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Saginaw Valley State University

Music Department

Music for Non-Majors

We offer three types of musical experiences for non-music majors:

  • Ensembles
  • Courses designed for non-majors
  • Private lessons

Large Ensembles 

Non-music majors are encouraged to join any of the major ensembles! Some ensembles require an audition, see Ensembles page for more information. 

  • MUS 181 Concert Choir
  • MUS 183 Concert Band (Winter semester only)
  • MUS 184 Cardinal Marching Band (Fall semester only)
  • MUS 185 Jazz Ensemble
  • MUS 186 Wind Ensemble
  • MUS 189 Cardinal Singers 

Small Ensembles

  • MUS 481A Percussion Ensemble
  • MUS 481B Cardinal Combo
  • MUS 481C Valley Combo
  • MUS 481D Guitar Ensemble
  • MUS 481E Pit Orchestra
  • MUS 481F Chamber Music
  • MUS 481G String Orchestra
  • MUS 481H Piano Ensemble

Courses Designed for Non-Majors

General education courses:

We currently offer seven courses that fulfill the General Education requirement for Category 2, one of which also fulfills the Communication Intensive (CI) requirement:

  • MUS 117A Classical Music
  • MUS 117B Non-Western Music (CI)
  • MUS 117C Music in the United States
  • MUS 117D The Piano
  • MUS 117F History of Jazz
  • MUS 117G History of Rock

Check the catalogue for the semester you are interested in to see when each course is offered.

Private Lessons

You can sign up for private lessons on many instruments and voice, providing the instructors have space in their studioo. You will have one 50-minute lesson per week for the semester; required practice time will vary depending on the instrument and your instructor's judgment. You are welcome to use the practice rooms in the Arbury Fine Arts Building.

Registering for lessons takes place in person only. Contact the Music Office for scheduling and registration forms (music@svsu.edu; 989-964-4159). Lessons earn one credit per semester.