Dana School of Music

Immerse yourself in artistic and academic excellence

As a student in the Dana School of Music (DSM), you'll have exceptional artistic and academic experiences. You'll study with internationally recognized faculty, perform in superb venues, and participate in ensembles that program repertoire from nearly every genre of music. DSM offers 8 undergraduate and graduate majors and programs in 14 areas of study and provides opportunities for students to diversify their studies with a variety of elective courses, minors, and skills they will use throughout their professional lives. Whether your passion is to perform, teach, compose, research, or innovate the future of music, the Dana School of Music provides world-class training that prepares students as versatile, 21st-century musicians. We invite you to explore the outstanding opportunities! 
 

Outstanding performance opportunities

Begin your journey

To learn more about our degree programs and scholarships or to schedule a campus visit, contact Cliffe College Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at sawaltman@ysu.edu or 330.941.2346. We would love to hear about your interests, introduce you to our outstanding faculty and students, show you our exceptional facilities, and become an important part of your future. We will look forward to seeing you soon!
 

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music

  The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music provides students many opportunities for personal growth as a musician, while also pursuing a broad liberal arts education.

• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Composition

  The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Composition provides exceptional individualized applied studio instruction, large and chamber ensemble performance experiences as both composers and performers, and supportive courses in piano and music theory and history.

• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education

  The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education provides exceptional instruction that prepares students for licensure as music teachers in the public schools and careers as music educators in all learning environments. Our Music Education graduates who seek a teaching position enjoy a 100% placement rate. Students may elect to pursue one of three concentrations: 

  • The B.M. in Music Education, Instrumental Program provides hands-on experience at all levels that allows students to specialize in idioms that focus on instrumental music.  
     
  • The B.M. in Music Education, Instrumental Music Education Jazz curriculum emphasizes collaborative interaction, individual creativity, musical proficiency, and pedagogy as well as historical and cultural perspectives through a unique jazz curriculum which is integrated into the Music Education degree. 
     
  • The B.M. in Music Education, Choral Program provides hands-on experience that allows students to specialize in idioms that focus on choral and vocal music. 
• Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Music Recording Emphasis

  The Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Music Recording Emphasis provides students with the knowledge and experience to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. Our students have access to cutting-edge equipment, technology, and facilities—they learn by doing. 

• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance

  The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Performance provides exceptional individualized applied studio instruction, solo and ensemble performance opportunities, and avenues for students to diversify their studies with elective classes and professional skills that are relevant to their areas of interest. Students are prepared to develop careers in a myriad of fields in the musical arts and are equipped with exceptional skills for a successful career.  

  • The B.M. in Music Performance, Instrumental Program have extensive opportunities to develop skills as soloists and ensemble members. 
     
  • The B.M. in Music Performance, Jazz Track emphasizes collaborative interaction, individual creativity, musical proficiency, and pedagogy as well as historical and cultural perspectives through a unique and comprehensive curriculum. 
     
  • The B.M. in Performance, Piano Program offers a broad range of performance opportunities that include diverse repertoire and provide professional training as soloists and collaborators.  
     
  • The B.M. in Performance, Voice Program allows students to build a large repertory of performance literature and build skills applicable to a variety of professional opportunities in multiple contexts. 

Minors

• Music Minors

  You can add a music minor to your degree—even if you’re not a student in DSM. You can tailor our music minors to fit your interests and may include studio lessons and participation in ensembles. 

  • The Minor in Interdisciplinary Game Studies Minor is offered by the Departments of Art and Computer Sciences and Information Systems and the Dana School of Music. The curriculum allows students can focus on their area of interest while also broadening their collaborations with colleagues in other areas. 
     
  • The Minor in Music provides opportunities to develop musical knowledge and skills at a basic collegiate level. Evolving economic, demographic, and technological conditions provide increased incentive for creativity and leadership in society. Students electing applied study and/or ensembles should contact Shannon Holdridge at smholdridge@ysu.edu for audition information. 

Graduate Program

• Master of Music (M.M.)

  The Master of Music (M.M.) degree offers exceptional advanced training for performers, teachers, composers, and scholars. The M.M. provides individualized instruction that focuses on the professional development and unique career goals of each student. Students develop advanced competencies in their degree majors—which includes an M.M. in Performance, Education, Composition, and Jazz Studies—and have opportunities to diversify their portfolios with elective courses and specializations across other areas that are relevant to their field.