Music and Dance

The music and dance department offers a bachelor of arts in dance that provides students with a comprehensive liberal arts education in the field of dance. Majors select to focus on either hip hop or contemporary modern as their core areas of study and learn a diverse range of dance techniques: modern, hip-hop, ballet, improvisation, jazz dance, cyphering, as well as rotating topics (tap, musical theater, West African dance forms, conditioning for dancers, Street Latin, etc.). 

Dance composition and ensemble courses develop skills in choreography and performance. Courses in the art of teaching the dance form provide a solid foundation for dance instruction. A course in dance entrepreneurship offers an introduction to dance company and studio administration. Studies in dance history examine the vast richness of dance from a theoretical perspective and provide a strong foundation in critical and creative thinking. A capstone seminar offers a culminating experience for students to further research an area of personal interest.

The bachelor of arts in music provides the student with a comprehensive liberal arts education. After successfully passing an audition and gaining acceptance into the music major, students will undertake four semesters of music theory, three semesters of music history and literature, one semester of music and culture, four semesters of ear training, four semesters of applied music study, six semesters of ensemble participation, one semester of music technology, a first-year seminar and a senior seminar, choose one elective course and attend recitals.  

In addition, students are required to select a minor from a different discipline, fulfill the requirements for foreign language study, and complete the general education requirements for the bachelor of arts degree.

A minor in dance offers a flexible plan of study that allows each student to pursue personal interests. Dance minors are encouraged to meet with dance faculty to discuss course selections. Performance and choreographic opportunities are open to minors including Salem Dance Ensemble and Repertory Dance Theatre. Eligible students can join the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.

A music minor is available to all non-music majors who are interested in pursuing the study of music. Entrance to the minor does not require an audition. Music minor students will have a chance to broaden their musical understanding in theory, history/literature, vocal or instrumental skills, ensemble participation, and performance abilities. In addition to their music courses, minors are required to perform in one or more department ensembles. Applied lessons for music minors are also available for a fee through the music department’s non-credit applied program

The music technology minor is designed to develop audio engineering, synthesis and programming skills. A variety of courses have been designed to help students understand standard recording techniques and fundamentals as well as the modern studio environment. Students will utilize the latest in digital audio, synthesis, and programming software in the music department recording studio and electronic music lab.

The certificate in dance education provides the student with an understanding of the skills and requirements needed to become a dance teacher in a multitude of settings including private studios, community centers, dance company outreach programs, higher education, and K-12 public and private schools. The certificate combined with the BA in dance, dance minor, or education degree will afford students an additional credential that sets them apart from other job seekers. The dance education certificate does not lead to a MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Licensure. The certificate is open to all including current Salem State students, dance majors and minors, dance teachers working in the field, and community members.  

This certificate will introduce students to music education for Pre-K children and allow them to develop and ultimately to demonstrate competency in teaching music to young children. The sequence of courses will also provide students with an introductory understanding of cognitive and social development in early childhood and how a music curriculum contributes to that development.  This certificate is available to anyone, including community members and music majors. 

The music technology certificate at Salem State University is designed to help develop an understanding of recording production, critical listening, synthesis, beat creation, programming and creative music technology innovation. Individuals who complete the certificate will be able to develop a creative process for producing their own music on a number of digital platforms. Courses include fundamental coursework in audio engineering, record production, sound synthesis, and music theory.  This certificate is available to anyone, including community members and music majors.