Why Manchester?
At Manchester University, we strive to go a step beyond. And that’s especially true in our music curriculum.
An accomplished and dedicated faculty embraces the MU ideal of the whole student – as it pertains to breadth within and outside of music –and believes music can change people’s lives. It’s why the Music Program offers so many ways for students who aren’t music majors to participate in MU’s outstanding program nonetheless.
For those who pursue a music degree, however, Manchester offers a range of opportunities in the field. Students learn to understand and appreciate Western art music through a balance of academic and performance areas of music. In addition, they open their minds and ears to the diversity of musical expression through course offerings in world musics and jazz.
A Manchester music degree expertly stresses fundamental skills and understanding in solo and ensemble performance, music education, history and analysis, theory and conducting, preparing students for whatever musical field is in their future.
Future Updates
Manchester’s Bold campaign, including fundraising for Winger Hall renovations, reflects its commitment to the arts.
Some of the updates our students participating in music opportunities will benefit from include:
- Classrooms with proper acoustics and surround-sound equipment will improve students' ability to analyze compositions and experience – virtually – concert halls around the world.
- A new recording studio will enable students to create professional-quality recordings.
- The acoustics of new rehearsal and practice spaces will provide high-quality sound and maintain safe decibel levels.
- With more practice spaces, Manchester can add ensembles to engage more students in music performance.
While the University is working to realign academic opportunities across the university with student interest and career opportunities, the Otho Winger Memorial Hall updates will support new opportunities for students to study digital music, music technology and music entrepreneurship. Students in all majors will be able to use these spaces to record and edit digital and multimedia projects, podcasts and other media projects.
Additionally, the University is considering adding new choral opportunities to the already robust extracurricular vocal, choral and instrumental performance opportunities in which students from across the University are taking part.
Manchester Symphony Orchestra
Manchester University and the Manchester Symphony Orchestra have had a special collaboration for more than 80 years! The University and the MSO are currently working through a memorandum of understanding that will spell out how the 84-year-old collaboration will continue, including symphonic orchestra academic experiences for talented student musicians.