Music

Program Overview.

Morningside's long-standing tradition of excellence in music reaches every student on campus- from majors preparing for a professional career in music to those simply interested in ensemble participation. The School of Visual and Performing Arts offers over 100 concerts, productions, exhibits, and recitals each year.

Studying music at Morningside allows students to enhance musical creativity through performance. Regardless of major, all undergraduate students are welcome to participate in one or more of the nine curricular vocal and instrumental ensembles. Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, our dynamic faculty of practicing musicians effectively guide and support student talent.

About Music at Morningside:

Students benefit from Morningside’s rich history and variety of vocal and instrumental music offerings, ensembles, and activities.
Regional, national, and international travel opportunities connect students with a global understanding. Recent tours include Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic (2022), Japan (2018), Spain (2015), and Italy (2012). We will tour South Africa in May 2024.
Learn alongside internationally renowned guest artists-in-residence who frequently visit campus for collaborative experiences and high school festivals, including the Morningside Jazz Festival, Vocal Arts Festival, and Piano Recital Series.
Perform in Eppley Auditorium, Morningside’s beautiful 1,300-seat crown jewel concert venue.
The MacCollin Classroom and Klinger-Neal Theatre buildings provide modern studios, classrooms, rehearsal, and performance spaces for student musicians.

Make It Your Own

Morningside students may earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in music, a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in arts administration from Morningside University. Students may also choose to focus on a minor to deepen a particular area of interest. Click on the names of the majors and minors below to see the coursework required for each.

Majors

Minors

Music

Academic Music

Morningside University offers an array of academic music classes to lay the groundwork for your musicianship. Professors holding advanced degrees teach courses in history, theory, technology, composition, pedagogy, and music education will set you up for success as a performer or educator as you progress on your career path.

Meet The Music Faculty

Erik Mahon

James March

Joshua Nannestad

Ryan Person

Heath Weber

Meet The Artist Faculty

Shannon Burton

Alyssa Gaines

Michael Langley

Kathryn March

Stephanie March

Eleanor May - Patterson

Russ Nagel

Shirley Neugebauer Luebke

Jay O'Leary

Gary Reeves

Ron Smith

Collaborative Pianists

Mallorie Egbers

Michele Grossman

Jayne Koch

Experience
Learning By Doing

Morningside University has made a commitment to extend education beyond the confines of the classroom by providing a variety of experiential learning opportunities to students.

SEE ACADEMICS

INTERNSHIPS

Students have the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals in varied settings, including the Sioux City Symphony, Ray’s Midbell Music, Academy of Fine Music, The Sioux City Conservatory of Music, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Experiential Learning

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

CNAfME (Collegiate Music Educators)
SNATS (Student Chapter of National Association of Teachers of Singing)
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Music Honor Fraternity)
Morningside Lyric Theatre

TRAVEL

You will have the opportunity to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally for professional conferences, industry field trips, or May Term courses. Travel grants and special scholarship eligibility may be available.

RESEARCH AND ACTIVE LEARNING

At Morningside, students engage in research and active learning throughout the Midwest and abroad. Additionally, joint partnerships exist with Shot in the Dark Theatre’s American Playwright Series, the Morningside Piano Recital Series, LAMB Regional Theatre, and master classes with visiting artists. Interested students may also gain important field experience working in Eppley Auditorium or Klinger-Neal Theatre.

NETWORK

Morningside students develop relationships and build professional skills while interacting with experts in the music industry. Some opportunities include:

Work alongside master vocalists and world class musicians
Club meetings and college-wide seminars
Interviews
Internships
Professional conferences

Learn By Doing

Morningside’s music alumni have performed with prestigious companies around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway’s St. James Theatre, The La Jolla Playhouse, London’s West End, The Kennedy Center, and Opera Neo in San Diego. Recent alumni have contributed at state, regional, and national choral conventions and pursued graduate studies at the University of Northern Iowa, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Wyoming, Cleveland State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, and the University of Iowa.

Discover

13:1

student:faculty ratio, so you're assured a quality education focused directly on you.

65+

majors & pre-professional
programs available.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for music educators is expected to grow by 2% through 2026. Demand for musicians is expected to grow by 6%.

Potential Job Titles

Music educator
Vocal or instrumental performer
Professor
Composer
Conductor

Learn how students are set up for success

Meet A Mustang

Nathan Kitrell '23

Music Education
Sioux City, IA

Why Morningside

"Morningside was quite honestly the only college in my search that truly valued my choice. Not only was my admissions counselor in contact with me, but also the choir, wind ensemble, and jazz band directors. I felt that, if I chose Morningside, I would matter to the college as a whole."

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All Undergraduates
Receive Financial Aid

100% of Morningside undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

LEARN ABOUT AID

Simple Application
Process

Apply for Morningside’s undergrad programs.

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Morningside’s counselors are here to assist you with any academic or career needs.

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