2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Music, Theatre, and Dance
Web Site: www/gvsu.edu/music or www.gvsu.edu/dance
Chair: Phipps. Assistant Chair: Williams. Professors: Campbell, Feurzeig, Mahave-Veglia, Martin, B., Norris, Phipps, Ryan, Schriemer, Schuster-Craig, Stieler, Tutt; Associate Professors: Copenhaver, Duitman, Gibbs, Marlais, Martin, J., Maytan, Morris, Pool, Schriemer, Vavrikova, Williams; Assistant Professors: Carlson, Cho, Graser, Seidel, Wilson; Senior Affiliate Professors: Byrens, Crowell, Swantek; Affiliate Professors: Britsch, Froncek, Kantner, Shelton.
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to your college's section in this catalog.
The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers curricula leading to the Bachelor of Arts in music, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Certificate in piano pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts in theatre, Bachelor of Science in theatre, and the Bachelor of Arts in dance. Minors in music, theatre, and dance are also offered. These degree programs provide personalized attention, career building opportunities, and professional and extensive training in the various idioms of music, theatre, and dance. In the context of a broad liberal education that fosters critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding, these degree programs prepare students well to answer the call of rewarding careers in music, theatre, and dance.
Grand Valley State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Career Opportunities
Music, theatre, and dance provide many career opportunities including but not limited to the following: Administrators, Arrangers, Artistic Directors, Arts Managers, Choreographers, Composers, Dance Company Managers, Dance Historians, Designers, Directors, Dramaturgs, Journalists, Music Librarians, Musicologists, Private Studio Instructors, Professional Performers, School Music Teachers Pre-k through 12, Technicians.
Admission
Admission for a Major or Minor in Music
In addition to the formal admission Grand Valley, each applicant wanting to major or minor in music must have a personal audition with the music faculty. If considerable distance or extreme hardship prevents a personal audition, the applicant may, with the permission of the Department, submit an audio recording of an appropriate performance. Entering freshmen and transfer students will be required to take a theory placement exam on audition day. A student with two or more years of piano experience will also be required to take a keyboard musicianship placement exam.
Audition applications should be completed at least 1 month in advance. Recommended audition repertoire and the Application for Music Department Admission and Music Scholarship can be found at www.gvsu.edu/music/audition/.
Admission for a Major or Minor in Dance
Participation in the dance program is by audition only. An audition schedule and application form can be found at www.gvsu.edu/dance/. When considerable geographical distance prevents a personal audition, the applicant may, with the permission of the program, submit a DVD or link to online video containing ballet barre and center classroom work and modern or jazz center classroom work along with a resume. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual talent and potential, and are renewable annually if performance and academic standards are maintained. Auditions will consist of a ballet technique class, a modern technique class, performance of a short solo, and a meeting with the faculty.
Admission for a Major or Minor in Theatre
Theatre at Grand Valley does not require a secondary admission acceptance to major or minor.
Scholarship Opportunities
Each year the GVSU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance awards numerous performance-based scholarships to incoming majors and minors. The following scholarships are available for music, theatre, and dance students:
Alexander Calder Honors Scholarship
Arthur C. Hills Music Scholarship Awards
Branstrom Awards
Edith Blodgett Piano Scholarships
Gierst-Egler Awards
Gilbert R. and Patricia K. Davis Theatre Scholarship: Remembering Shakespeare
Linn Maxwell Keller Professional Vocalist Experience Endowment
Leslie Eitzen Voice Scholarship
Marney Houseman MacAdam Voice Scholarship
Margaret Ward Music Education Scholarship
Pamella and Daniel G. DeVos Musical Theater Scholarship
Rebecca Volgesang Memorial Scholarship in Dance
Shakespeare Service Award
Shakespeare Scholarship
Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Endowment for the Performing Arts
Upper Division Music Scholarships
Upper Division Dance Scholarships
For details about the scholarships listed and more information on Music, Theatre, and Dance Scholarship opportunities, visit www.gvsu.edu/mtd/scholarship.
Student Organizations
APO (Alpha Psi Omega)
Alpha Psi Omega is a national honorary theatre society created to recognize exceptional work of the students at the university level. It serves to supplement the university's theatre education with additional opportunities and leadership development for its theatre students. The Phi Beta chapter hosts workshops and events throughout the year for the students of Grand Valley State. Membership is based upon participation in the university's theatre program. The membership of ALPHA PSI OMEGA will consist of students regularly enrolled at Grand Valley State University, who have completed at least two semesters of participation in theatre work at the university level [recorded via a point system] and have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. A major or minor in theatre is not required to be eligible for membership. Contact Faculty Advisor, Dr. Allison Metz at [email protected] for more information.
ACDA (American Choral Directors Association)
The American Choral Director's Association (ACDA) is a professional organization that exists to unite choral directors across the country. From community choir directors to true masters of choral literature, ACDA is the organization that encompasses all. Students involved in ACDA are presented with unlimited opportunities to expand their professional network as well as their knowledge of choral music. Through conferences, concerts, and seminars, students involved in the ACDA chapter at Grand Valley will enter the profession with a broad and applicable understanding of choral music and the intricacies that are involved in creating the art that has always been a part of human history.
The GVSU Collegiate chapter of ACDA is an active student organization with approximately 25 members. The activities sponsored by the chapter include clinics, workshops, discussions and group attendance at state, divisional and national conferences focusing on Choral Music Education at all levels - university, secondary schools, elementary schools, church and community. Typically the ACDA chapter meets a minimum of once a month. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Professor Ellen Pool at [email protected].
ASTA (American String Teachers Association)
The American String Teachers Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is a membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers. ASTA's members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides a vast array of services, including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, annual professional development opportunities, and access to collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession. The Student Chapter of ASTA became active at Grand Valley State University in 2014. Contact the Faculty Advisor, Professor Henry Duitman at [email protected] for more information.
CNAfME (National Association for Music Education)
CNAfME (Collegiate membership in the National Association for Music Education) is a group designed to educate and support future music teachers. The GVSU chapter of CNAfME meets regularly to discuss topics of interest in music education and to take part in workshops designed to facilitate professional growth and development. For more information, contact the Chapter Advisors, Dr. Charles Norris at [email protected] or Dr. Beth Gibbs at [email protected].
MOMENTUM
MOMENTUM is a student-service organization focused on providing dance experiences to the wider GVSU and Grand Rapids communities. MOMENTUM is focused on teaching excellence in technique and performance. Our goal is to serve as an outlet for students to work on their dance technique and serve the community through the art of dance. We offer weekly dance classes and perform at numerous benefit performances on campus and in the greater Grand Rapids area. This is a great way to meet new people interested in brightening the community and sharing their passion for dance. The activities of MOMENTUM are not limited to a select few, but should reflect the wide variety of students interested in dance. For more information, contact the Faculty Advisor, Carrie Morris, at [email protected].
Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI)
The Mu Alpha Chapter of SAI is active on the Grand Valley State University Campus. Sigma Alpha Iota is an organization that promotes interaction among those who share a commitment to music. Members of SAI are active in all areas of campus music and campus life, working closely with faculty, administration, campus and community groups, music professionals and patrons. In addition to personal encouragement and support, members may receive scholarships, loans and awards in many areas and at all levels of music-related study. Sigma Alpha Iota has long been recognized as a leader in the field of music and provides a lifetime of fraternity contact. All women who have an avid love for music are encouraged to consider joining SAI, though they must be below graduating status with at least one music credit. For more information, contact Professor Beth Gibbs at [email protected] who serves as faculty advisor.
Degree Requirements
Dance, B.A.
Music, B.A.
Music, B.M.
Music, B.M.E
Instrumental
Vocal/Choral
Theatre, B.A., B.S.
Minor Certificate Requirements
Dance (minor)
Music (minor)
Piano Pedagogy, Undergraduate Certificate
Theatre (minor)
Program Requirements
The following programs are available: