Overview
If this describes you, then the music degree at North Greenville University may be the best option for you. Here, NGU's Cline School of Music faculty members are prepared and willing to help you begin a successful career as a musician.
Major Description
As a music major at NGU, you will spend much of your time taking private instrumental or vocal music lessons; playing or singing in a band, choir, or orchestra; and playing or singing in a small chamber ensemble. You will learn about musical performance skills, musical analytical skills, the language and grammar of music, the historical and cultural context of music in society, and synthesizing musical knowledge, as well as how to apply this knowledge in your own music.
In your senior year, you will present a public recital on your instrument or with your voice that is representative of your repertoire level. You will also turn in a project that reflects a synthesis of your analytical and historical musical knowledge.
Ultimately, the music degree will provide a strong education based on a biblical worldview that will prepare you for a variety of musical pursuits.
Curriculum
The Cline School of Music at NGU offers professional music degrees in a strong liberal arts setting, with bachelor’s degrees in music education and music performance and a music worship studies program. In addition, the university offers the Bachelor of Arts in music, a general music program that has a large number of elective courses available to give the student freedom to explore other areas of interest.
As you continue through the music program, you will find that the four components of theoretical skills, style recognition, basic keyboard proficiency, and performance proficiency are interrelated, working together to provide the experiences necessary for the development of effective musicians.
Faculty Strengths
Each Cline School of Music faculty member holds a doctorate or terminal degree in a specialized medium of music; brings a unique set of musical experiences to the classroom; and encourages students to use their musical abilities to reflect the creativity of God.
Tracks / Concentrations
There are no tracks or concentrations for this major available at this time.
Minors
At NGU, we offer minors to complement your major. Each minor requires a minimum of 18 semester hours, which in some cases may even be used to meet the elective requirements for your major. View the full list of minors.
Electives
There are no electives for this major available at this time.
Success

"The music program in general is a great place of learning with many great professors."

“At North Greenville University I received a Christ centered music education. Each faculty member has their unique music experience they bring to their private lessons and classrooms. They encouraged me to meet all requirements as well as explore my uniqueness as a vocalist. I've learned a wide range of music skills and different perspectives on approaching music.”
Future
Career Opportunities
- Band Director
- Choral Director
- Composer
- Conductor
- Denominational Worker
- Elementary Music Teacher
- Military Band
- Music Missionary
- Music Store
- Music Worship Leader
- Orchestra Director
- Performer
- Private Music School (Non-Professional Degree)
- Private Music Studio Owner
- Private Teaching Studio
- Publishing Company
Potential Employers
- Academy of Western Music
- Asheville Lyric Opera
- Brentwood Worship & Arts Center
- Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services
- Greenville County Schools
- High Point Christian Academy
- Military Bands
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- Opera Carolina
Learning Experience

NGU offers a marching band during the fall semester and a pep band during the spring semester. You may want to be in one or both and receive a scholarship for your participation. NGU also features a concert choir, jazz band, and more ensembles open to music students.
Composition
There are opportunities for composition with public premieres of composed works and helpful feedback as you grow as an artist.
Facilities
The Hayes Fine Arts Center and Turner Chapel at NGU provide you with plenty of space to create and learn music skills. The Hayes Fine Arts Center has faculty studios, the Hamlin Recital Hall, Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, Choral Room, and Music Technology Lab. The Instrumental Rehearsal Hall and Choral Room also serve as classrooms and practice facilities. Turner Chapel has 16 practice rooms, additional classrooms, a large performance hall, and a small ensemble rehearsal room. All of these are available, even after hours, for you to use.
Performances
The Music Department presents approximately 40 performances per academic year. These include chamber performances, student recitals, large ensemble performances, faculty and guest recitals, and student junior and senior recitals.
Work Study
The Music Department offers you several work study opportunities that include assisting ensemble conductors prepare for rehearsals and performances, assisting guest performers, and providing guidance for younger musicians.
Courses
EXAMPLE COURSE SEQUENCE
First Year Experience (1 hour)
English I (3 hours)
Foreign Language (6 hours)
Old Testament Survey (3 hours)
New Testament Survey (3 hours)
Applied Principal Lessons (2 hours)
Applied Secondary Lessons (2 hours)
Music Theory I and II (8 hours)
Large Ensemble (2 hours)
History of Music and Art (3 hours)
Marching Band - Woodwind, brass, or percussion only (1 hour)
(Note: In addition to the courses for their major, every student at NGU is required to register and earn credit for Chapel, for each semester of full-time enrollment, and Cultural Events, for only the first four semesters of full-time enrollment. Each of these courses counts as one-half credit hour per semester. These special offerings support NGU’s mission of educating the whole person — both intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.)
EXAMPLE COURSE SEQUENCE
English II (3 hours)
Physical Education (2 hours)
Biological Science (4 hours)
Physical Science (4 hours)
Music Theory III and IV (8 hours)
Computer Technology for Musicians (3 hours)
Applied Principal Lessons (2 hours)
Applied Secondary Lessons (2 hours)
Large Ensemble (2 hours)
Marching Band - Woodwind, brass, or percussion only (1 hour)
(Note: In addition to the courses for their major, every student at NGU is required to register and earn credit for Chapel, for each semester of full-time enrollment, and Cultural Events, for only the first four semesters of full-time enrollment. Each of these courses counts as one-half credit hour per semester. These special offerings support NGU’s mission of educating the whole person — both intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.)
EXAMPLE COURSE SEQUENCE
Math (3 hours)
Musical Styles I (2 hours)
Musical Styles II (2 hours)
Speech (3 hours)
Upper-level music elective (3 hours)
Applied Principal Lessons (2 hours)
Large Ensemble (2 hours)
Non-music liberal arts electives (14 hours)
(Note: In addition to the courses for their major, every student at NGU is required to register and earn credit for Chapel, for each semester of full-time enrollment, and Cultural Events, for only the first four semesters of full-time enrollment. Each of these courses counts as one-half credit hour per semester. These special offerings support NGU’s mission of educating the whole person — both intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.)
EXAMPLE COURSE SEQUENCE
English literature course (3 hours)
History (3 hours)
Social science course (3 hours)
Musical Styles III (2 hours)
Applied Principal Lessons (2 hours)
Large Ensemble (2 hours)
Non-music liberal arts electives (11 hours)
Senior Recital (0 hours)
(Note: In addition to the courses for their major, every student at NGU is required to register and earn credit for Chapel, for each semester of full-time enrollment, and Cultural Events, for only the first four semesters of full-time enrollment. Each of these courses counts as one-half credit hour per semester. These special offerings support NGU’s mission of educating the whole person — both intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.)
Program Objectives
- Demonstrate a broad base of knowledge in the arts and humanities, the natural and physical sciences, and other social sciences.
- Demonstrate musical performance and analytical skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the language and grammar of music.
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to the art of music.
Resources
- Accreditation & Institution
- Cline School of Music
- Cline School of Music Policies
- Ensembles
- Cultural Events Calendar
- Music Minor
- Professional Affiliates
- Scholarship Auditions