on your master’s degree a seamless transition.

Our facilities are conducive to your learning and include a state-of-the-art concert hall and practice rooms. Music competitions and performances will give you added experience.

What kind of opportunities will I have in my major that will contribute toward my career?

• Performances with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
• National Association of Teachers of Singing and Music Teachers National Association competitions
• Internships in local churches, private and public schools
• Practice teaching in applied studies
• Participation in professional arts organizations
• Concert production experience
• Connection to performance opportunities in community and churches

What are Belhaven music graduates doing now?

• Andrew Horton ‘15 – Symphony position in Indiana and intern at Masterworks Festival
• Skyler Bready ‘14 – Composer and sound engineer
• Jocelyn Zhu ‘14 – Graduate studies at Julliard in NYC
• Maggie (McLinden) Stith ‘13 – Staff accompanist at Auburn University
• Joshua Nichols ‘13 – Director of worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Shellie Brown ‘12 – Graduate studies at Rice University
• Eleana Davis ‘12 – Music teacher at Dana Road Elementary in Vicksburg, Miss.
• Abby Wiggins ‘12 – Worship ministry assistant at Pine Lake Church
• Ellie Honea ‘11 – Music missionary with Mission to the World in Tokyo, Japan
• Nicole (Nutting) Harwell ‘09 – Piano teacher in private studio, vice-president of local MTNA chapter

Belhaven’s Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Why is this important?

Knowing the Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) tells you that Belhaven University voluntarily holds itself to a set of quality standards and is willing to allow outside music experts come to campus and verify Belhaven is doing what we say we are doing. Belhaven’s commitment to the accreditation process benefits you because it ensures you will be provided a quality education and may assist you in meeting eligibility requirements for state and federal financial aid and in pursuit of graduate education.