Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, is deeply dedicated to the world of Music and to students who study this creative field. The School of Music’s mission is to provide enriching musical experiences for all students; to prepare Music students for pursuing careers, lifelong learning and engagement in music; and to serve as an essential cultural resource for the Huntington region in West Virginia.
The BA in Music is a general Music degree in which majors can declare an area of emphasis (Commercial Music, Music Pedagogy, Music History or Vocal Jazz) or tailor their studies to fit their musical interests (General Emphasis). Students seeking the bachelor’s degree in Music program also complete a minor plus additional non-music credit hours or choose to complete a second major.
Marshall’s Bachelor of Arts in Music program is well-suited for students who are interested in studying music at the university level, but whose interests are not a match for Marshall’s more professional Music degree programs (Performance, Music Education, etc.). This bachelor’s degree program is also a good fit for students who have more than one academic interest, as it is easy to complete a minor or a second major while earning a BA in Music degree.
- Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
- Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
- Receive invitations to special events for future students.
- Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Marshall’s School of Music facilities include the newly renovated Smith Recital Hall, along with classrooms, a 24-track recording facility, music technology labs, music library, and practice rooms. Marshall’s Jomie Jazz Center is the only University jazz facility in the country, and it offers music majors additional performance and practice facilities, plus a recording studio and music lab.
Marshall University offers nearly 20 music ensembles, which are open to Music majors as well as any Marshall student who’s interested in continuing to perform during college. Students also have the opportunity to perform with faculty in small and large ensemble settings.
Marshall ensembles have performed worldwide and include the following:
- Instrumental: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Thunder, Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles
- Choral and vocal: Chamber Choir, University Chorus, 3rd Avenue, Opera
- Small ensembles: John Marshall Fife and Drum Corps, Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Tubonium, Percussion Ensemble, African Drum and Dance, Jazz Combos, Guitar Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble, Piano Ensemble
Marshall’s Center for Wellness in the Arts is one of the few programs of its kind in the country. CWA provides educational, preventative and therapeutic services relating to wellness and injury prevention for performing artists studying at Marshall. CWA includes licensed athletic trainers, skilled vocal and hearing clinicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists and performance anxiety specialists who have the proper knowledge and equipment to assess various conditions.
- Vocal performers
- Musicians
- Music Directors
- Music Educators
- Conductors
- Arrangers
- Composers
- Broadcast and sound technicians
