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 University is committed to the future of the Music Department and will continue to offer academic programs in music.
The Manchester Bold campaign, including fundraising for Winger Hall renovations, reflects this commitment to the arts.
Some of the updates our students participating in music opportunities will benefit from include:
- Classrooms with cutting-edge 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. Students in all majors will be able to use these spaces to record and edit digital and multimedia projects, podcasts and other media projects.
- 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.
Manchester will continue to offer strong academic programs in music. The structure of music majors, minors and concentrations will change going forward as the music faculty revise the curriculum, building on current strengths and creating new opportunities.
The University’s extracurricular vocal, choral and instrumental performance opportunities -- such as the A Cappella Choir and Spartan Pride Marching Band – will remain. A gospel choir is in the works, and the University is working to add more opportunities.
Manchester University will also continue its relationship with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and is working with them on a memorandum of understanding to help guide the future.