The Department of Music trains students to become professionals in music educators, performers, and commercial composers nationally and internationally. Notable alumni include Ryan Kilgore, Harry Pace, and more.
Large ensembles include The Philharmonic Society (concert choir), Concert and Marching Bands, Jazz Orchestra, and The Atlanta University Center-wide Symphony Orchestra. Concert and Marching Bands have a number of smaller units, and the CAU Jazz Orchestra has CAU Jazztet.
The music major’s professional preparation includes a judicious mixture of the following: music theory, music history and literature, individual music performance; performance in ensembles; and special skills that include basic piano, conducting, practical applications of and exposure to technology, and/or methodologies, skill sets, and in-depth knowledge relevant to the various concentrations.
For musically talented students pursuing other disciplines, the department offers a music minor in each concentration. Additional opportunities for participation in our performing ensembles are also available to the general student population, as well as music majors and minors. Large ensembles include The Philharmonic Society (concert choir), concert and marching Bands, Jazz Orchestra, and The Atlanta University Center Orchestra. Smaller non-credit performing ensembles are organized through the department’s performance seminar courses (CMUS114A/B –CMUS 414A/B). Membership in the ensembles is by audition. Prospective ensemble members should review the music department’s admissions page for more information.
