EIU Department of Music

Opportunities for Non-Music Majors

Regardless of your major there are many opportunities for all students at Eastern Illinois University to study, create, and perform music in the Department of Music.  Many students are excited about the opportunity of joining one of our outstanding performing ensembles. These groups provide important, life-changing musical experiences and skills learned from ensemble participation equip you for leadership roles after graduation.  

Several ensembles are open to all students, but some ensembles do require an audition for admission, which is generally held during the first days of class each semester. If you wish to participate in a music ensemble, but are unsure which group is right for you, email the Music Department Chair.

Music Ensembles:

• MUS 0200R - Wind Symphony (audition required)
• MUS 0201R - Concert Band (open to all students)
• MUS 0202R - Panther Marching Band (open to all students - see below)
• MUS 0203R - Eastern Symphonic Band (open to all students)
• MUS 0211R - Orchestra (audition required)
• MUS 0220R - Jazz Ensemble (audition required)
• MUS 0221R - Jazz Lab Band (audition required)
• MUS 0222R - Jazz Combo (audition required)
• MUS 0230R - Concert Choir (audition required)
• MUS 0231R - University Mixed Chorus (open to all students)
• MUS 0233R - Camerata (audition required)
• MUS 0240R - Percussion Ensemble (audition required)
• MUS 3120R - Music Theatre/Opera Workshop (audition required)

After one year of participation, student have the option of registering for a 0-credit "X" section of most ensembles.  See the course pre-requisite for availability.

Panther Marching Band:

The Panther Marching Band (MUS 0202) consists of approximately 150 members and is open to all interested students. All band members attend a marching band camp prior to the beginning of the school year. All members who reside on campus are able to access their residence hall housing and most meals will be provided.

Students interested in joining Panther Marching Band should email pmbdirector@eiu.edu.   Be sure to visit the Panther Marching Band website for additional information.

Music Minors:

Music Minor:  This minor is available by audition to any student at EIU except music majors.  This 22 credit hour minor combines studies in music theory and history, with applied study on your primary instrument/voice and ensemble participation.  For information on the audition process, click here. For additional information, please contact the Department of Music Chair.

Jazz Studies Minor:  This minor is available to all EIU Music students and non-music majors by audition. This minor allows students to develop their skills as jazz musicians through participation in jazz ensembles and the study of jazz theory, history, and improvisation. Contact Dr. Sam Fagaly or Mr. Paul Johnston for more information.

Music Technology Minor:  The Music Technology Minor is open to those majoring in Music (B.A., B.M.) or who are in related fields such as Digital Media, Television and Video production, to name a few. Along with traditional music skills, this minor provides students an opportunity to explore topics in music technology, composition, music business, and recording. Students will enjoy working with professional music studios, software, and equipment, and learn from nationally recognized audio engineers and composers.

Music General Education Classes:

The following courses are approved for the Fine Arts General Education segment.

MUS 2555G - Interacting with Music. In this course students listen, respond, and create music in its cultural context.

MUS 2557G - The Evolution of Jazz & Rock. Music appreciation for the general student--listening and responding to music in its cultural context. Significant contributors to the development of jazz and rock are presented and landmark recordings are heard and discussed.

MUS 2558G - Film Music:  Exploring the Evolution of Music in Film. In this course students will survey the evolution of musical practices in film from the early twentieth century through the present. Students will learn to distinguish the major eras of film history and associated composers and musical styles.

MUS 3550G - Survey of American Music. Introduction to American music, including a discussion of Native American music and a survey of both the Cultivated and Vernacular traditions in American music from the Colonial Period until the present.

MUS 3562G - Non-Western Music/MUS 3592G (Honors). The music of a variety of world cultures, such as Asian, African, and South American, will be examined in their appropriate contexts.  

Courses Intended Primarily for Music Majors:

Non-music majors may pursue applied lessons as appropriate to your prior training and faculty availability. Courses designed specifically for music majors are also available to any university student as long as prerequisites have been met and the background of the student indicates the likelihood of success. In these cases, registration is facilitated through the Music Office in order to override enrollment restrictions. 

Questions:

Q: I am interested in participating in an ensemble, may I borrow an instrument?

A: The music department has a number of musical instrumental available for check out each semester. Please contact the Music Department chair who will assist you.

Q: Are there any practice rooms I can use?

A: There are a number of practice rooms in the lower level of the Doudna Fine Arts Center that are open to all students.  Most rooms are fully equipped with a piano.