Music
Program Overview
The Simpson University Department of Music develops musicians through comprehensive study of the musical enterprise from a Christ-centered perspective. Students are prepared for careers in music ministry, music production, music education, and music performance. The Music Department also serves the greater community through performance opportunities and cultural enrichment.
IN THE HARMONY OF NOTES, WE DISCOVER THE UNIVERSE OF EMOTION, WHERE MELODY AND RHYTHM PAINT THE CANVAS OF OUR INNERMOST FEELINGS.
WORSHIP ARTS
A professional degree designed for students who wish to assume positions of leadership as musicians in the Church and to continue their ministry preparation at the graduate level.
MUSIC LIBERAL ARTS
A professional degree designed for students who would like to pursue a music degree with a broader liberal arts emphasis and more elective options.
COMMERCIAL MUSIC
The commercial music emphasis prepares students for careers in the music industry such as recording engineer/producer, tour manager, artist/performer, and songwriter.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Artistic Synthesis: Students will be able to relate a wide range of music proficiencies to a culminating or capstone artistic endeavor.
- Performance Skill: Students will be able to perform (on their chosen instrument) at professional level.
Ensembles
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
CHORALE
Directed by Dr. Lauren Dillon, is an auditioned mixed ensemble specializing in advanced vocal and choral techniques and standard choral repertoire. Chorale is the touring vocal group of the university and travels in the U.S. and abroad. Past tours have visited England, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and West Africa.
SIMPSON SYMPHONIC CHOIR
Directed by Dr. Lauren Dillon, is a community chorus sponsored and hosted by Simpson University. It is open to all Simpson students, faculty, and staff as well as community members. Repertoire includes a variety of chorale literature, but focuses primarily on the performance of large scale choral works. Simpson Symphonic Choir performs in conjunction with the Shasta Symphony Orchestra and Chorale.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
THE SHASTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Shasta Symphony Orchestra is a collaboration between Shasta College and Simpson University and is conducted by Jeff Specht, assistant professor of instrumental music at Simpson. It consists of students from both institutions, as well as musicians from within the community. The mission of the Shasta Symphony Orchestra is to help students reach their artistic and educational goals by providing them with a challenging and successful performance experience, and to contribute to the overall enrichment of the arts programs within the Redding community.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Simpson University Jazz Ensemble is open to all Simpson students by audition. The Jazz Consort performs on a regular basis throughout the year, and tours across the West Coast.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
New and transfer students do not need an audition to be a music major or minor, but they do need to audition if they would like to apply for a Music Scholarship. Students must complete a music audition for scholarships prior to the beginning of the semester. This is arranged through the admissions department or the music department.
Audition procedure:
· Contact the Music Department to set up a live audition (if you are unable to audition in person, other arrangements can be made).
· Perform two contrasting pieces (live or send YouTube recording).
· Submit two references.
· Share in a live audition or submit a video testimony of your musical and faith journey (2-3 minutes).
*Understand that commitment to participate and perform in musical groups as required may be to the exclusion of other time-consuming activities and obligations.
Music Minor
REQUIRED COURSES
- Music in History and Context
- Music Theory I
- Music Theory II
- Music Theory Lab I
- Music Theory Lab II
- Philosophy & the History of Music in Church
- Performance Ensembles
- Private Instruction
- Studio Class