About Us
General Information
The mission of the Music Department of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is to prepare music majors to be highly skilled music educators and performers and to prepare the general university student to understand, appreciate and support the art of music; and to provide quality musical performances and events for the university, and the community.
The department provides curricula which lead to the Bachelor of Music Education and the Bachelor of Arts in Music degrees. The Bachelor of Music Education curriculum emphasizes professional educational training qualifying a student for a state teaching certificate. The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music allows the study of music within a liberal arts curriculum and provides a broad coverage of the entire field of music rather than a concentration in a single area.
Department requirements for music majors include recital attendance, performance proficiency, participation in two recitals and a music jury each semester, a senior recital, and participation in one or more of the applicable performing organizations each semester until graduation. Entrance examinations and auditions are given to entering freshmen and transfer students to determine placement in music theory, functional piano, and his or her major applied area. All music majors are required to pass a piano functional examination before graduation.
Degrees
Current programs offered include both two and four-year degrees. For specific degree course requirements, visit our degree pages:
The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree program combines an outstanding faculty with a challenging curriculum designed to develop the professional competencies necessary for a successful career as a music educator. Students may choose either a vocal or instrumental emphasis.
The music education and teacher certification programs emphasize thorough preparation in the fundamentals of music. Students learn how to structure successful learning experiences for others as they become familiar with classroom and rehearsal techniques. Music education students are systematically introduced to principles and strategies of teaching voice, instruments, and ensembles. In addition, they study the music literature appropriate for various levels of orchestra, band, chorus, and general music settings. Along with class work, practical experiences are an integral part of the program. Students learn by example through observation of professional music educators at work both at UA Fort Smith and in the community at large. The program culminates with elementary and secondary student teaching experiences, leading to Arkansas K-12 Music Certification.
The bachelor of arts degree with a major in music provides a broad coverage of the entire field of music, rather than a concentration in a single area. Combined with a traditional liberal arts curriculum, this flexible degree program offers students the opportunity to individually tailor their studies to meet educational and career goals.
The BA in Music provides career opportunities in music business, church music, songwriter, performer, arranger/composer, and private music instruction. Performing ensembles include Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Athletic Band, University Chorale, Women's Chorus, and Vocal Jazz.
Scholarships
Generous scholarships are available to both music majors and non-music majors who participate in the bands and choirs at UA Fort Smith. Other money is available to students who also choose to pursue private study.
The application process includes an audition. Although important, you'll find the setting relaxed and the audition itself an interesting and rewarding experience.
Your audition should show your talent at its absolute best. It is important that you demonstrate both technical ability and musical understanding. If you desire, an accompanist will be provided for you.
For specific audition information contact:
Director of Jazz Studies - Don Bailey, 479-788-7554 or by email at dbailey@uafortsmith.edu Director of Band Activities - Charles Booker, 479-788-7536
or by email at cbooker@uafortsmith.edu Director of Choral Activities - Dr. Rager Moore, 479-788-7543
or by email at rmoore@uafortsmith.edu Director of Piano Activities and Artist-in-Residence - Dr. Rosilee Walker, 479-788-7546
or by email at rwalker@uafortsmith.edu Music Education Specialist - Leighnora (Prissy) Buchanan, 479-788-7544
or by email at pbuchana@uafortsmith.edu Voice - Dr. Elizabeth Momand, 479-788-7540
Or by email at emomand@uafortsmith.edu Low Brass -Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, 479-788-7972
or by email at azachare@uafortsmith.edu
Faculty
For a complete list of UA Fort Smith Music Department faculty, visit our Faculty page.
5210 Grand Ave. • P.O. Box 3649