Music

Faculty

Clayton G. Parr, professor and department chair, director of choral activities, choral conducting, choral music education
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 W. Abbott, professor of piano
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.

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, assistant professor of violin and viola, director of orchestra & string studies
B.M., Sydney Conservatorium of Music; M.M., D.M.A., Michigan State University (violin performance). Appointed 2021.

Jenny Ribeiro, visiting assistant professor of voice/opera workshop
B.M., (voice performance) Central Washington University, M.M., (voice performance) Michigan State University

Robert Livingston, director of bands
M.M. in Wind Conducting 1998, Michigan State University; B.M. 1979, Northern Michigan University

Applied Music Faculty

Elizabeth Rodeck, adjunct instructor, clarinet. D.M.A. Clarinet Performance, 2022, Michigan State University; M.M. Clarinet Performance, 2019, Michigan State University; B.M. Clarinet Performance, 2017, The Ohio 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.

John Robinson, adjunct instructor, low brass D.M.A. Trombone Performance, 2024, Michigan State University; M.M. in Trombone Performance, 2021, University of Utah; B.M. 2018, Millikin 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 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.E. Music Education, Bowling Green State University; M.M., Western Michigan University; M.M. Music History/Literature, The University of Akron; D.M.A., Michigan State University

Brittany DeYoung, adjunct instructor, harp.
M.M. Harp Performance, 1979, University of Michigan; B.M. Harp, 2007, University of Arizona

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

Joy Rowland, adjunct instructor, double bass.
B.M. Music Performance, 2009, The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University; M.M. Music Performance, 2011 Michigan State University; D.M.A. 2016, Michigan State 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

Jinhyun Kim, adjunct instructor, cello
B.M. Cello Performance, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea; M.M. Cello Performance, Michigan State University; D.M.A. Cello Performance, Michigan State University

Alexander Lee, adjunct instructor, saxophone.
B.M. Saxophone Performance, B.A. Music Education, 2022, University of California - Los Angeles; M.M. Saxophone Performance, 2024, University of Missouri - Kansas City; D.M.A. Saxophone Performance, 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)

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

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

1. Students will be able to demonstrate growth in technical proficiency and artistic expression on their principal instrument/voice.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of essential theoretical and structural concepts in music.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental stylistic elements present in various music genres, correlating them with their historical, cultural, and/or social significance.
4. Studnts will be able to demonstrate the ability to seek and achieve professional performance or teaching opportunities/scholarly publication.
5. Students will be able to demonstrate knowlwedge and skills for teaching music to K-12 students in devlopmentally appropriate ways and across a variety of classroom and ensemble settings.
6. Students will be able to demonstrate effective management of music classrooms and instruction.
7. Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in utilizing technology fo music teaching.

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