Music at Adams State University

piano player in leon hallA music degree from Adams State University combines your artistic potential with personalized instruction and ​the skills, ​practical hands-on learning experiences, and career readiness to become a successful, 21st century music professional. Whether your ​goal​ is to perform, teach, or work in the many other areas of the music industry, our dedicated and professionally-active faculty will work with you to define your career goals and create a plan of action to achieve them.

Our Mission

The Department of Music is an integral part of a liberal arts education and experience at Adams State University, providing personalized instruction and the skills, practical hands-on learning experiences, and career readiness to become successful, 21st-century music professionals.  The Department of Music values diversity, equity, and musical excellence, and is committed to community engagement, service, and outreach.

Whether you are interested in being a music major, minor or playing in any of our music ensembles, which are open to students of all majors, you are welcome here!

Music Events Calendar Music | Photo Slideshow

Music Student for the Day

The best way to find out if Adams State is the right music program for you is to come and immerse yourself in our program for a day. This program is open to all high school juniors and seniors.

Music Student for a Day

Bachelor of Arts in Music

With Areas of Emphasis in:

  • Music Education K-12
  • Performance
  • Composition
  • Music Business & Recording
  • Liberal Arts

Minor in Music

A minor in music is available on a limited basis under any bachelor’s degree program at the university through the Department of Music.

Student Handbook Recital Sign-Up

Contact the Music Department

music buildingKara Van Gieson
Administrative Assistant
719-587-7621
kvangieson@adams.edu

Adams State University
Department of Music
208 Edgemont Blvd Suite 3040
Alamosa, CO 81101

Music Building & Leon Memorial Hall

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Adams State campus north

Music Highlights

Music at Adams State is an active and vital program, committed to musical excellence within a small college environment. Each year, more than 500 on-campus students participate in music through classes, lessons and performing ensembles. The Colorado Commission on Higher Education designated the Adams State Department of Music a Program of Excellence, one of three Adams State programs to have received this honor.

Adams State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department of Music offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in music education (K-12) and music with emphases in liberal arts, music business & recording, music performance, or music composition. Students in any area of emphasis will have the preparation and background necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

Program of Excellence

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education designated the Adams State Department of Music a Program of Excellence.

Music Outcomes

52%
Students surveyed have become K-12 music educators
38%
Students surveyed are in performance and other professional music industry fields
100%
Job placement for K-12 music teaching positions
Music graduates offer skills that employers in all fields value: creative thinking,  problem solving, and teamwork.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates

In the past 5 years, 35 percent of graduating music students have chosen to pursue graduate-level education, and 100 percent have been accepted in graduate music schools.

Careers

Band or Choir Director
Music Educator
Performer
Ethnomusicologist
Music Business
Arts Administrator
Recording Engineer
Music Producer
Arts Management
Composer
Concert Promoter
Live Sound Engineer
Studio Teacher

Adams State north campus

Music Program Faculty

Beth Robison
Beth Robison, D.M.A.
Department Co-Chair | Professor of Music
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William Lipke, D.M.A
Professor of Music
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Matthew Schildt, Ph.D.
Department Co-Chair, Professor of Music, Director of M.A. in Music Education
Melinda
Melinda Leoce, M.M.
Assistant Professor
Dr. James Lind
Dr. James Lind
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music
Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson, M.M.
Assistant Professor of Music
Dr. Brooke Miller
Dr. Brooke Miller, D.M.A
Assistant Professor of Music

Music Curriculum

Explore Some of Our Courses

MUS 106 – Careers in the Music Industry
The course provides a broad overview of the music industry, the career opportunities that are available, and effective methods of preparing for success in one’s chosen career path.

MUS 378 – Music Recording Seminar
This course is a project-based course with focus on discussion of projects, recording and mixing techniques, and critical listening to recordings. Students will work on semester-long recording projects in the Adams State recording studio and participate in class discussion on these projects.

MUS 381 – Comm Music Comp & Prod II
This course will provide seminar-like instruction in commercial music composition (pop, rock, R&B, etc…), music production techniques, and composing for film trailers and video games. Students will work individually or in groups in the Adams State recording studio on completing two film and video game projects and one individual composition and recording in a genre of the student’s choice.