The Music program is not open for enrollment and will be discontinued with the Class of 2025.

The music programs at Anna Maria College foster a community of musicians by developing students’ proficiency in music skills, building their academic knowledge of music and by cultivating professional attitudes toward musicianship. All music majors develop a shared set of skills and knowledge through the Music Core, which includes training in piano proficiency, ear training, music theory and the history of music. Students also study and perform on their major instrument through individual studio instruction and a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles. The chief goal of music study at Anna Maria College is the development of sensitivity, intellectual background, and technical dexterity in order to realize to the greatest extent possible each student’s potential for self-expression and communication through music.

Concurrent study of the liberal arts provides a context for the student’s professional development. It broadens and deepens the learning experience and enhances growth in knowledge, understanding and appreciation of self, others and the world. The Department of Music is small enough to foster close contacts, yet large enough to offer academic versatility and physical facilities.

Click here to download the Music Education Curriculum Map.

In addition to all skills acquired in the BA of Music Degree, upon completion of a BM in the Music Education Program, students will gain:

• Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development in music education
• The ability to evaluate ideas, methods, and policies in the arts, the humanities, and in arts education for their impact on the musical and cultural development of students
• The ability to arrange and adapt music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of individuals, school performing groups, and in classroom situations
• The ability to apply analytical and historical knowledge to curriculum development, lesson planning, and daily classroom and performance activities
•  Knowledge and skills sufficient to teach beginning students on instruments and/or in voice as appropriate to the chosen areas of specialization
• The ability to lead performance-based instruction in a variety of settings
• The ability to guide students to an understanding of music as an art form, as a means of communication, and as a part of their intellectual and cultural heritage
• The ability to articulate logical rationales for music education, and to present the goals and objectives of a music program effectively to parents, professional colleagues, and administrators
• The ability and desire to remain current with pedagogical methodologies, to make independent, in-depth evaluations of their relevance, and to use the results to improve musicianship and teaching skills
• The capability to inspire others and to excite the imagination of students, engendering a respect for music and a desire for musical knowledge and experiences
• Personal commitment to the art of music, to teaching music, and to encourage artistic and intellectual development of students.

Click here to see the music student handbook.

Anna Maria College is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and all music degree programs have been approved by this association for over 30 years. The music therapy program prepares students for Music Therapy Board Certification and is fully accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). It is one of only two accredited undergraduate music therapy programs in the New England region. Graduates of this Program are eligible to sit for the board examination administered by the Certification Board of Music Therapists to receive their MTBC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) credential. Teacher licensure programs in music (all levels) are endorsed and accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Education (MADOE).