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 as to give students a variety of opportunities to study music within the context of a broad liberal arts 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.
Program Objectives:
Acquire a functional knowledge of the language and grammar of music
Expand knowledge of traditional and contemporary musical styles through listening experiences and performance activities (ensemble and individual)
Develop the ability to identify aurally and visually the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, dynamics, texture, form)
Develop the following competencies in at least one major area of musical concentration (instrument or voice):
technical skills adequate to meet the needs of artistic self-expression
the ability to read at sight
participation in large and small ensemble performance
solo performance of a wide variety of musical styles
improvisational and compositional skills of a type and level appropriate to the area of concentration
Acquire a level of functional keyboard skills appropriate to the area of concentration
Acquire conducting and rehearsal skills adequate to demonstrate an understanding of musical interpretation in the context of group performance
Develop the ability to place compositions in historical and stylistic perspective
Develop maturity in musical analysis and critical evaluation
Develop a knowledge of K-12 vocal and instrumental teaching methodologies and materials, as well as the role of music education in our society
The Clare & Josef Meier Hall
The BHSU music program is proud to be housed in one of the finest music performance and education facilities in the region, Clare and Josef Meier Hall. Completed in , it is a beautiful and impressive 3-story building. All music rooms in the building were designed to maximize student music learning.
The first floor of the building includes a 260-seat recital hall, 15 student practice rooms with windows, an acoustically-treated band room and choir room, several large teaching studios, a special elementary music classroom, and lockers exclusively for music student use. Meier Hall’s ample private practice space alleviates the “practice room crunch” that plagues many universities, allowing you to practice at times that fit into your schedule. The second floor of the building contains additional classrooms, a keyboard and computer lab, a recording studio, a video/recording library, and a study area. Meier Hall also houses the music department's instrument and music technology rental inventory, available for students to borrow at no cost.
Pianos are available in each rehearsal room, studio, and practice room for general use, and the Recital Hall houses our Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos for performances. All classrooms are equipped with a computer, stereo systems, DVD players, video and document projectors, and a whiteboard, with SMART Boards available in some classrooms. Students who are enrolled in music classes are issued a card that provides access to the building and all its amenities on evenings and weekends. The Meier Recital Hall shines as one of the most elegant performance venues in the region. The hall hosts all music program recitals and performances, giving students the opportunity to perform regularly in a cutting edge performance hall without ever leaving campus. Meier Hall is a standout venue to hone your skills on a stage that rivals any professional hall. Contact us to tour the facilities and start your journey to a music degree at BHSU today. 1-800-ALL-BHSU.
Pianos are available in each rehearsal room, studio, and practice room for general use, and the Recital Hall houses our Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos for performances. All classrooms are equipped with a computer, stereo systems, DVD players, video and document projectors, and a whiteboard, with SMART Boards available in some classrooms. Students who are enrolled in music classes are issued a card that provides access to the building and all its amenities on evenings and weekends.
