Music for Non-Majors
Students of all majors benefit from the programs in the music department.
Scholarships
The Department of Music offers scholarships to non-music majors who want to continue with their private lessons and ensemble participation while in college. Students from all of our colleges are actively continuing their musical performance alongside their major at Valpo. Read more about our audition and scholarship process.
Performance Opportunities
Students of any major can participate in Valpo’s musical ensembles, including the most selective. The community of performers is enriched by the participation of future nurses, engineers, sculptors, and teachers.
“Major” ensembles require an audition, and rehearsals are three to six hours each week. Participation in each of these ensembles earns students one credit per semester. “Minor” ensembles grant .5 credits per semester and meet with their coaches/directors one or two hours each week. Learn More »
Studio Lessons
Studio instruction provides students a chance to work with our performance faculty in a 1:1 private lesson setting. A semester of performance study includes 14 lessons. Learn More »
Music Coursework
Our music classes explore music’s deep connection to human experience. Here’s just a sample:
- Introduction to Electronic Music
- Introduction to Computational Music
- Introduction to Music Therapy
- Popular Music
- World Music
- Video Game Music
- Music and Meaning
Many of these courses may be used to fulfill the Humanities: Fine and Performing Arts component of the general-education requirements. University Catalog »
Students who want to pursue focused study in music might consider adding the 18-credit minor in music or the minor in music history and culture.
Theatre and Dance
Music, Theatre, and Dance form the core of the performing arts at Valparaiso University. Students from across campus are encouraged to participate in productions, regardless of their major. Theatre work is focused on performance, production, and management. With a minor in Entertainment Production, students can explore production through a set of core theatre courses, basic stagecraft, prop design, and communication and visual arts coursework. Our 2024-25 theatre season includes the horror adaptation Let the Right One In, the annual dance ensemble production, a spring musical, and student-led original plays and directed scenes.
Inspiring Performances
The entire Valparaiso University community benefits from the department’s busy concert calendar. Each year, Valpo welcomes a diverse group of visiting performers, allowing students to develop their listening acuity — and enjoy incredible art. Concerts are almost always free with a Valpo student ID. Get Tickets »
Extracurricular Ensembles
Student musicians can also benefit from Valpo’s many extracurricular music groups:
- Pep Band brings spirit and excitement to our on-campus athletic events.
- Handbell Choir performs in the Chapel of the Resurrection at select services throughout the academic year.
- Gospel Choir makes a joyful noise in conveying the Gospel message in song.
- Matins Choir performs psalms at the Wednesday morning prayer service in the Chapel of the Resurrection.
- Sweetwine covers contemporary Christian artists in an acoustic style and goes on tours to share the Gospel and God’s love through music.