Student Resources
SSU Student Ensembles
Salem State University's Music Department has a wide array of for-credit ensemble performance opportunities, each of which promises our students an unforgettable educational experience. Whether you sing, or play an instrument, or enjoy jazz, classical and/or world music, you will find a home in the music department. Ensembles are open to all students regardless of major. Unless otherwise noted, auditions for ensembles are not required. For ensembles requiring an audition, students must contact the ensemble director for audition requirements and times. Most ensembles perform a minimum of one public concert at the semester's end.
Available Ensembles:
College Wind Ensemble
College Band
Concert Band (audition required)
Foundations Jazz Ensemble
SSU Jazz Band
College Chorus
Chamber Singers (audition required)
Women's Chorale
Chamber Orchestra
Hand Bell Ensemble
World Music Ensemble
Guitar Ensemble
Chamber Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble
Private Instruction
Anyone can sign up for private lessons through the Salem State music department. Lessons are available in a variety of areas including guitar, piano, wind instruments, percussion, and world music instruments. For a list of available instruments, and the faculty who teach them, please click here. If you have any further questions, or would like more information about our private lesson program, please call 978.542.6296.
Laptop Recommendation
All SSU students are required to own a laptop computer. Music majors are encouraged to purchase Macintosh laptops as we reflect the current industry climate by utilizing Mac-specific software in our courses. If you have questions, contact the department at 978.542.6296.
The following basic laptop specifications are recommended for incoming Music Majors:
- Apple MacBook or better
- 250GB Hard Drive
- 4GB of RAM
- Apple Logic Express 8 Digital Recording/MIDI Software Preinstalled
- AppleCare Protection
- Optional 3rd Party Software and Accessories for either system:
- Finale 2008 or higher for Macintosh
- Auralia 2 for Macintosh
- Digidesign Pro Tools LE or M-Powered
- MOTU Digital Performer 5 or higher
- ComputraceLojack for Laptops
- Kensington Notebook Security Lock
- MacAfee Virus Scan (available through the college)
- Microsoft Mac Office 2008 (available through the university)
- An additional external hard drive of at least 150 GB
