For the very first time, Stevenson University is offering its students a minor in music.
A minor consists of 18 credits, 12 of which would be academic courses and six credits would come from performance in this particular minor. These courses include band, orchestra or university singers, each of which are two credits.
“For most people, I think it would be something they would be interested in,” said sophomore chemistry major Lanett Bagley, who performs with the Color Guard. “Especially if they’re in band, and plan on remaining in band for four years.”
Bob Suggs, professor of music, initiated the process of adding the minor. Suggs, who is also the conductor for the Greenspring Valley Orchestra, wanted to promote and strengthen the music community at Stevenson University. As of right now, there will not be any new music classes; however, the creation of new courses will depend on student demand.
MUSIC FOR ALL MAJORS
“Some new classes [management, concert promotion, licensing, etc.] could eventually…be a good tie-in with our School of Business. There may be some people who are not musicians, but they have a real interest in music,” said Suggs. “If you’re going to be in the world of business, there are certainly a lot of behind-the-scenes management positions for musical organizations and logistical support.”
Additional classes would benefit the School of Business, but might also be of interest to students in the School of Design. As of now, the music minor will mainly benefit those who are already in a music program.
“I think it’d be cool to have an auditory recording kind of thing so you can work within music because I think that’s huge… Bad audio is pretty noticeable but so is bad video, so you’ll have to have both in order to make a good film,” said Ally Barlow, a freshman film and moving image major.
Barlow also expressed interest in a class where students could make their own music rather than go through legal proceedings to use already existing music.
According to Suggs, the minor is intended for students who could use the classes to supplement a career, such as an elementary education major, or for students who merely have an interest in music.
A minor for those interested in music can “give students a way to express themselves,” said business communication sophomore Paul Farrell.
Compared to larger universities such as Towson University, the music minor will be much more relaxed. According to Suggs, students will not have to audition to get into the program. The program at Stevenson will be open to all students.
