The mission of the Music Program at Black Hills State University is to provide a comprehensive, practical, and current program of study in the area of music as well to give students a variety of opportunities to study music within the context of a broad liberal education.

The goal of the Music Program of Black Hills State University is to provide students with opportunities for aesthetic development in the areas of musical perception, knowledge, and performance. It is the philosophy of this music program that music is a shared human experience, and a cooperative educational environment is essential to the growth of overall musical sensitivity. Thus, music students and faculty seek to enhance their musical understanding together, through group performances and learning experiences as well as through the individual study necessary for the refinement of personal artistry and creative expression.

BHSU is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

The objectives of the music program are as follows:

1. Acquire a functional knowledge of the language and grammar of music;
2. Expand knowledge of traditional and contemporary musical styles through listening experiences and performance activities (ensemble and individual
3. Develop the ability to identify aurally and visually the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, dynamics, texture, form).
4. Develop the following competencies in at least one major area of musical concentration (instrument or voice):
   1. technical skills adequate to meet the needs of artistic self-expression
   2. the ability to read at sight
   3. participation in large and small ensemble performance
   4. solo performance of a wide variety of musical styles
   5. improvisational and compositional skills of a type and level appropriate to
   6. the area of concentration
5. Acquire a level of functional keyboard skills appropriate to the area of concentration;
6. Acquire conducting and rehearsal skills adequate to demonstrate the understanding of musical interpretation in the context of group performance;
7. Develop the ability to place compositions in historical and stylistic perspective;
8. Develop maturity in musical discrimination, evaluation, and criticism;
9. Develop a knowledge of K-12 vocal and instrumental teaching methodologies and materials, as well as the role of music education in our society.