GCU Music Department
male pianist playing on keyboard singing in microphone at chapel.
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Overview

Earn a Music Degree From GCU

No matter your musical style, the Grand Canyon University music department in the College of Arts and Media educates and inspires students for greater levels of performance and musical knowledge. Whether through solo, ensemble, choir or band performances, students are regularly given the opportunity to rehearse and present their musical expertise to audiences on campus and across the Phoenix Valley.

The music department at GCU offers on-campus music degrees that can provide students with a traditional in-person learning experience, with hands-on opportunities aimed at strengthening skills in concept and performance.

Programs

Music Degrees Offered at GCU

Music degree courses at GCU are designed, revised and taught by knowledgeable faculty with music education experience in the K-12 setting. You can choose to major in instrument-specific degrees designed for performances, or degrees that teach the concepts of music education in the classroom.

Music topics that are taught by professional music faculty are often thought-provoking, thus opening the lines of communication beyond the scope of the notes on the page. This creates a more profound curriculum in our campus music degrees and successful performance experiences.

Faculty

GCU Music Faculty

GCU music faculty are all professional performers currently playing their respective instruments on various stages and venues while leading GCU’s music degree programs. Each holds an advanced-level degree on their instrument, many of which are at the doctorate level. Faculty recitals are held regularly and many have been finalists for top performing orchestral ensembles.

Celebrating Mozart at GCU

GCU Instructor Leads “Mainly Mozart” Performance

GCU instructors captivate audiences with a remarkable showcase of “Mainly Mozart” compositions. Students can witness, firsthand, the talent and artistry brought to life on stage by their instructors and immerse themselves in a true concert experience.

Resources

Bands and Ensembles

The bands and ensembles playing under GCU music include a wide range of genres – from classical all the way to today’s modern hits. Choirs perform music from the large choral-symphonic repertory to small chamber ensembles, from classical to contemporary, including Broadway, jazz and contemporary Christian music. For a deeper look at the performance ensembles you could be a part of at GCU’s music department, explore our music resources.

GCU Music Facilities and Studios

GCU music students and ensembles have access to modern practice facilities and studios with professional-level equipment and sound engineers. This experience can provide aspiring musicians with a glimpse of what it’s like to navigate the professional landscape as a marketable musician.

GCU offers music students:

18 Practice rooms

Canyon Activity Center (rehearsal room and instrument storage)

GCU Recording Studio

Academics

Academic Relationships

GCU music has relationships with and is endorsed by many local and national organizations and companies listed below. Through these relationships, GCU music is provided with industry-leading instruments, equipment and resources, in which students can use daily to perfect their musical experience and knowledge.

  • Kawaii Pianos
  • Zildjian Cymbals
  • Vic Firth Sticks
  • Remo Drum Heads
  • Agave Music
  • Palen Music

Other organizations that GCU music has a relationship with includes:

  • National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
  • Arizona Piano Institutes
  • Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA)
  • Arizona Music Educators Association (AzMEA)
  • National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
  • College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA)
  • Arizona Music Fest
Careers

Prepare for a Career in the Music Industry

Whether you prefer to be on stage or behind-the-scenes, a music degree can take you in various directions.

Here are a few careers in music you can consider:

Musician

Singer

Postsecondary education teacher

Postsecondary art, drama or music teacher

Male guitarist in a studio holding his guitar and smiling at camera
Start Your Journey Today

Request more information today to see how you can be a part of GCU Music.

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