Music

Music
Music at Keene State College

Music Excellence at Keene State College

Do you want to start a professional career as a music educator, performer, composer, or music technology specialist? Would you like to pursue a liberal arts degree with a focus on music? The KSC Music Department offers an enriching foundation, while providing many opportunities behind the scenes and on stage for students to explore their passion for music. Keene State’s music program, fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, offers five music degrees and a music minor.
 

We believe that a strong liberal arts education, balanced with comprehensive training in music, can prepare students for a purposeful and fulfilling life. The Music Department is committed to offering every music student an education based on a high-quality curriculum with excellence in musicianship, and to developing every student’s talents and perspectives.

Students interested in becoming a music major or minor will need to pass an audition. The Music Department offers four audition dates throughout the spring semester. For information about auditions, or to sign up for an audition through our online portal, please visit our Auditions Portal.

Program Options

BM in Music Composition

The BM in Music Composition degree prepares students for a career in composition, independent teaching, or graduate study in music. The degree aligns with standards in Music Composition set by the National Association of Schools of Music, including the development of a composition from concept to finished product, and the competency to work with both electronic and acoustic media.

Students will achieve fluency in the use of tools needed by composers, including keyboard skills, conducting and rehearsal skills, analytical techniques, and applicable technologies, and will have opportunities to hear fully realized performances of their original compositions in workshop settings and public performances, culminating in a capstone senior recital.

BM in Music Education

The BM in Music Education curriculum prepares pre-service music teachers for teaching in a K-12 public school setting in the areas of general, choral, and instrumental music. This degree program prepares students for eligibility in becoming certified by the NH Department of Education and it is accredited by CAEP. 

Students acquire technical skills requisite for artistic self-expression in at least one major performance area. They gain skills and knowledge sufficient to work as a leader in the classroom and on the conductor’s podium, study differing pedagogies and obtain an ability to lead students to an understanding of music as an art form and as a means of communication. 

Students are placed in the public-school setting beginning in their first year, culminating in a semester-long student teaching experience in the senior year.

BM in Music Performance

The BM in Music Performance program emphasizes performance excellence and applied study of a major instrument or voice. It prepares students for careers in performance, independent teaching, or graduate study. 

Students in the Music Performance program gain an ability to work independently in the preparation of performances at the highest possible level, learn applicable solo and ensemble literature, and study the fundamentals of pedagogy. Students also gain valuable skills in musicianship, analysis, composition, history, and technology.

BM in Music Technology

The BM in Music Technology degree prepares students for a career in audio engineering, sound design, or graduate study in music. The program aligns with standards in music technology set by the National Association of Schools of Music, including audio recording, audio engineering, and studio sound. 

Students achieve fluency in microphone technique and develop a knowledge base of other peripheral equipment. The program emphasizes fundamentals of recording equipment and practice, including equipment calibration, alignment, and testing, and studio setup for recording in various professional settings.

BA in Music

The BA in Music program provides a broad foundation in music and is suited for students interested in pursuing a liberal arts degree with a major in music. It is a popular option for elementary education majors seeking a second major, and for music majors interested in a rigorous yet flexible degree program that prepares them for graduate school or a career in music. 

The BA in Music degree can also pair with a non-music degree program, for students who want to pursue a career in arts administration, music therapy, or other arts-related fields.

Programs of Study

Undergraduate

Minors

Audition Early

Each student desiring admission to Keene State College as a music major or minor must pass an audition with a member of the music faculty. All students are encouraged to apply and audition early in the year to ensure eligibility for appropriate financial assistance.

Each music applicant must take a music theory and aural skills placement test as part of the audition. Students with no or little theory background are encouraged to find a tutor, a website (e.g., www.musictheory.net), software, and/or a self-instruction book to become familiar with the basic theory and notation of music (clefs, key signatures, intervals, chords, grand staff, rhythmic notation, meters, time signatures).

Auditions for the 2026-2027 academic year will continue to be held on these dates:

  • January 29, 2027
  • February 12, 2027
  • March 5, 2027
  • March 26, 2027
    (Online and in-person auditions available)
     

Request an Audition

  • Dr. Sandra Howard
    Sandra Howard
    Music Department Chair
    Professor
    Department Chair Coordinator of Choral Music Education and Vocal Studies Concert Choir, Chamber Singers
    Phone: (603) 358-2344 ext. 2344

Career and Other Opportunities

  • A music degree from Keene State College can prepare you for graduate school or other continuing study as well as careers in:

    • teaching
    • composition
    • performance
    • audio engineering
    • sound design

    Employers may include K-12 public or private schools, colleges and universities, conservatories, community music schools, children’s music programs, daycare centers, recreation centers, music stores, self-employed teaching studios, orchestras or other large ensembles, chamber ensembles, bands, Armed Forces bands and orchestras, church choirs, clubs and restaurants, opera companies, musical theaters, recording studios, record companies, radio industry, television or motion picture industry, production companies, music management groups, instrument manufacturers, and cruise lines.

    The BM in music education program has a 100% placement rate over the last 8 years.

    Recent music majors from Keene State College have been accepted into graduate programs at the following schools:

    • Arizona State University
    • Boston University
    • Boston Conservatory
    • Eastman School of Music
    • Kent State University
    • Lynn Conservatory of Music
    • Longy School of Music
    • Miami University
    • Oklahoma State University
    • New England Conservatory
    • Peabody Conservatory
    • University of Illinois
    • University of Massachusetts Amherst
    • University of Miami
    • University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory
    • University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    • University of New Hampshire
    • Yale University

Request Information

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Contact Admissions

Admissions Office
603-358-2276
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435

Contact the Music Department

603-358-2177
music@keene.edu