Music

Faculty

David W. Abbott, professor and chair.
B.M., Eastman School of Music; M.M., The Juilliard School; D.M.A., Eastman School of Music. Appointed 2005.

Matthew Clarke, assistant director of bands.
B.A., (economics), Michigan State University; B.A., M.A., (music education and percussion), Messiah College. Appointed 2015.

Lia Jensen-Abbott, professor.
B.M. (piano performance), University of Nebraska-Lincoln; M.M., (piano performance and pedagogy), M.A. (music theory and music history), Pennsylvania State University; D.M.A. (piano performance), University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Performer Diploma, Indiana University. Appointed 2006.

Ji Hyun Kim, Visiting assistant professor
B.M., Sydney Conservatorium of Music; M.M., D.M.A., Michigan State University (violin performance). Appointed 2021.

Clayton G. Parr, professor.
B.A. (vocal performance), Albion College; Teaching Certificate, Michigan State University; M.M. (choral conducting), M.M. (vocal performance), D.M.A. (choral conducting), Michigan State University. Appointed 2012.

David Valasek, director of bands M.M., (percussion performance), Central Michigan University; BME, Central Michigan University. Appointed 2022.

Applied Music Faculty

Nick Schumacher, adjunct instructor, clarinet. B.M. University of Northern Iowa, M.M. Michigan State University, D.M.A. in progress, Michigan State University

Matthew Kay, adjunct instructor, trumpet.
B.M., University of Huddersfield; M.M., Houghton College; M.A., Michigan State University; D.M.A. Michigan State University.

Nathan Wood, adjunct instructor, euphonium B.M., Sam Houston State University, M.M., University of Central Arkansas, D.M.A., in progress, Michigan State University

Morgan Schulte, color guard instructor.

Emily Dierickx, adjunct instructor, flute. B.M. Michigan State University, M.M. The Ohio State University, D.M.A. University of Miami, Frost School of Music

Robert Livingston, adjunct instructor, music ed

Jenny Ribeiro, adjunct instructor, voice/opera workshop.
B.M., (voice performance) Central Washington University, M.M. (voice performance) Michigan State University

Robert Doyle, adjunct instructor, voice.
B.M., Michigan State University; M.M., University of Texas, Austin; M.M. candidate in organ and church music, University of Michigan. Certified Level III Somatic Voicework™—The LoVetri Method.

Cynthia Duda, adjunct instructor, bassoon.
B.M., Bowling Green State University; M.M., Western Michigan University; D.M.A. candidate, Michigan State University.

Ellen Grafius, adjunct instructor, harp.
B.M.E., Michigan State University.

Nicholas Laban, staff accompanist.
B.A., Albion College; M.M., Western Michigan University.

Mark Mathias, adjunct instructor, double bass.
B.M., University of Michigan; M.F.A., Eastern Michigan University.

Daniel Palmer, adjunct instructor, guitar.
B.A., Albion College; M.M., University of Toledo.

Gabriel Renteria, adjunct instructor, oboe.
B.M., Oberlin Conservatory; M.M., University of Washington.

Elena Melinda Solero, accompanist.
B.M., DePauw University; M.M., Bowling Green State University.

Sandro Sidamonidze, adjunct instructor, cello
M.M. in progress, Michigan State University

Nathan Salazar, adjunct instructor, saxophone.
B.M., Arizona State University; M.M. in progress Michigan State University

Stacey Root, adjunct instructor, music ed B.A. Michigan State University, M.A. in music education, Michigan State University

Introduction

Music is one of the oldest disciplines in the liberal arts, and thus represents one of the traditional fields of knowledge. Integration with other disciplines is represented well within the department, for music brings people in contact with great literature such as drama and poetry, with dance, with historical and sociological trends, and with religious and philosophical ideas.

One of the most important contributions provided by the Music Department is the opportunity for self-expression, either individually or with others. The stimulation and enjoyment derived from music springs from study, self-examination and criticism, discipline, knowledge of other disciplines that bear upon musical interpretation, and a desire to achieve excellence. These are liberating, civilizing, sensitizing influences upon humanity in any age and in any place; they help prepare students for rich and rewarding lives.

The philosophy and mission of Albion College are reflected in four primary goals of the Music Department: (1) To be an artistic presence on the campus and to share the rich heritage of great music with students, faculty and community; (2) To expose students to and involve them with the creative process through music, to heighten students’ sensitivity to themselves and others, and to introduce them to a broad range of significant music; (3) To develop an understanding of music, impart knowledge of music and increase musical skills by means of courses offered within the framework of the liberal arts; (4) To provide courses and curricula for music majors so they may have the necessary foundation for graduate study, teaching, performing, or other career-oriented goals.

The Music Department offers courses for a broad range of students—from those who aspire to a musical career to those who wish to develop their avocational interests in music. Membership in all performing ensembles and opportunities for private music lessons are open to all students regardless of major. Albion has an excellent library of books, musical scores, recordings and stereo listening equipment—all available for student use. Albion College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Music Department offers three music curricula: (1) music major; (2) music major with performance emphasis; and (3) music major with music education emphasis. These programs are listed below with an explanation of the purpose and the requirements for each.

Music Department Website

Career Opportunities

Career possibilities for Albion music graduates include public and private school teaching, private teaching, music or arts management, church music and professional performance. Many of our music graduates elect to attend graduate school to further prepare themselves for their chosen careers.

Special Features

Interested students may take advantage of off-campus study and apprenticeships made available through the GLCA in New York and Philadelphia. Foreign study is available as well.

Vocal students are regularly sent to state and regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competitions. They also take part in a musical and/or opera workshop on an annual basis. Opportunities for instrumentalists include the Intercollegiate Honor Band.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes – B. A. in music (8 units)

1. Students will grow in artistic expression on a principal instrument/voice as developed through diverse repertoire studies in individual and ensemble performance, practicing, and sight-reading experiences.
2. Students will demonstrate understanding of essential theoretical and structural concepts in music through written analysis, aural perception, improvisation, and application at the piano keyboard.
3. Students will demonstrate familiarity with essential stylistic elements in music from a variety of historical periods, national origins, and genres through and analysis.
4. Students will be able to place elements of musical works into their historical, cultural, and/or social context.

Student Learning outcomes – B. A. in Music with Performance (12.5 units)

1-4 as above, plus:

5. Students will demonstrate proficiency on principal instrument/voice through two public solo recital performances.
6. Students will demonstrate reflection on background and context of musical works performed through the production of written program notes.

Student Learning outcomes – B. A. in Music Education (12.5 units)

1-4 as above, plus:

5. Students will demonstrate proficiency on principal instrument/voice through a public solo recital performance.
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to teach music to K-12 students in developmentally appropriate ways and in a variety of classroom and ensemble settings.
7. Students will be able to effectively manage music classrooms and instruction.
8. Students will be able to use technology in music teaching in a variety of applications.

CREATIVE THINKING: Students will be able to grow in artistic expression on their principal instrument/voice and synthesize ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries in creative or novel ways.

CRITICAL THINKING: Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of theoretical and structural concepts in music and/or familiarity with stylistic elements in varied historical musical periods and develop conclusions to place elements of music into historical, cultural, and/or social context based on comprehensive exploration and analysis of issues, ideas, and artifacts.

Programs

Major