Instrumental Studies
Overview
Tarleton State University’s outstanding academic reputation and uncommon spirit are enhanced by our music program that includes professional performance, music education, and band opportunities for music majors and non-majors.
The Instrumental Studies program brings internationally renowned conductors and composers to campus to work with our students as well as invited high school musicians and band directors at the Tarleton Invitational and the Jazz Festival.
What does the band program have to offer?
Students are afforded many hands-on opportunities in each of the ensembles. From leading sectionals, assisting with rehearsals, conducting during rehearsals and serving as guest conductors, music majors are able to put what they learn in the classroom into practice. These experiences allow students from all walks of life to gain leadership opportunities that many future employers find favorable.
Program Objective
- Provide students with quality instruction in a friendly, supportive environment that will equip them with a solid music component regardless of their concentration.
- Provide students with a level of personal attention in the classroom that is hard to come by when attending a larger university.
- Offer students the opportunity to work in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that will give them insight as to how professional performers operate.
Coursework Highlights
The Instrumental Studies concentration option offers several career-focused courses, such as:
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC | 1311 | Music Theory I |
| MUSI | 3212 | Conducting II |
| MUSI | 3226 | History of Music I |
| MUSI | 3229 | World Music |
| MUSI | 3249 | Contemporary Music |
| MUSI | 4213 | Instrumental Literature |
| MUSI | 4248 | Scoring and Arranging |
Facilities and Features
Get involved with the Tarleton Music Program’s ensembles, including:
- Wind Ensemble & Chamber Winds
- Symphonic Band
- Jazz Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- Texan Marching Band
- Basketball Pep Band
Tarleton State University hosts several annual musical events, such as the:
- Jazz Festival
- Invitational Band Festival
- Percussion Festival
as well as musical camps for high school students and their directors.
The International Professional Music Fraternity was started in 1903 and currently has over 75,000 members. Mu Phi Epsilon focuses on friendship, scholarship, musicianship, music education, and music therapy. Mu Phi Epsilon is the only professional music fraternity on campus, and one of the few international fraternities in the world.