Share the gift of music wherever God leads, whether through teaching, ministry, or professional performance.
As a Corban music major, you’ll establish a strong foundation in musical knowledge and skill as well as participate in private lessons and music ensembles. You will also build a strong biblical foundation that equips you to serve your world effectively and represent Christ in life, ministry, and careers such as:
- Music Teacher
- Worship Pastor/Leader
- Accompanist
- Composer
- Music Manager
- Music Therapist
Is music the right major for you?
Yes, if:
- You love listening to and performing music.
- You’re interested in learning about the science behind music.
- You’re willing to put in the effort before you see success.
- You’re willing to be creative and take risks.
- You can take center stage when needed, but you’re also comfortable in a supporting role.
What You’ll Learn
Corban’s music majors participate in a rigorous curriculum grounded in music theory, history, and aural skills to enhance your skills and confidence as a musician. You’ll also gain practical experience through performances, internships, travel opportunities, and other projects.
As a music major, you will round out your musicianship core with courses such as:
- Orchestration
- Form and Analysis
- Conducting
- Pedagogy & Literature
- Private Lessons
- Music Ensembles
You will also complete a final project your senior year. This could be a recital, a teaching experience, a worship leadership experience, or some other activity demonstrating your mastery of the primary areas of musicianship studied.
Learn what courses you’ll need to complete your degree.
You can also earn a music minor.
Learn from Experts
Corban’s music major is led by Dr. Mark Stanek, Associate Professor of Music. Dr. Stanek also directs the Corban University Chamber Orchestra and is an active orchestra adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the state. Prior to coming to Corban, Dr. Stanek studied with Claude Monteux, son of the legendary Pierre Monteux, along with serving as the conductor of the Kokomo Symphony and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. He has also served as the cover conductor for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to full-time faculty, Corban partners with over 20 music professionals in the Salem area who offer private lessons in students’ selected area of performance, from voice to piano, percussion to brass, and more.
Admission Requirements
All prospective Corban music majors will be asked to fulfill the following, in addition to other Corban admission requirements:
- Submit the Music Major Application.
- Audition for the music faculty.
- Take a Music Theory Placement Exam the spring before you begin at Corban.
Musicianship Core
Corban’s rigorous music program requires each music major to pass a Musicianship Core by the end of their sophomore year. To pass the Musicianship Core, the student must have:
1. Piano Proficiency: The student must demonstrate their proficiency on a piano keyboard, ideally by the end of the second year as a music major. Students learn these skills by taking keyboard classes or private piano lessons.
2. Applied Music Studies: The student must pass an advancement jury to be admitted to 300-level applied study in the primary instrument.
3. Ensemble Participation: The student must participate satisfactorily in at least one large ensemble (choir/band/orchestra) every semester.
4. Music Theory/Aural Skills: The student must complete MUS 223: Music Theory IV and MUS 221AS: Aural Skills IV with passing grades.
5. Grades: The student must have a grade point average above 2.0 and must have grades of C- or better in all music courses.