Hey, I'm considering attending the University of Missouri - St. Louis and I'm super passionate about music. Can anybody tell me about the music department there? What are the faculty like, and what kind of opportunities are available for students?
The music department at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) offers a variety of programs for students to explore their passion for music. The faculty at UMSL is known for being experienced and dedicated to their students, with many of them being active musicians and scholars in their respective fields. This ensures that you would be learning from professionals who have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the music industry.
As a student at UMSL, you can choose from a range of undergraduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Music in Performance, a Bachelor of Music Education, or a Bachelor of Arts with a Music emphasis. They also offer minors in music and music education. This allows you to tailor your musical education to your interests and goals.
In terms of opportunities, the music department boasts various ensembles, such as the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, University Singers, and Jazz Orchestra. As a student, you can audition for and participate in these ensembles to develop your skills, build your network, and gain performance experience.
UMSL also offers a range of music-related events throughout the year, such as guest artist performances, masterclasses, workshops, and faculty recitals. These events open up opportunities for you to learn from experts outside of your UMSL faculty and to network with musicians from various backgrounds.
If you're interested in seeking further extracurricular opportunities, the campus is located near a thriving arts culture in St. Louis, which offers additional chances to engage with local musicians, attend concerts, and even secure internships or part-time jobs in the music industry.
In summary, the music department at the University of Missouri - St. Louis offers a supportive and diverse environment for aspiring musicians. From experienced faculty to various learning and performance opportunities, there is a range of reasons why UMSL could be the right choice for you to pursue your passion in music. It's a good idea to reach out to the department or current students for additional insights and perhaps even plan a visit to the campus to get a more personal feel for the program.
Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for music while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of music summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-music-programs/. You could have the chance to connect with music professionals and educators, who can give you more concrete information about USML's offerings and connections. Participating in one could even boost your chances during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and pursuing your passions outside of school!
Best of luck with your college search and future musical endeavors!
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